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19 September 2025 Media Release: Close the Gap: It’s never too late to come back or get tested for HIV, TB


Media Release: Close the Gap: It’s never too late to come back or get tested for HIV, TB

For immediate release
19 September 2025

Have you stopped HIV or TB treatment? You’re not alone, and it’s never too late to come back.

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, together with the National Department of Health and community partners, is calling on everyone who has missed appointments or stopped treatment to reconnect with care, without judgment.

Through the Close the Gap and End TB campaigns, we are working to support people in the Western Cape to start and restart HIV or TB treatment.

According to national estimates, around 160,000 people in the Western Cape are living with HIV but not yet on treatment. Provincial patient-level data, however, indicates just over 111,000 people living with HIV have not accessed services in the past 24 months. Across our province, our health teams are focusing on the facilities where the need is greatest, using local data to reach out and bring people back into care.

Our healthcare teams understand that life happens – work, travel, family, personal circumstances or fear can get in the way. But we’re here to welcome you back and to support your journey.

“We must intensify both HIV and TB screening, ensure early linkage to care and maintain treatment adherence to reduce ongoing transmission. The Close the Gap campaign is an opportunity to highlight that Undetectable= Untransmissible (U=U) and ‘YES, we can END TB’ with our Targeted Universal TB Testing(TUTT). We invite everybody to visit our facilities. We are ready to welcome you back to care or start your journey to wellness by knowing your status.”, said Marli Delport, clinical program coordinator: TB & HIV.

Knowing your TB and HIV status is the first step to protecting yourself and the people you love. If you’re living with HIV or TB and you are not treatment, starting or restarting treatment can protect your loved ones and your health.

We’re also bringing services closer to you:

  • Free testing at your local clinics and wellness hub
  • Outreach at taxi ranks, workplaces, schools and malls
  • Confidential support at your local clinic
  • Youth Zones – free testing and counselling available at our local clinic youth zone for young people aged 10 and older; or speak to your school nurse if you need support.

We’re working in partnership with NPOs and community organisations to make sure that, as far as possible, services are delivered in a manner that meets the needs of communities.

Protect your health

  • If you have a persistent cough, night sweats, weight loss or fatigue, visit your nearest clinic or mobile site for a free TB test.
  • Open windows at home, school or work, in public transport like taxis and buses to let fresh air in.
  • Wear a mask if you’re coughing or in crowded spaces.
  • Ask about TB Preventive Treatment (TPT) if you’re living with HIV or have been in close contact with someone who has TB.
  • Complete your TB treatment if diagnosed, even when you start feeling better – stopping early can lead to drug resistance.
  • U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable. If someone with HIV is on sustained treatment and their viral load is undetectable, they cannot sexually transmit HIV. Staying on treatment protects your health and your loved ones.
  • You can choose to abstain from sex to avoid contracting sexually transmitted infections.
  • Use condoms – free at clinics to protect you from HIV, STIs and pregnancy.
  • Ask a nurse at your clinic about PrEP: an antiretroviral medication taken by HIV-negative people to reduce the risk of acquiring HIV.
  • Limit sexual partners to reduce risk.
  • Test every 3 months for HIV if you’re at higher risk.

Here for you

Whether it’s your first time visiting for a test or you’re coming back, we welcome you. No judgment. Just care.

Visit your local clinic or call to find out how to reconnect with treatment today.

This campaign is part of the National Department of Health’s Close the Gap Campaign, delivered in partnership with WHO, UNAIDS and local organisations.

ENDS

For media enquiries, contact:
Nadia Ferreira
Communication Officer
Western Cape Government Health and Wellness
Tel: 044 813 1831
Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za
Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

140 x Training Opportunities – Code C Drivers License for Unemployed Youth – Garden Route Rural Areas

Drivers License: Code C – Unemployed Youth 

140 x Training Opportunities for Unemployed Youth – Garden Route Rural Areas

Garden Route District Municipality invites unemployed persons between ages of 18 to 40 male or female residing within the Garden Route District Municipal area, to apply for an opportunity to be trained for a Driver’s License Code C as part of a Garden Route Skills Mecca Initiative.

Areas (Rural) include: Hessequa, Knysna, Bitou, Kannaland, Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn and George.

HOW TO APPLY:
Applicants must register and apply using the online Unemployment Solutions (Red Button) on the Garden Route Skills Mecca website / or by browsing to this short link: https://tinyurl.com/34unespk. Alternatively, applicants may manually apply by downloading the application form here, completing it, attaching the required documents listed below, and submitting it to the Garden Route District Municipality offices within their municipal area.

Programme and Entry Requirements

  • Applicants need to have as a minimum educational qualification of Grade 11 (NQF 3) or equivalent.
  • Persons must be between ages of 18 to 40 male or female residing within the Garden Route District Municipal area.

