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18 March 2024 Media Release: GRDM Municipal Health Services continue to fulfill its role in Knysna and Bitou during March 2024

Media Release: GRDM Municipal Health Services continue to fulfill its role in Knysna and Bitou during March 2024

For immediate release
18 March 2024

During the month of March 2024, Environmental Health Practitioners from Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) continued to fulfill their roll in the respective communities they serve.  Some of the activities in Knysna and Bitou areas included a visit, together with GRDM councillors, to Annie’s Daycare Centre in Rheenendal, a training session at The Crags Bread and Brew restaurant in Bitou, and an awareness session at the Paradise Manor Frail Care Centre in Knysna.

Knysna: GRDM donates mattresses to Annie’s Day Care in Rheenendal and educate children regarding proper hand washing techniques

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services, Ald. Nompumelelo Ndayi, recently visited Annie’s Day Care centre in Rheenendal near Knysna. Accompanying Cllr Ndayi, were GRDM and Local Ward Councillor, Cllr Hilton Stroebel, as well as officials from the GRDM’s Knysna Municipal Health Services Section.

This crèche opened its doors in 2020, to assist in the need for Early Childhood Development services in the Rheenendal area. In their quest to address these needs, Cllrs Ndayi and Stroebel handed over 18 mattresses to the principal of the crèche after Cllr Stroebel extended a warm welcome to all present who witnessed the proceedings that would ultimately contribute to a healthier and more comfortable learning environment for the children of the facility.

During her address, Ndayi said: “Since the crèche was registered, the facility grew rapidly which resulted in the crèche eventually not having sufficient mattresses for all the children. The principal approached the ward councillor for a possible donation – thank you for approaching us,” she added.

The event was concluded with the GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners led by Lindon Herwels, demonstrating proper hand washing techniques to learners with their caretakers present.

Principal and owner of the crèche, Ms Anne Barends, extended words of appreciation to the GRDM, particularly Ald. Ndayi and Cllr Stroebel for the generous donation to the facility, as well as Linden Herwels for educating the children about proper hand washing techniques.

Bitou: GRDM’s EHPs conducts Health and Hygiene training at Food Premises

Regulation R638 of 2018, under Act 52 of 1972, outlines comprehensive guidelines for food safety and hygiene practices. Together with the guideline, the Regulation also mandates that all food handlers undergo formal training in Health and Hygiene practices.

Garden Route District Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) responsible for the Bitou region, recently conducted a training session at one of the restaurants in the area, The Crags Bread and Brew.

The training covered essential topics such as the 5 Keys to Safer Foods, which include hygiene, separating raw and cooked foods, cooking food thoroughly, keeping food at safe temperatures, and using safe water and raw materials.

Moreover, R638 specifies structural requirements for food premises to ensure safe handling and preparation of food. These requirements encompass adequate ventilation, lighting, and drainage systems, as well as provisions for waste disposal and pest control. Additionally, the regulation mandates proper storage facilities, sanitation measures, and equipment maintenance to prevent contamination and ensure food safety.

In summary, Regulation R638 of 2018 underscores the importance of training food handlers in health and hygiene practices, adhering to the 5 Keys to Safer Foods, and maintaining appropriate structural standards in food premises to safeguard public health and promote food safety.

EHPs from GRDM therefore encourages all food premises in the Bitou region to comply with these requirements stipulated in the Regulations to ensure the best possible service to the communities it serve.

Knysna: EHPs from Garden Route District Municipality conduct Health and Hygiene Session at Frail Care Centre

Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) from Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM’s) Municipal Health Services section in Knysna recently conducted and presented a Health and Hygiene education session to the staff of Paradise Manor Frail Care Centre.

The following information was presented to the staff, including food safety covering the five (5) keys to safer food; the prevention of food borne illnesses; all food handlers and Care Takers partook in the session and water quality (The premises is situated in a rural area and the treatment of water to ensure it complies with SANS 241:2015, formed part of the training). The session also included talks about safe storage and disposal of medical waste on the premises.

