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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

05 June 2026 Awareness Article: Pest Control: A Key Pillar of Food Safety on World Food Safety Day

Awareness Article: Pest Control: A Key Pillar of Food Safety on World Food Safety Day

For immediate release:
05 June 2026

World Food Safety Day is commemorated annually on 7 June, and in 2026 the global theme, “Safer Food, Better Health,” reinforces the importance of protecting consumers from foodborne risks. One of the most critical, yet often underestimated, components of food safety is effective pest control.

Pests such as rodents, flies, cockroaches, and ants pose a serious threat to food safety across the entire food supply chain, from farms and food processing plants to retail outlets, restaurants, schools, and households. These pests are known carriers of harmful pathogens that contaminate food, equipment, and preparation surfaces, increasing the risk of foodborne diseases.

Disease causing pathogens such as salmonella, E. coli, listeriosis, and Norovirus can result from poor pest management practices. Vulnerable groups, including young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals, are particularly at risk. Preventing pest infestations is therefore not only a hygiene issue, but a public health priority.

In South Africa, food premises are legally required to implement pest control measures. The Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, 1972 (Act 54 of 1972) mandates that food sold or handled must be safe and free from contamination. In addition, Regulation R.638 of the Health Act, 1977 (General Hygiene Requirements for Food Premises and the Transport of Food) clearly states that food premises must be kept free of pests, and that adequate measures must be in place to prevent their access and harbourage.

Furthermore, the National Health Act, 2003 (Act 61 of 2003) places a responsibility on food business operators to ensure that conditions do not pose a risk to human health. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in fines, closure of premises, or legal action.

Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) emphasise that pest control is a non-negotiable element of food safety.

“Effective pest control is one of the first indicators of a well-managed food premises. Where pests are present, the risk of food contamination and disease transmission increases significantly. Preventing infestations protects not only consumers, but also the reputation and sustainability of food businesses,”

An effective approach to pest control is Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which prioritises prevention through good housekeeping, proper waste disposal, regular cleaning, sealing of entry points, and safe food storage. Where chemical control is necessary, it must be conducted by trained and registered pest control operators using approved products in a manner that does not compromise food safety.

World Food Safety Day serves as a reminder that food safety is everyone’s responsibility. Business owners, food handlers, regulators, and consumers all play a role in preventing contamination and safeguarding public health.

By maintaining strict pest control measures, we protect food from contamination, reduce the spread of disease, and support healthier communities. As we observe World Food Safety Day under the theme “Safer Food, Better Health,” it is clear that effective pest control is not optional — it is essential.

Here’s how you can maintain hygiene when handling food:

 

ENDS

4 June 2026 Media Statement: Public urged to stop from spreading false information about food safety and shops operated by foreign nationals

Media Statement: Public urged to stop from spreading false information about food safety and shops operated by foreign nationals

4 June 2026

The rendering of Municipal Health Services by Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP’s) within the district remains the responsibility of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM). Food control includes the regular inspection of food premises, sampling of foodstuffs offered to the public, and the monitoring of compliance with legislation.

EHPs must ensure that food sold and distributed within the district are fit for human consumption. Food is sold at both formal and informal establishments, such as supermarkets, restaurants, food stalls, spaza shops, street vendors, and other informal food outlets operating within the municipality’s area of jurisdiction. These facilities are routinely monitored and inspected to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

In recent years, social media has become a significant platform for the sharing of information and opinions, including matters related to food safety. While these platforms can play an important role in raising awareness, they can also contribute to the rapid spread of misinformation and unverified allegations.

The GRDM is therefore making a serious appeal to members of the public to refrain from circulating unverified information, rumours, or allegations regarding the distribution of food and, more specifically, claims that foodstuffs are being deliberately poisoned by foreign nationals operating within our communities. Such statements are not only irresponsible but can also create unnecessary fear that can lead to xenophobia.

EHP’s are actively present in communities and conduct ongoing inspections and investigations throughout the district. Any concerns regarding food safety, food-related illnesses, or suspected non-compliance should be reported directly to the to the Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management and Air Quality on 082 803 5161or e-mail jcompion@gardenroute.gov.za. Reports received through official channels are investigated thoroughly and objectively in accordance with established procedures.

Over the years, the municipality has received several complaints relating to alleged foreign objects found in packaged food products, including chips, biscuits, and similar food items. Each complaint was subjected to a comprehensive investigation, including inspections of premises and the sampling and examination of the products concerned. To date, no evidence has been found to substantiate claims that foreign objects were intentionally placed in food products at the locations where complaints were reported.

Public cooperation is essential in maintaining community trust, promoting social cohesion, and safeguarding the health and well-being of all residents.