For any enquiries, contact the following officials during office hours only:
– Mr. Reginald Salmons at 044-803 1363 /or
– Ms. Sisanda Sajini at 044 803 1450 .

Closing date: 03/10/2025

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CODE-C ADVERT

140 x Training Opportunities – Code B Drivers License for Unemployed Youth – Garden Route Rural Areas

Drivers License: Code B – Unemployed Youth 

140 x Training Opportunities for Unemployed Youth – Garden Route Rural Areas

Garden Route District Municipality invites unemployed persons between ages of 18 to 40 male or female residing within the Garden Route District Municipal area, to apply for an opportunity to be trained for a Driver’s License Code B as part of a Garden Route Skills Mecca Initiative.

Areas (Rural) include: Hessequa, Knysna, Bitou, Kannaland, Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn and George.

HOW TO APPLY:
Applicants must register and apply using the online Unemployment Solutions (Red Button) on the Garden Route Skills Mecca website / or by browsing to this short link: https://tinyurl.com/34unespk. Alternatively, applicants may manually apply by downloading the application form here, completing it, attaching the required documents listed below, and submitting it to the Garden Route District Municipality offices within their municipal area.

Programme and Entry Requirements

  • Applicants need to have as a minimum educational qualification of Grade 11 (NQF 3) or equivalent.
  • Persons must be between ages of 18 to 40 male or female residing within the Garden Route District Municipal area.

For any enquiries, contact the following officials during office hours only:
– Mr. Reginald Salmons at 044-803 1363 /or
– Ms. Sisanda Sajini at 044 803 1450 .

Closing date: 03/10/2025

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CODE-B ADVERT

140 x Training Opportunities – Code C Drivers License for Employed Youth – Garden Route Rural Areas

Drivers License: Code C – Employed Youth 

140 x Training Opportunities for Employed Youth earning R15,000 or less – Garden Route Rural Areas

Garden Route District Municipality invites employed persons between ages of 18 to 40, male or female, residing within the Garden Route District Municipal area, to apply for an opportunity to be trained for a Driver’s License Code C as part of a Garden Route Skills Mecca Initiative.

Areas (Rural) include: Hessequa, Knysna, Bitou, Kannaland, Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn and George.

HOW TO APPLY:
Applicants must register and apply using the online Unemployment Solutions (Red Button) on the Garden Route Skills Mecca website / or by browsing to this short link: https://tinyurl.com/34unespk. Alternatively, applicants may manually apply by downloading the application form here, completing it, attaching the required documents listed below, and submitting it to the Garden Route District Municipality offices within their municipal area.

Programme and Entry Requirements

  • Applicants must be between 18–40 years of age.
  • Must be currently employed and earning R15,000 or less per month.
  • Minimum educational qualification: Grade 11 (NQF 3) or equivalent.
  • Must reside within the Garden Route District Municipal area.

For any enquiries, contact the following officials during office hours only:
– Mr. Reginald Salmons at 044-803 1363 /or
– Ms. Sisanda Sajini at 044 803 1450 .

Closing date: 03/10/2025

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CODE-C ADVERT

140 x Training Opportunities – Code B Drivers License for Employed Youth – Garden Route Rural Areas

Drivers License: Code B – Employed Youth 

140 x Training Opportunities for Employed Youth earning R15,000 or less – Garden Route Rural Areas

Garden Route District Municipality invites employed persons between ages of 18 to 40, male or female, residing within the Garden Route District Municipal area, to apply for an opportunity to be trained for a Driver’s License Code B as part of a Garden Route Skills Mecca Initiative.

Areas (Rural) include: Hessequa, Knysna, Bitou, Kannaland, Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn and George.

HOW TO APPLY:
Applicants must register and apply using the online Unemployment Solutions (Red Button) on the Garden Route Skills Mecca website / or by browsing to this short link: https://tinyurl.com/34unespk. Alternatively, applicants may manually apply by downloading the application form here, completing it, attaching the required documents listed below, and submitting it to the Garden Route District Municipality offices within their municipal area.

Programme and Entry Requirements

  • Applicants must be between 18–40 years of age.
  • Must be currently employed and earning R15,000 or less per month.
  • Minimum educational qualification: Grade 11 (NQF 3) or equivalent.
  • Must reside within the Garden Route District Municipal area.

For any enquiries, contact the following officials during office hours only:
– Mr. Reginald Salmons at 044-803 1363 /or
– Ms. Sisanda Sajini at 044 803 1450 .

