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12 June 2026 Save the Date: Notice of a Council Meeting on 24 June 2026 at 11:00

NOTICE OF A COUNCIL MEETING ON 24 JUNE 2026 AT 11:00

NOTICE NUMBER 56/2026

Notice is hereby given that a COUNCIL MEETING of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the CA Robertson Council Chambers and via Zoom, 54 York Street, George, on 24 June 2026 at 11:00.

Members of the public are invited to view the proceeding through the GRDM YouTube channel at: 

https://youtube.com/live/VTt9sNIIPZg?feature=share

MG Stratu
Municipal Manager
54 York Street
PO Box 12
GEORGE
6530
Tel:  044 803 1300

12 June 2026 Media Release: GRDM delivers health outreach at a Knysna Informal Settlement

Media Release: GRDM delivers health outreach at a Knysna Informal Settlement

For immediate release
12 June 2026

The Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) conducted a health and hygiene awareness inspection at an informational settlement situated near the Knysna Waste Transfer Station. This was done in commemoration of World Environment Day, celebrated annually on 5 June, combined with Food Safety Day, which took place 7 June.

According to Johan Compion, GRDM Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Waste Management, Air Quality: “This settlement, in existence for roughly 2 years, comprises of nine informal structures, housing 21 people (12 men and 9 women)”.

“Of most concern is that the site in its current form is not connected to basic services such as water and sanitation.”

New settlements, not forming part of Integrated Development Plans, and budgets of municipalities always run the risk of resulting in serious health hazards to the occupants because basic services were not planned by the relevant planning departments of a municipality.

Health and Hygiene Interventions

Focus areas by the EHPs relating to environmental health included the following:

  • The importance of hand hygiene practices
  • Safe food preparation (including clean fires and environmental pollution control)
  • Personal hygiene practices (including safe waste disposal/sanitation)
  • Personal health screening
  • Communicable disease awareness

After completion of the awareness session, residents were given 9 potable water containers and hand soap. Containers hold up to 20 litres of water each.

GRDM EHPs further identified urgent infrastructure gaps that pose environmental and public health risks to residents and the adjacent Knysna Estuary.

GRDM will continue to ensure that there’s ongoing coordination with the Knysna Local Municipality and other stakeholders to provide sanitation, water access, and waste management to prevent contamination and protect community health.

Dwellers standing outside their housing structures

ENDS

12 June 2026 Public Notice: Top Layer Service Delivery & Budget Implementation Plan (SDBIP) 2026/2027 of Garden Route District Municipality is open for public perusal and comment

Top Layer Service Delivery & Budget Implementation Plan (SDBIP) 2026/2027 of Garden Route District Municipality is open for public perusal and comment

Notice Number: 53/2026

Notice is hereby given that the Garden Route District Municipality’s SDBIP is available for public perusal and comments for 14 days, ending 24 June 2026.

All questions and recommendations must be directed to: GRDM Executive Manager: Integrated Planning and Economic Development, Mr Lusanda Menze, Tel: 044 803 1300 / E-mail: Lusanda@gardenroute.gov.za.

Download the document on the GRDM website at www.gardenroute.gov.za.

MG Stratu
Municipal Manager
54 York Street
PO Box 12
GEORGE
6530
Tel: 044 803 1300

Click here and download the Official Notice

Click here and download the Top Layer Service Delivery & Budget Implementation Plan

 

11 June 2026 Media Release: Garden Route Municipalities identified more than half a billion in infrastructure and facility damages following severe weather events

Media Release: Garden Route Municipalities identified more than half a billion in infrastructure and facility damages following severe weather events

11 June 2026

Municipalities across the Garden Route district have completed preliminary damage assessments following recent severe weather events. According to Gerhard Otto, GRDM Head: Disaster Management, “the estimated cost of repairs and recovery exceeding half a billion”.

The consolidated assessment, compiled by Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), with information received from affected local identifies widespread damage to critical infrastructure, public facilities, water supply systems, roads, stormwater networks, community facilities and municipal buildings.

According to Otto, “the most significant damages have been recorded in George Municipality, followed by Knysna and Bitou Municipalities”. Several strategic infrastructure projects, including water supply systems, roads, bridges, public facilities and economic development assets, require urgent intervention to restore services and reduce future disaster risks.