The owner, manager, caretakers, maintenance staff, as well as food handlers attended and participated in the session.

Feature Image: GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners, Linden Herwels, demonstrating proper hand washing techniques to a learner during their visit to Annie’s Daycare Centre.

ENDS

16 March 2024 Media Release: GRDM ranked third best amongst other non-water services authority municipalities

Media Release: GRDM ranked third best amongst other non-water services authority municipalities

16 March 2024

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is now ranked as the 3rd-best District Municipality in South Africa, according to the 2024 Governance Performance Index (GPI). Good Governance Africa (GGA) rated South Africa’s 8 metros, 205 local municipalities, and 44 district municipalities.

The top four (4) district municipalities under the C1 category are all located in the Western Cape, with the Cape Winelands District Municipality ranked first, West Coast District Municipality second and the GRDM third. Overberg District Municipality is ranked fourth.

GRDM is known as a C1 district, which has no water supply and sanitation responsibilities like 22 other districts in South Africa. Twenty-one of the 44 district municipalities (known as C2 district municipalities) of South Africa are water services authorities (WSA).

Under the GPI, the GRDM demonstrated exceptional performance across various sectors, including administration, governance, and service delivery.

Who is the Governance Performance Index?

They have centres and coverage in Eastern Africa, Nigeria, the South African Development Community (this includes Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe). and West Africa.

Feature Image: GRDM has been under the leadership of Executive Mayor, Alderman Memory Booysen (left) and Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu (right), since 2017.

ENDS

15 March 2024 Public Notice: Public Participation for the Garden Route District Climate Change Adaptation Response Implementation Plan and Needs- and Response Assessment  – For Comment

Public Notice: Public Participation for the Garden Route District Climate Change Adaptation Response Implementation Plan and Needs- and Response Assessment – Notice Number: 30/2024

Open for Comment
15 March 2024

The Municipal Structures Act, 1998 (Act 117 of 1998) provides for the development of a Climate Change Adaptation master plan for the district, and through which local municipalities can develop their Integrated Development Plans.

Notice is therefore hereby given that a public participation period of 30-days will be provided for public comments and inputs on the following two Climate Change Adaptation documents, namely the:

  • Draft Garden Route District Climate Change Adaptation Response Implementation Plan;
  • Draft Garden Route District Climate Change Adaptation Needs and Response Assessment.

Any comments and inputs submitted will be considered during the finalisation of the draft documents for final Council approval.

The documents will be available for public review and comment from 15 March 2024 to 15 April 2024, and will be available for viewing at the following places:

  1. Garden Route District Municipality, 54 York Street, George;
  2. Mossel Bay Public Library, 99 Marsh Street, Mossel Bay;
  3. Hessequa Public Library (Gouritsmond Library), 9 Kerk Street, Gouritz;
  4. Albertinia Public Library, 2 Horne Street, Albertinia;
  5. Still Bay Public Library, Main Road, Still Bay West;
  6. Riversdale Public Library, Van Den Berg Street, Riversdale;
  7. Oudtshoorn Public Library, 3 Baron Van Reede Street, Oudtshoorn;
  8. Ladismith Public Library, 21 Queen Street, Ladismith;
  9. Plettenberg Bay Public Library; Saringa Way, New Horizons, Plettenberg Bay;
  10. Knysna Public Library, Memorial Square, 2 Main Street, Knysna;
  11. George Public Library, Corner of Caledon and Courtenay Streets, Camphersdrift, George, and;
  12.  Garden Route District Municipality website at:
    1)  https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Draft-Garden-Route-District-Climate-Change-Adaptation-Response-Implementation-Plan-2024.pdf

        2) https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Garden-Route-District-Climate-Change-Adaptation-Needs-and-Response-Assessment-2024.pdf

Written submissions may be directed to the Municipal Manager on/before 15 April 2024 using the following address:

Garden Route District Municipality, Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, 54 York Street, George or PO Box 12, George, 6530 or via email to info@gardenroute.gov.za.