ENDS

03 June 2026 Media Release: Youth explore Future Careers at GRDM and MSC Shosholoza Ocean Academy Roadshow

Media Release: Youth explore Future Careers at GRDM and MSC Shosholoza Ocean Academy Roadshow in George

For immediate release
03 June 2026

Today, 3 June 2026, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and the MSC Shosholoza Ocean Academy hosted a highly anticipated career roadshow in George. Designed to create life-changing opportunities, the event connected potential candidates with exciting vacancies for those looking to start their careers at sea with MSC Cruises.

This second public awareness session successfully hosted residents from the Garden Route in the George Civic Hall, to inform locals about these job opportunities that will continuously become available across the globe on MSC cruise ships.

A completely packed hall with eager individuals gathered for presentation that were delivered by officials from both organisations. This initiative highlights the massive variety of careers available at sea, offering exciting pathways in areas like hospitality, culinary arts, and guest services, to name a few.

Reginald Salmons, Training and Skills Development Coordinator at GRDM, as well as Coordinator of the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) initiative, welcomed everyone to the event and explained the significance of the GRSM in creating opportunities for the youth of the Garden Route. His address specifically focused on the opportunities of the MSC cruise ships created through the GRSM.

“Through this initiative, young people are exposed to recruitment processes, required documentation, and industry standards, while also receiving career guidance and access to both local and international opportunities,” Executive Mayor of GRDM, Ald. Marais Kruger, highlighted. Referring to the success of these roadshows, Mayor Kruger further added: “Approximately 60 young people from the Garden Route district have already benefited through opportunities linked to this programme”.

Allister Joubert and Nicole Niewenhuis from the MSC Shosholoza Ocean Academy, have proudly shared their humble beginnings and journeys from when they started entry-level roles at the Shosholoza Ocean Academy and climbing the ranks within MSC Cruises. Their inspiring stories highlight incredible career growth and serve as a powerful motivation for aspiring interested candidates looking to apply and transform their futures at sea.

MMC for Corporate Services at GRDM, Cllr Nompumelelo Ndayi, delivered the vote of thanks and expressed her gratitude on behalf of GRDM to the representatives of the MSC Shosholoza for their valued partnership with the GRDM. “As a Municipality, we remain committed to supporting these initiatives. Together, we can continue to create pathways that empower our youth and contribute to a more prosperous future for the Garden Route district, ” Ndayi said.

Members of the public or prospective cruiser, specifically the youth that were unable to attend the roadshow, are invited to visit the following website or join the webinar for information on opportunities and processes to apply for vacancies in the MSC cruise ships:
Discover the World with MSC Cruises Webinar.

Career opportunities can be accessed at:
https://careers.msccruises.com/gb/en

Feature Image: Reginald Salmons (GRDM), Nicole Niewenhuis (MSC Shosholoza Ocean Academy), Ald. Marais Kruger (Executive Mayor, GRDM),  Allister Joubert (MSC Shosholoza Ocean Academy) and Dineo Ramasesane (GRDM) during the MSC Shosholoza Ocean Academy & Garden Route District Municipality Roadshow.

ENDS

02 June 2026 Public Notice: Intention to Alienate Municipal Properties by Public Auction

Public Notice: Intention to Alienate Municipal Properties by Public Auction

Notice Number: 28/2026

Notice is hereby given in terms of Section 14 of the Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (Act No. 56 of 2003) (“MFMA”), read together with the Municipal Asset Transfer Regulations (Government Notice R. 878 of 2008), that the Garden Route District Municipality intends to alienate certain municipal (council-owned) immovable properties by way of public auction.

Notice is further given that the Municipal Council of the Garden Route District Municipality, at a duly constituted meeting held on 23 April 2025 via item H.2, adopted a resolution in terms of Section 14(2) of the MFMA, wherein it was resolved that the identified properties are not required to provide the minimum level of basic municipal services and may be alienated.

A list of the properties proposed for alienation, including their locations, erf numbers, extent, and any applicable conditions, will be made available for public inspection at the GRDM offices and on the municipal website. The local community and other interested parties are invited to submit comments or make representations in respect of the alienation of the properties.

Any comments and/or objections to the proposed alienation, with your reasons for such objection(s), must be submitted in writing and addressed to the Municipal Manager, Garden Route District Municipality, P O Box 12, George, 6530, by no later than 30 June 2026.

Any comments and/or objections which are received after the above-mentioned closing date, may possibly not be taken into consideration. In terms of section 21(4) of the Systems Act, notice is hereby given that people who cannot write may approach the Integrated Planning and Economic Development Department during office hours, where a member of staff will assist them in converting their comments or objections into writing.

Any enquiries may be directed to Dzivhuluwani Mashila, at telephone number (044) 803 1335 or via email to Dzivhuluwani@edendm.co.za / kayleigh@gardenroute.gov.za.