The top eight rehabilitation projects for the region include:

  1. 124.6 million: George Municipality – Repairs to damaged roadways and associated -stormwater infrastructure in George, Haarlem and Uniondale.
  2. 97.3 million: Knysna Municipality – Surfaced Roads, Main Street/N2.
  3. 93.6 million: George Municipality – Uniondale Poort – damage to raw water diversion infrastructure and supply to the Uniondale Raw Water Storage Dam.
  4. R70 million: Oudtshoorn Municipality associated with electricity in Hoop and Baron van Reede, Buffelsdrift area, Dysselsdorp, Dokkraal area, Cango Caves, De Kombuys Plaas, Wilgewandle, Groot Kraal, Boomplaas, De Hoek, Matjiesriver, Muller Streer, and Nooitgedagt.
  5. 48.8 million: Knysna Municipality – Surfaced roads in Knysna, Sedgefield, Brenton, Rheenendal and Karatara.
  6. 46.6 million: Oudtshoorn Municipality associated with street and storm water in an Der Riet Street, Kerk Street/ Church Street, Albert Street, Rademeyer Street, Pedestrian Low Water Bridge at Pick and Pay Shopping Centre / Mall and Cango Bergoord Bridges.
  7. 32.7 million: George Municipality sewer pump stations in George, Haarlem, Uniondale, Pacaltsdorp, Hansmoeskraal, and George Industria.
  8. 5.7 million: Oudtshoorn Municipality associated water and sanitation infrastructure in Greater Oudtshoorn, Dysselsdorp and KKRWSS.

The damage assessments indicate that thousands of residents have been directly or indirectly affected through disruptions to essential services, transport routes and community facilities. Municipal technical teams continue to conduct detailed assessments to refine cost estimates and prioritise emergency repairs.

GRDM, together with affected local municipalities, is engaging with provincial and national government structures to secure disaster recovery funding and support. The municipalities have also committed resources where possible to address immediate risks and restore critical services.

Garden Route District Municipality Executive Mayor, Ald. Marais Kruger said: “Municipalities have already begun emergency response and repair work, and external funding support will be essential to ensure full recovery and to strengthen infrastructure resilience for the future.”

Priority projects include the rehabilitation of water infrastructure, repairs to municipal buildings and community facilities, restoration of damaged roads and stormwater systems, and measures aimed at reducing the impact of future disasters.

Further updates will be provided as additional assessments are completed and funding processes progress.

Picture caption: An image supplied by George Municipality of damage to one of the roads in Haarlem.

ENDS

10 June 2026 Public Notice: 2026/27 GRDM Top Layer Service Delivery & Budget Implementation Plan open for public perusal (SDBIP)

Public Notice: 2026/27 GRDM Top Layer Service Delivery & Budget Implementation Plan (SDBIP) open for public perusal

10 June 2026

Notice is hereby given that the Garden Route District Municipality’s SDBIP is available for public perusal.

All questions and recommendations must be directed to:
GRDM Executive Manager: Integrated Planning and Economic Development, Mr Lusanda Menze
Tel: 044-803 1300 / E-mail: Lusanda@gardenroute.gov.za.

Click here and download the document

8 June 2026 Media Release: Reflection Summit to Focus on Climate Resilience, Sustainability and Regional Collaboration

Media Release: Reflection Summit to Focus on Climate Resilience, Sustainability and Regional Collaboration

8 June 2026

The Garden Route has experienced some of South Africa’s most damaging climate-related disasters in recent years, from the devastating June 2017 Knysna fires to recurring floods, severe storm damage, and increasing threats to infrastructure and communities.

Most recently, the region endured severe wind, flooding and coastal damage during May and June, once again highlighting the vulnerability of communities, businesses, agriculture, infrastructure and ecosystems to extreme weather events. “As climate risks continue to intensify, the need for coordinated action and improved preparedness has never been greater,” says GREF convener Cobus Meiring.

Against this backdrop, the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF), together with its partners and in collaboration with Nelson Mandela University (NMU), will host the 2026 Extreme Weather Reflection Summit at the NMU George Campus on Thursday 2 July.

The Summit will provide a platform for experts, decision-makers, disaster management agencies and stakeholders to reflect on lessons learned from recent events and identify practical solutions that can strengthen resilience and support sustainable development in a changing climate.

The event will be preceded by training activities for disaster management teams, focusing on chainsaw operation and the clearing of biomass in areas affected by extreme weather events.

Through expert presentations, panel discussions and stakeholder engagement, participants will explore climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, water security, biodiversity conservation, environmental restoration and sustainable economic development. The Summit has received strong support from the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and George Municipality, both committed to strengthening regional resilience and fostering partnerships that address the realities of a changing climate.