Any person who is unable to write can submit their input verbally to the Council’s offices where they will be assisted by a staff member to put their comments in writing. Enquiries can be directed to Dr Nina Viljoen at 044 803 1318 or e-mail nina@gardenroute.gov.za

M Stratu
MUNICIPAL MANAGER
GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

Click here and download the Official Notice

13 March 2024 Public Notice: Appointment of Audit Committee Members (2)

Public Notice: Appointment of Audit Committee Members (2)

Garden Route District Municipality is fully committed to Employment Equity.

In terms of Section 166 of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), 2003, each municipality must have an Audit Committee which is an independent advisory body.

The Audit Committee advises the Municipal Council, Political Office Bearers, Accounting Officer and the management staff of the Municipality on matters relating to:

  1. Internal financial control;
  2. Internal Audits;
  3. Risk Management;
  4. Accounting policies;
  5. The adequacy, reliability and accuracy of financial reporting and information;
  6. Performance Management;
  7. Governance;
  8. Compliance with the MFMA, the Annual Division of Revenue Act and any other applicable legislation;
  9. Performance evaluation; and
  10. Any other issues referred to it by the municipality.

The Audit Committee further reviews the Municipal Council’s Annual Financial Statements; responds to issues raised in the Auditor General’s annual audit report; carries out certain investigations; and performs other functions as commissioned by the Municipal Council. The Audit Committee also carries out the functions of a Performance Audit Committee.

Two vacancies for membership of the Audit Committee of Garden Route District Municipality have become available Successful candidates will be contracted for a period of three years.

Candidates with the following expertise are hereby invited to apply:

  1. Financial Accounting and Information Communication Technology (ICT);
  2. Audit Committee experience; and
  3. Local government knowledge.

Remuneration will be based on the National Treasury Circular – “Remuneration of Non-Official Members”.

An application with Curriculum Vitae, describing the suitability of the applicant, must be forwarded in writing to:

Chief Audit Executive
Garden Route District Municipality
54 York Street / P.O. Box 12
GEORGE
6530

For further enquiries, contact the Chief Audit Executive, Ms Pamela Lufele, during office hours at telephone number (044) 803 1422, or via e-mail at pamela@gardenroute.gov.za.

The Garden Route District Municipality Council reserves the right not to make or confirm an appointment on posts.

Closing date: Thursday, 15 March 2024 on or before 12h00
Notice no: 163/2023

Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

13 March 2024 Media Release: Southern Cape Water Resources in the Spotlight

Media Release: Southern Cape water resources in the spotlight

For immediate release
13 March 2024

“The Southern Cape’s present and future water resources will be in the spotlight as stakeholders meet in George today (13 March 2024) to look at Strategic Water Source Areas (SWSAs). These identified areas  are crucial for their importance in providing water resources to downstream regions of which the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma mountains form part of,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

The event is sponsored by the World Wide Fund for Nature South Africa (WWF SA) in collaboration with the Provincial Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEADP), and spearheaded by the Garden Route Biosphere Reserve (GRBR).

  1. SWSAs are areas of high biodiversity, high water yield, and high levels of ecosystem services. Protecting these areas is essential for ensuring water security for both human and ecological needs. The Garden Route is one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots and contains important water catchment areas for several rivers.

The workshop is aimed to inform policy makers, water resource managers, and conservation practitioners in order to be able to make informed decisions to safeguard the integrity of Strategic Water Source Areas in the Southern Cape and ensure the sustainable management of water resources for future generations.