Click here to download the Official Notice and List of Properties

02 June 2026 FINAL AMENDED 2022-2027 INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN (IDP), 2026/2027 MEDIUM-TERM REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE FRAMEWORK AND MULTI-YEAR BUDGET

Notice 49/2026

FINAL AMENDED 2022-2027 INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN (IDP), 2026/2027 MEDIUM-TERM REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE FRAMEWORK AND MULTI-YEAR BUDGET

Notice is hereby given that the Garden Route District Municipality’s Final Amended Integrated Development Plan for the period 2022-2027 and the Medium-Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework (MTREF) Multi-Year Budget for the period 2026/2027-2028/2029 were compiled in accordance with the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 2000 (Act 32 of 2000) and Municipal Finance Management Act 2003 (Act 56 of 2003).

These documents were approved by the Garden Route District Council at a Council meeting held on 27 May 2026.

These documents will be available at all main local libraries, satellite offices and the Garden Route District Municipality’s IDP Unit, 54 York Street, George, as well as on the GRDM municipal website www.gardenroute.gov.za

Please contact the District IDP Manager (Ms Mercy James) or the Budget Manager (Ms Louise Hoek) at 044 803 1300, rekords@gardenroute.gov.za  with any enquiries.

M STRATU
MUNICIPAL MANAGER
GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

 

Click here to download the Official Notice

Click here to download/view all documents

28 May 2026 Media Release: Tourism in the Garden Route & Klein Karoo remains resilient and continues efforts to achieve sustainable growth

Media Release: Tourism in the Garden Route & Klein Karoo remains resilient and continues efforts to achieve sustainable growth

For immediate release
28 May 2026

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) through its regional tourism office hosted a two-day Garden Route and Klein Karoo Regional Tourism Industry Workshop in the towns of George and Oudtshoorn, on 26-27 May 2026. During these workshops, various stakeholders engaged in an information-sharing session about the status quo of the tourism sector.

This engagement was in partnerships with the National Department of Tourism, South African Tourism, the Tourism Business Council of South Africa, the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa, and attended by various tourism businesses and industry stakeholder across the region such as SANPARKS, CapeNature, Wesgro, Local Tourism Offices, established and emerging business enterprises, and the hospitality industry.

The Executive Mayor, Alderman Marais Kruger welcomed everyone present under the theme “Unlocking Opportunities, Support & Benefits Across Key Tourism Institutions” reflecting our collective commitment to strengthening tourism growth, collaboration, and sustainable development across the Garden Route and Klein Karoo region.

These industry leading voices dissected a myriad of areas that requires improvement and highlighted opportunities across the entire tourism value chain. If this is realised, it could potentially open pathways for increased collaboration – a shared commitment to grow the region’s tourism industry.

South African Tourism representative responsible for stakeholder relations, Tony Nkadimeng, acknowledged that although the Garden Route had experienced natural disasters such as fires and the recent floods, the tourism industry remained resilient despite these challenges. “Regardless of these challenges, we are encouraged to see that the industry is still thriving,” he said.

Capitalising on its recognition as the best scenic route, the Garden Route and Klein Karoo Tourism Regional Office, together with the stakeholders at workshops, explored existing opportunities for the region to entrench its brand equity among both domestic and international travellers.

Dealing with matters pertinent to the Sector, the discussions centred around strengthening tourism marketing initiatives, promoting sports tourism such as golfing, supporting small businesses, especially women-led enterprises and positioning the Garden Route and Klein Karoo as the preferred tourism destination.

Chief Director-Enterprise Development & Transformation from the National Department of Tourism, Sbonelo Nzimande, said: “We have made a concerted effort in supporting women-led businesses, digitising services offered by small businesses and enabling transactions for operators in the rural areas as well”. Nzimande added that Micro-, Small and Medium Enterprises needed to embrace research, technology, innovation and creativity to move the needle in the trajectory of their entrepreneurship endeavours.

Smalls businesses were also encouraged to apply for grading through the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.

Hospitality businesses called for strategic coordination from the GRDM to ensure the sector becomes more attractive to investment. Funding and compliance were cited as the biggest stumbling blocks for entrepreneurs who emphasised the need to bridge the gap in the dissemination of information and mentorship.

Tourism, LED and EPWP Manager at the GRDM, Richard Dyantyi, recognised small businesses and various stakeholders for their contributions in the region and how these efforts made a tangible difference to the tourism landscape.

“This engagement will not be another talk-shop. I will ensure that the GRDM management and political leadership reflect on the issues raised at this platform so that when we meet again, I will be able to report back on what we have done from our side,” he said.

Caption: Presenters of the day representing the GRDM and various key stakeholders after an insightful engagement at the George leg of the Garden Route and Klein Karoo Tourism Industry Workshop held at the George Civic Centre.