Representatives from government, academia, business, agriculture, environmental organisations and civil society will participate in discussions aimed at developing practical recommendations to inform future planning, investment and disaster preparedness initiatives.

GREF believes that collaboration between institutions, communities and the private sector is essential to building a more resilient and sustainable future. Through the Annual Climate Change Indaba, GREF has developed a long-standing partnership with Nelson Mandela University, further strengthening the Summit’s ability to connect research, innovation and practical implementation.

Further details regarding speakers, programme content and registration will be announced shortly.

RSVP essential: louisamare@gmail.com

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for environmental managers and a climate change think tank dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability, resilience and collaboration throughout the region.(www.grefecsf.co.za)

Issued by:
Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) in collaboration with Nelson Mandela University.

Feature Image: One of the drop-off and chipping sites for storm-damaged tree branches and green waste in George

Garden Route Weather: Multi-Agency Command Centre Update 3 on 5 June 2026 @ 12:15

Garden Route Weather: Multi-Agency Command Centre Update 3 on 5 June 2026 @ 12:15

Issued by GRDM Communications
05 June 2026

SITUATION SUMMARY

Overnight, the district continued to experience isolated heavy showers. However, our major concern remains the significant volume of water moving into the district from the northern areas. The Gamkapoort Dam is currently spilling at around 170%, while the Floriskraal, Stompdrift and Kammanassie dams are also overflowing. Emergency services and SAPS members are actively monitoring river crossings and implementing crowd-control measures to ensure that potentially compromised structures remain clear of people.

Late yesterday, a woman and a man attempted to cross the Klip River at Waboomskraal and were swept away by the strong current. EMS teams successfully rescued the woman, but unfortunately the man could not be saved. Following an extensive search operation, his body was recovered early this morning.

Rescue teams have also been dispatched to an incident in the Oudtshoorn Mountain Resort area, where it has been reported that a man was washed away while attempting to cross a river. Further information will be shared as it becomes available.

In George, municipal technical services teams are currently working to reconnect the water supply between the Uniondale Dam and the town.

The water situation in Knysna remains a concern and requires close monitoring. The main water supply pumps are still not fully operational, and reserve water levels at the Akkerkloof Dam are dropping to critically low levels.

Community members remain accommodated at several halls across the district. Currently, there are 65 people at Toekomsrus, 38 in De Rust, 29 in Ladismith, and eight families at the Lyonville Community Hall in Uniondale.

Requests for humanitarian assistance have been received from Zoar, where 14 people require support; Voorbaat, with 29 people affected; and the Vlakteplaas, Barandas and Snyberg areas, where approximately 110 people may require assistance. This latter request is still being assessed by the Department of Social Development, although colleagues from the Department of Infrastructure have indicated that the area is accessible by 4×4 vehicles.

Finally, 21 schools remain closed today, primarily because they are inaccessible due to poor road conditions.

We continue to monitor conditions closely and will provide further updates as necessary.

Disaster-related updates are published by Local Government here:

Garden Route District Municipality
– https://www.facebook.com/gardenroutedm

Hessequa Municipality
– www.facebook.com/hessequamunicipality

Mossel Bay Municipality
– www.facebook.com/mosselbaymun
– https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaObfDbBadmjaxmERb0d

George Municipality
– www.facebook.com/george.municipality
– https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaRHVS9HAdNXTJPKis3k

Knysna Municipality
– www.facebook.com/knysnamunicipality
– https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaddGzkKwqSX9z7fPm2V

Bitou Municipality
– www.facebook.com/bitoulocalmunicipality
– https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb5xx5wGE56kaY90693M

Greater Oudtshoorn Municipality
– www.facebook.com/oudtmun
– https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VagZwTjHgZWmFke9An2N

Kannaland Municipality
– www.facebook.com/kannaland.munisipaliteit.5

Report Provincial Road Issues via Download the Roads4U app
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=za.gov.westerncape.roadsforyou
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/za/app/roads4u/id6752285666

Garden Route District Municipality encourages the public to report flood-related incidents to the regional 24/7 Emergency Call Centre on 044 805 5071 or WhatsApp 081 709 5193

Image: Gamka Wes Calitzdorp, 05 June 2026.

