27 August 2026 Media Release: Garden Route District Health Council relaunched to strengthen community voice in healthcare planning
Garden Route District Health Council relaunched to strengthen community voice in healthcare planning
For immediate release
27 August 2026
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and the Western Cape Provincial (WCG) Department of Health and Wellness convened the first sitting of the reconstituted Garden Route District Health Council today. This platform affirms the GRDM Council’s mandate to give municipalities and communities a direct voice in shaping health service delivery across the district.
The sitting was chaired by GRDM Executive Mayor Marais Kruger, as the newly elected District Health Council chairperson, along with the Mayoral Committee Members for Health from George and Bitou Municipalities, Hessequa Municipality’s Deputy Executive Mayor, Cllr Gerald Boezak, and other local municipality councillors and officials from across the district.
Opening the discussion, Mayor Kruger reminded members of the council’s role in providing leadership and direction on health matters, and of the collective responsibility shared by municipalities and the Department in serving communities.
“This platform exists so that the voices of our communities are heard when decisions are made. It is our collective responsibility to provide leadership and direction, and to ensure no community is left behind,” said Mayor Kruger.
Director of the Garden Route and Central Karoo Health Districts, Helize Le Roux, delivered an insightful presentation on behalf of the Department, highlighting significant infrastructure gains across the district.
Completed projects include the Hornlee, Ladismith, and maintenance work at Groot Brak River Clinics, along with upgrades to the Acute Psychiatric Unit at Oudtshoorn.
“Work is currently underway on maintenance at Mossel Bay, New Horizon and Pacaltsdorp Clinics, as well as upgrades at George and Knysna Hospitals”, said Le Roux.
The council also discussed the district’s preparedness for disaster and disease outbreaks, with remedial and contingency plans in place to support rapid response, and the ongoing containment of communicable diseases to ensure communities accessing the district’s healthcare services continue to receive proper care.
Members agreed that rural communities must remain a priority and not be left behind as services are expanded.
Representing Bitou Municipality’s health portfolio, Cllr Annelise Olivier, raised the positive impact of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) station in KwaNokuthula township, in Plettenberg Bay, and the extension of weekend clinic operating hours, both of which are easing pressure on emergency services and greatly assisting the community.
“The EMS station in KwaNokuthula and our extended weekend hours have made a real difference for our residents. This is what it looks like when the district and local government work together for our people,” said Councillor Olivier.
George Municipality’s MMC for Health, Cllr Melvin Roelfse, highlighted the growing population pressure in Pacaltsdorp, noting that a rising number of retirees settling in the area without medical aid are placing additional reliance on public healthcare services.
The council has resolved to advocate collectively for continued investment in healthcare infrastructure and services, and committed to engaging the National Department of Health, the WCG Premier’s Office, and the WCG Department of Infrastructure on addressing outstanding priorities in the district.
The Garden Route District Health Council, established in terms of the Western Cape Health Facility Boards and Health Councils Act, is required to meet quarterly. The next sitting is expected before mid-December, pending the outcome of the local government elections.
Caption: GRDM political leadership, delegates from the Garden Route and Central Karoo Health Districts, Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, and local municipalities pictured after the first sitting of the reconstituted Garden Route District Health Council.
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