ENDS

26 May 2026 Media Release: GR&KK Tourism Team represents the region at the Africa Travel Indaba

Media Release: GR&KK Tourism Team represents the region at the Africa Travel Indaba

For immediate release
26 May 2026

“Africa’s annual Travel Indaba is one of the largest tourism marketing events on the African calendar and one of the top three ‘must visit’ events of its kind on the global calendar,” says Denver Johnson, Garden Route and Klein Karoo Tourism (GR&KK) Coordinator at the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM).

Hosted in Durban at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, during the second week of May, the event showcased the widest variety of Africa’s best tourism products and attracted international buyers and media from across the world.

Representatives from GR&KK and two of the region’s Local Tourism Offices George, Wilderness & Uniondale Tourism, as well as Visit Knysna Tourism at the Indaba.

The Indaba brought together Southern African tourism products and services for the international travel trade. Exhibitors included provincial authorities, provincial products and African countries, accommodation, tour operators, game lodges, transport, online travel, luxury products, hidden gems, media publications and industry associations. Outdoor exhibitors included transport, camping and safari companies.

This year, the GR&KK team again exhibited their tourism offerings at this well-known marketing platform with a secured 12 m2 space at the DEC Hall. “By exhibiting on the GR&KK platform with two of the region’s Local Tourism Offices including George, Wilderness & Uniondale Tourism, as well as Visit Knysna Tourism, sent a strong unified message to all tourism and travel markets domestically and internationally,” Johnson highlighted. “This platform provided the region the opportunity to engage with tour operators, travel agents and travel media to direct more tours and travels to the GR&KK,” he added.

Officially opened with an address by President Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, the event reflected on a government that understands that tourism is a central pillar of growth, jobs, investment, and transformation.

It further proceeded with palpable energy and a clear sense of purpose on its Business Opportunity Networking Day (BONDay), on 11 May, setting a visionary tone for the continent’s premier leisure tourism trade show. The BONDAY programme launches critical conversations around policy, entrepreneurship, destination competitiveness, sports tourism, culture, and digital transformation. These are all designed to showcase new growth opportunities for African tourism economies.

By collaborating with African neighbours (e.g., Namibia, Botswana, Kenya), the region expands into new markets, sustains visitor numbers, and balances the tourism season across all 12 months – although R835 million was spent on tourism it total, it supported more than 1,122 jobs across the region.

Feature Image: FLTR: Denver Johnson (GR&KK Tourism at GRDM), Thozeka Sikhali (Visit Knysna) and Sharon House (George, Wilderness & Uniondale Tourism) with the Western Cape Provincial MEC of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, at the Africa Travel Indaba.

ENDS

25 May 2026 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Receives Gold Recognition for Municipal Health Excellence

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Receives Gold Recognition for Municipal Health Excellence

Issued on behalf of the Office of the Executive Mayor, Marais Kruger

25 May 2026

“It is a proud moment to announce that Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Community Services Department has been awarded a Gold Certification of Recognition by the Western Cape Provincial Government (WCG) Department of Health and Wellness,” said Marais Kruger, GRDM Executive Mayor. The award reads: For technological advancement in Environmental Health Norms and Standards during the 2025/26 financial year and achieving 97.8%”.

“The Gold Certification positions GRDM as a provincial leader in Municipal Health innovation and climate-responsive service delivery,” said Mayor Kruger.

According to the GRDM Snr. Manager: Municipal Health, Waste Management and Air Quality, “My Unit achieved a score of 97.8% for Municipal Health initiatives and Climate Change programme”. The Silver Recognition Certificate was awarded to a Metropolitan Municipality – the City of Cape Town, while the Bronze Recognition Certificate was presented to the West Coast District Municipality.

Mayor Kruger also extended his congratulations to the Mayoral Committee Chairperson for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard; Municipal Manager Monde Stratu; Executive Manager, Nthabeleng Raisa-Mlandu; her Senior Manager, Chiefs and all EHPs – congratulations on your achievement, professionalism, and innovation.”

“The award acknowledged GRDM’s comprehensive community educational material developed as part of its Climate Change Programme, aimed at strengthening public awareness and resilience regarding climate-related health and environmental risks.”

“The municipality’s innovative technology-driven Municipal Health Programme received commendation for enabling EHPs to work smarter and more efficiently in serving communities across the district.”

The Provincial Department also recognised the critical role played by the GRDM EHPs during the George building collapse disaster response. “Municipal Health officials were instrumental in monitoring and ensuring the safe provision of food and water to rescue workers operating on-site during the emergency operation,” concluded Mayor Kruger.

Feature Image: Proudly displaying the Gold Certificate of Recognition Award that GRDM’s Municipal Health Services won, from left to right are the GRDM leaders pictured: Nthabeleng Raisa-Mlandu, Executive Manager: Community Services; Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, MMC: Community Services, Marais Kruger, Executive Mayor; Monde Stratu, Municipal Manager; and Johan Compion, Snr. Mgr: Manager: Municipal Health, Waste Management and Air Quality.

ENDS