The Garden Route is growing at a rate of just above four percent per annum, which is significant given the fact that the region is relatively resource- poor, including the availability of water in dry areas such as the Klein Karoo. As pressure mounts on available water sources due to development and demands posed by an increasing population, agriculture, forestry and industry alike there are several other impacts to consider, including climate change, drought, changes in rainfall patterns and a marked increase in extreme weather events leading to flooding and damage caused to both natural infrastructure such as rivers and streams and damage to man-made infrastructure such as property, roads and bridges and putting communities in harm’s way.

Over the years, a number of studies have been done focusing on understanding the water balance, hydrological processes, and water availability in SWSAs. This research will assist decision makers in managing water resources sustainably and predicting the impacts of climate change on water availability, identifying land management practices that minimize negative impacts on water quality and quantity and finding ways to mitigate their impact to be able to adapt in accordance.

Feature Image: The Garden Route is a home to one of only a few of South Africa’s Strategic Water Source Areas (SWSAs) – Photo: George Herald.

Issued: The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF)

ENDS

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for entities involved in environmental management and conservation.(ww.scligref.co.za)

13 March 2024 Public Notice: Public Participation for the Garden Route District Coastal Management Programme – Notice number: 29/2024

Public Notice: Public Participation for the Garden Route District Coastal Management Programme – Notice number: 29/2024
Open for Comment

13 March 2024

The Garden Route District Coastal Management Programme was reviewed and updated, in terms of Section 48 of the Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) Act (Act No 24 of 2008). As per the provisions of the ICM Act, any amendments that are made to the existing Coastal Management Programme must be subject to the public participation requirements in accordance with Chapter 4 of the Municipal Systems Act, prior to being Gazetted.

Notice is hereby given that the Draft Garden Route District Coastal Management Programme will be available for review and comment from 14 March 2024 to 14 April 2024. The draft Garden Route District Coastal Management Programme will be available for viewing at the following Places:

1)      Garden Route District Municipality, 54 York Street, George;
2)      Mossel Bay Public Library, 99 Marsh Street, Mossel Bay;
3)      Hessequa Public Library (Gouritsmond Library), 9 Kerk Street, Gouritz;
4)      Albertinia Public Library, 2 Horne Street, Albertinia;
5)      Still Bay Public Library, Main Road, Still Bay West;
6)      Riversdale Public Library, Van Den Berg Street, Riversdale;
7)      Hessequa Municipal Office, Mitchell Street, Riversdale;
8)      Plettenberg Bay Public Library; Saringa Way, New Horizons, Plettenberg Bay;
9)      Knysna Public Library, Memorial Square, 2 Main Street, Knysna;
10)    George Public Library, Corner Caledon and Courtenay Streets, Camphersdrift, George;U
11)     Community centres and SAPD reception offices within subsistence fisher communities, and;
12)    Garden Route District Municipality website – link:

https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Draft-Garden-Route-District-Coastal- Management-Programme-2023-2024.pdf

The District Municipality hereby invites comments from interested and affected parties on the draft reviewed Garden Route District Coastal Management Programme. Any comments and inputs submitted will be considered during the finalisation of the draft document for final approval and Gazetting.

Written submissions may be directed to the Municipal Manager using the following address:

Garden Route District Municipality, Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, 54 York Street, George or Private Bag 12, George, 6530 or via email to info@gardenroute.gov.za on or before 14 April 2024.

Any person who is unable to write can submit their input verbally to the Council’s offices where they will be assisted by a staff member to put their comments in writing. Enquiries can be directed to Dr Nina Viljoen at 044 803 1318 or e-mail nina@gardenroute.gov.za

M Stratu
MUNICIPAL MANAGER
GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

Click here to Download the Official Notice

5 March 2024 Public Notice: Garden Route District Municipality telephones offline

5 March 2024 Public Notice: Garden Route District Municipality telephones offline

Members of the public, please be informed that all telephone lines of the Garden Route Municipality (GRDM) are currently offline due to technical problems.

If you need to contact an official urgently, we kindly advise that you alternatively send an email to the relevant official or contact him or her on a cell phone number until the problem is resolved.