05 June 2026 Media Release: GRDM promotes cleanliness and hygienic practices across spaza shops in the Klein Karoo

Media Release: GRDM promotes cleanliness and hygienic practices across spaza shops in the Klein Karoo

For immediate release:
05 June 2026

The Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) conducted a comprehensive Food Safety Day Awareness campaign across the towns of Ladismith and Oudtshoorn on 5 June 2026, to enforce compliance with norms and standards of food handling and raise awareness about foodborne risks.

In observation of World Food Safety Day, the EHPs of the Klein Karoo area, are supporting the theme: Food Safety: From Burden to Solutions – safe food everywhere” by promoting cleanliness and food safety at spaza shops in the Oudtshoorn and Ladismith areas. “Through inspections, education, and engagement with shop owners, EHPs encourage proper hygiene practices, safe food handling and regular cleaning of premises,” said GRMD’s Municipal Health Chief: Klein Karoo, Desmond Paulse.

“This year’s theme aims to inspire action to help prevent and manage foodborne risks to safeguard food security and healthy communities.”

GRDM’s highly competent team of EHPs regularly conducts inspections not only to spaza shops, but also to manufacturers, restaurants and supermarkets, to name a few. This is done to monitor compliance with hygienic and preparation standards. Paulse added that these actions help reduce foodborne health risks, improve compliance with food safety standards, and contribute to healthier communities.

The EHPs placed particular emphasis on cleaning and proper disinfection as these are effective methods to ensure safer food for human consumption. “Clean and hygienic shops play an important role in food safety. A clean shop helps prevent contamination, reduces the spread of harmful bacteria, viruses, and protects customers from a range of foodborne illnesses,” said Paulse.

The EHPs encourage spaza shop owners to adhere to good hygiene practices, such as regular cleaning, proper food storage, and safe handling of food, to ensure that food remains safe and of high quality.

On World Food Safety Day, as GRDM, we recognise that maintaining clean shops remains essential for protecting public health.

ENDS

05 June 2026 Awareness Article: World Environment Day Commemorated – 5 June 2026

Awareness Article: World Environment Day Commemorated – 5 June 2026

For immediate release
05 June 2026

Theme: “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future”

As Azerbaijan hosts World Environment Day 2026 (5 June 2026) under the global theme climate change, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) echoes the urgent call: Our Climate. Our Future.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) states that 2026 is about “the urgent signals the Earth is sending and the signals we choose to send back”. In the Garden Route district, those signals include, but are not limited to, the severe floods of 2023 and 2024, and more recently, the floods and gale-force winds of the cut off low storm system in May 2026. Prolonged droughts, sea level rise, storm surges, coastal and soil erosion, invasive alien vegetation infestations, and escalating wildfire risks are challenging how we live, farm, and work.

What is the environment?

It’s not just faraway forests. It’s the air we breathe in George, the water in the Knysna Estuary, the soil our Outeniqua farmers use, and the fynbos that protects our mountains from erosion. It’s the beaches in Plettenberg Bay, the rivers in Wilderness, and the wetlands in Sedgefield that soak up floodwater. Our environment is everything around us that keeps us alive, safe, and able to work.

President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed this directly at the Presidential Climate Commission in February 2026: “Climate change is an existential threat to the future of humanity and the planet. We must act with others across the globe to ensure that we do not breach the 1.5-degree warning above pre-industrial levels”.

Why does this matter to you?

Climate change is not only about melting ice caps. It affects water in our taps, food on our tables, and safety in our communities. When rivers are in flood, roads are being closed and homes and infrastructure are being damaged. When dams like the Garden Route Dam run low, farmers struggle, food prices rise, and we all face water restrictions. When alien plants and trees spread, fires burn hotter and longer. Protecting the environment means protecting our daily lives.

The Climate Change Act 22 of 2024 now requires all municipalities to plan for these risks.

This World Environment Day, GRDM is:

  • Repairing and strengthening infrastructure damaged by recent floods, including stormwater systems and rural roads.
  • Restoring natural defences – wetlands, riverbank, and catchments – that absorb floodwater and store water for dry months.
  • Improving early warnings so that communities get alerts before disaster strikes.

How can you help:

Everyone has a role to play. Save water by fixing leaks and using less. Keep stormwater drains clear – never dump waste or building rubble in them. Report illegal dumping, blocked rivers, or fire risks to your relevant local Municipal offices.

World Environment Day reminds us: the Garden Route’s forests, rivers, and coastline are not just scenery. They are our life support. The earth is sending signals, and it is time we send a strong one back.

ENDS