Thank you for your patience in this regard.

Issued: GRDM Communications

29 February 2024 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality launches Occupational Certificate: Electrician Program

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality launches Occupational Certificate: Electrician Program

For Immediate Release
29 February 2024

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in collaboration with B-Municipalities in the district, has rolled out an apprenticeship and Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) program for 37 people. Funding was applied for and received from the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA). Sourcing of funding for skills that are aligned to the need of business in the Garden Route is central to why the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM), exists.

Reginald Salmons, Coordinator of Skills Development at the GRDM, previously at an induction shed light on the significance of this initiative within the Garden Route Skills Mecca Program. The collaborative effort with George-, Mossel Bay-, Oudtshoorn-, Kannaland-, Knysna, and Bitou Municipalities secured funding to address the identified need for qualified electricians outlined in various Workplace Skills Plans (WSPs).

The program encompasses 17 employed officials and 20 unemployed individuals, spanning 18 months for the employed and 3 years for the unemployed. Upon completion, participants will receive a Red Seal qualification, officially recognised as Electricians.

LGSETA Representatives, Ms Jacobs (Provincial Manager) and Ms September (Provincial Coordinator), have pledged their commitment from LGSETA, who contributed an nearly R5 million to fund this critical project. Ms Jacobs has previously encouraged learners to seize this opportunity, underscoring the importance of dedication and responsibility.

LGSETA utilises a remote tracking system to manage payments for unemployed learners. Apprentices log their workplace locations and theoretical class attendance on the system, ensuring accountability and transparency in program participation.

The program commenced on Monday, 19 February 2024, and will run over a three-year period until 2027. The GRDM looks forward to empowering individuals in the region, creating a skilled workforce for the future.

Featured Image Caption: The occasion was attended by an array of stakeholders, including students enrolled in the program, marking a collaborative effort to address the growing need for skilled electricians.

-End-

Mediaverklaring: Opdatering 2 van Dysselsdorp grondeise deur Gona-Hesse! Khwe en konstruktiewe gesprek met gemeenskapsverteenwoordigers

Mediaverklaring: Opdatering 2 van Dysselsdorp grondeise deur Gona-Hesse! Khwe en konstruktiewe gesprek met gemeenskapsverteenwoordigers

28 Februarie 2024

‘n Afvaardiging van die Tuinroete-distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM) het vroeër vandag ‘n konstruktiewe gesprek gehad met verteenwoordigers van die Dysselsdorp-gemeenskap. ‘n Deurslaggewende ooreenkoms is bereik dat geen plaaslike inwoners uitsetting in die gesig staar nie.

Die TDM gaan voort met sy regstappe teen die Gona-Hesse! Khwe Royal Koninkryk wat tans ‘n deel van Erf 2 en Erf 975 huur en nie kontraktuele verpligtinge nakom nie.

Gesprekke met die Oudtshoorn Munisipaliteit en ander sleutelbelanghebbendes sal voortgaan om gemeenskapskwessies verder aan te spreek.

Die gemeenskapverteenwoordigers van Dysselsdorp het die geleentheid om direk met die GRDM-afvaardiging te gesels hartlik verwelkom en die positiewe uitkomste van die verbintenis waardeer. Na afloop van die produktiewe vergadering het die gemeenskap takke en klippeuit die paaie verwyder en sodoende normale verkeersvloei en toegang tot Dysselsdorp herstel.

Die Tuinroete-distriksmunisipaliteit (GRDM) betuig sy dank aan die Suid-Afrikaanse Polisiedienste, gemeenskapsleiers en die inwoners vir hul bereidwilligheid en samewerkende gees om te werk aan ‘n vreedsame en konstruktiewe oplossing.

EINDIG

Dysselsdorp se gemeenskap is gelukkig met die uitkomste van die gesprekke wat plaasgevind het tussen TDM en die Dysselsdorp-gemeenskap se verteenwoordigers. (Foto: Bonisile Desha)

Media Statement: Update on Dysselsdorp property land-claims by Gona-Hesse! Khwe and the outcomes of fruitful discussions with Dysselsdorp Community representatives

28 February 2024

A delegation from the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), earlier today, held a constructive dialogue with representatives of the Dysselsdorp community, reaching a crucial agreement that no local residents will face eviction.

The GRDM is set to continue its legal actions against the Gona-Hesse! Khwe Royal Kingdom who are currently leasing a part of Erf 2 and Erf 975 and who are in breach of the contract they entered into with the GRDM.

Discussions with the Oudtshoorn Municipality and other key stakeholders are set to proceed to further address community concerns.

The Dysselsdorp community warmly welcomed the opportunity to engage directly with the GRDM delegation, appreciating the positive outcomes of the engagement. Following the productive engagement, the community removed obstacles from the roads, thereby restoring normal traffic flow and access to Dysselsdorp.

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) extends its thanks to the South African Police Services, community leaders, and the residents for their patience, understanding, and collaborative spirit in working towards a peaceful and constructive resolution.

ENDS

‘n Foto geneem tydens die gesprekke wat plaasgevind het deur ‘n afvaardiging van Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (links) en gemeenskapsverteenwoordigers van Dysselsdorp (regs).

Media Statement: Dysselsdorp property land-claims by Gona-Hesse! Khwe

Media Statement: Dysselsdorp property land-claims by Gona-Hesse! Khwe

28 February 2024

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is aware of the land-claims of two of its properties in Dysselsdorp (Erf 2 and 975) and remains committed to a fair and humane process to be followed going forward. The GRDM will engage several stakeholders to find a fair resolution for the situation.

Background
In 2021, the Gona-Hesse! Khwe Royal Kingdom, a non-profit entity, approached the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) with a proposal to lease land within the district’s jurisdiction. Their initial interest was in Kleinkrantz, a small community situated between Wilderness and Sedgefield. However, they were informed that Kleinkrantz was unavailable, but alternative land within the municipality’s area of jurisdiction could be leased, in particular erf 2 in Dysselsdorp.

Subsequently, the Gona-Hesse! Khwe decided to pursue a lease for erf 2 near Dysselsdorp, specifically the area known locally as ‘Bloupunt’. Initially, they made a deposit, but failed to fulfill their monthly rental obligations as per the lease agreement. By September 30, 2022, they had accrued rental arrears amounting to nearly R60 000,00. Despite repeated requests for payment, the Gona-Hesse! Khwe did not settle their debt, prompting the GRDM to implement measures in accordance with its Credit Control Policy to recover the owed amounts.

On February 2, 2024, the GRDM filed a notice of application pursuant to section 4(2) of the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act, No 19 of 1998 (the PIE Act), against the Gona-Hesse! Khwe. The group, despite neglecting their lease obligations, controversially issued illegal title deeds, falsely asserting ownership over the land based on their claimed royal status. This action was contrary to official deeds records. Consequently, the GRDM had no option but to take legal action to protect its property rights.

The one eviction notice pertains to erf 2. The other eviction is of the illegal occupation of erf 975, but the GRDM Council has decided to withdraw this eviction notice. The contractual violation specifically involves erf 2 and is associated with the Gona-Hesse! Khwe group. The individuals protesting are residents of erf 975 and have been misled by the Gona-Hesse! Khwe, who have failed to honour their contractual obligations regarding erf 2.

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Council is set to deliberate on the situation concerning erf 975 with the Oudtshoorn Municipality, aiming for a harmonious resolution.

For more information, please contact the GRDM Communication Manager, Herman Pieters at 044 803 1419 or at herman@gardenroute.gov.za.

-END-

Mediaverklaring: Dysselsdorp grondeise deur Gona-Hesse! Khwe

28 Februarie 2024

Die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM) is bewus van die grondeise van twee van sy eiendomme in Dysselsdorp (Erf 2 en 975) en bly toegewyd om ‘n regverdige en menslike proses te volg om die situasie te beredder. Die TDM onderneem om verskeie belanghebbendes te betrek, om sodoende ‘n regverdige oplossing vir die situasie te vind.

Agtergrond
In 2021 het die Gona-Hesse! Khwe Koninklike Koninkryk, ‘n nie-winsgewende entiteit, die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM) genader met ‘n voorstel om grond binne die distrik se jurisdiksie te huur. Hulle aanvanklike belangstelling was in Kleinkrantz, ‘n klein gemeenskap tussen Wildernis en Sedgefield, maar was egter ingelig dat Kleinkrantz nie beskikbaar is nie. Alternatiewe grond binne die munisipaliteit se jurisdiksie wat wel beskikbaar was vir huur, Erf 2 in Dysselsdorp was aanbeveel. Erf 2 is ongeveer 100 km in afstand vanaf Kleinkrantz, waar die Gona-Hesse! Khwe Koninklike Koninkryk aanvanklik ‘n eiendom wou huur.

Later het die Gona-Hesse! Khwe besluit om ‘n huurkontrak vir Erf 2, in Dysselsdorp na te streef, spesifiek die gebied wat plaaslik bekendstaan as ‘Bloupunt’. Hulle het aanvanklik ‘n deposito betaal, maar het versuim om hul maandelikse huurverpligtinge na te kom soos bepaal in die huurooreenkoms. Teen 30 September 2022 het hulle agterstallige huurgeld tot R60 000,00 opgeloop. Ten spyte van herhaalde versoeke om betaling, het die Gona-Hesse! Khwe versuim om hul skuld te vereffen, en wat daartoe genoop het dat die TDM maatreëls inplementeer in ooreenstemming met sy Kredietbeheerbeleid om sodoende die verskuldigde (uitstaande) bedrae terug te eis.

Op 2 Februarie 2024 het die TDM ‘n kennisgewing ingedien ingevolge artikel 4(2) van die Wet op die Voorkoming van Onwettige Uitsettings en Onwettige Besetting van Grond, No 19 van 1998 (die PIE Wet), teen die Gona-Hesse! Khwe. Die groep het, ten spyte van die nalating van hul huurverpligtinge, omstrede onwettige titelaktes uitgereik, waardeur hulle valse eienaarskap oor die grond beweer het, op grond van hul beweerde koninklike status. Hierdie optrede was teenstrydig met die amptelike aktes se rekords. Gevolglik het die TDM geen ander opsie gehad as om regstappe te neem om sodoende sy eiendomsregte te beskerm.

Die een uitsettingskennisgewing het betrekking op Erf 2. Die ander uitsetting is vir die onwettige besetting van Erf 975, maar die TDM Raad het intussen besluit om hierdie uitsettingskennisgewing terug te trek. Die kontraktuele oortreding het spesifiek betrekking op Erf 2 en word geassosieer met die Gona-Hesse! Khwe groep. Die individue wie protes aanteken, is inwoners van Erf 975 en word mislei deur die Gona-Hesse! Khwe, wat nie hul kontraktuele verpligtinge met betrekking tot Erf 2 nagekom het nie. ‘n Administratiewe en politieke delegasie is tans oppad na Oudtshoorn om met die gemeenskapsverteenwoordigers te praat.

Met die oog op die toekoms is die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM) Raad en die administrasie besig om te beraadslag oor die situasie met betrekking tot Erf 975 met die Oudtshoorn Munisipaliteit, met die doel om ‘n harmonieuse oplossing te bereik.

Vir meer inligting, kontak asseblief die TDM Kommunikasiebestuurder, Herman Pieters by 044 803 1419 of by herman@gardenroute.gov.za.

-Einde-