Closing date: 03/10/2025

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CODE-B ADVERT

15 September 2025 EXPANDED PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME (EPWP): LAW ENFORCEMENT AMBASSADORS

EXPANDED PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME (EPWP): LAW ENFORCEMENT AMBASSADORS

The EPWP of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is providing an exciting opportunity to unemployed youth who have completed Grade 12, to gain practical experience as Law Enforcement Ambassadors for a period of seven (7) months.

PERIOD:  7 Months

RESIDENTIAL AREAS: Within the Garden Route district, including: Kannaland, Hessequa, George, Oudtshoorn, Knysna and Bitou.

Candidates who wish to apply must meet the following minimum requirements:

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

  • Grade 12 (Matric).
  • A valid police clearance certificate or proof of payment for police clearance.
  • Ability to speak at least two (2) of the three (3) official languages of the Western Cape.
  • Must be a South African citizen between the ages of 18 – 35.
  • Unemployed and not registered on any other Learnership, Internship, and/or Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Programme.
  • Must reside within the Garden Route district municipal area.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

  • Certified copy of Identity Document.
  • Certified copy of Grade 12 Certificate.
  • Proof of police clearance or proof of payment for police clearance.
  • Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
  • Completed EPWP application form.

APPLICATION FORMS AND FURTHER INFORMATION:

Please submit a completed EPWP application form, together with your Curriculum Vitae (CV), a certified copy of your Identity Document, a certified copy of your Grade 12 certificate, and proof of police clearance, at one of the Garden Route District Municipality’s satellite offices listed below, or via email to: epwp@edendm.co.za

GRDM Offices
GRDM Environmental Health Office
23 Michell Street, RIVERSDALE.
Tel nr: 028 7132438		 GRDM Fire and Rescue Office
54 Van Riebeeck Street, LADISMITH.
GRDM Environmental Health Office
24A Queen Street, KNYSNA.
Tel nr:  044 382 7214		 GRDM Head-Office
54 York Street, George.
Tel nr:  044 803 1300
GRDM Environmental Health Office
4 Virginia Street, PLETTENBERG BAY, 6600. Tel nr: 044 5011600		 GRDM Environmental Health Office
15 Regent Street, OUDTSHOORN, South Africa, 6620. Tel nr: 044 5011600

The current EPWP application forms are available at the Garden Route District Municipality’s Office in George (54 York Street and Mission Street) and satellite offices within the district during normal office hours (Monday – Thursday 07:30 – 16:30; Friday 07:30 – 13:30). EPWP Application forms are also available from the GRDM’s website at www.gardenroute.gov.za.

For any enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. H. Claassen at (044) 803 1531 or Ms. A. Killian at (044) 803 1501 during office hours.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applicants who do not receive any communication within one week after the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.

Click here and download the EPWP Database Application form.

Click here and download the Official Advert.

CLOSING DATE: 30 September 2025
Notice number: 97/2025

MG STRATU

15 September 2025 Media Release: GRDM plants indigenous trees at Rosemoor Home for Aged in celebration of Arbor Month

Media Release: GRDM plants indigenous trees at Rosemoor Home for Aged in celebration of Arbor Month

For immediate release
15 September 2025

This morning, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), visited the Rosemoor Home for the Aged to celebrate the importance of the trees in celebration of Arbor Month under the unified theme: “Our Forest – Our Future”.

Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, hands over the trees to Ms Jael Africa from Rosemoor Home for the Aged before planting it.

As part of the celebration, the GRDM Community Services team, led by the Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, joined representatives from the retirement home to plant three indigenous trees (a Water Pear and two Spekboom) on the premises.

In addition, GRDM Environmental Management Intern, Zine Tyam, used the opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of planting trees and protecting those that already exist.

MMC Hoogbaard, during his address to all present said that “The Garden Route District Municipality reiterates its commitment to sustainable practices that will secure a green and safe environment for future generations to enjoy”. Adding to these words, he further highlighted: “The GRDM is committed to planting trees and to ensuring that communities are empowered to contribute to nature by planting trees, and to share in the benefits from trees and the environment”.

In terms of the threat of climate change he said: “It is also important that we continue emphasising that climate change is the most serious threat to the existence of human beings”.  To address this threat, he advised: “We need to continue to plant trees, which can better the harmful effect of global warming and contribute greatly to the effective regulation of our environment and atmosphere”.

Hoogbaard further stated that trees can grow and survive for hundreds of years. “And once fully grown they bring many benefits to us, our children and their children; so, while we plant trees to grow and support the future, we remember those that have come before us”. In conclusion Hoogbaard stated: “We hope that the residents of the will find joy in the beauty and shade that it will provide.”

While delivering the vote of thanks, Johan Compion, Senior Manager for Environmental Health at GRDM said: “It is a privilege to know there are people that look after the environment and that this Old Age Home promise to look after the trees. He extended a heartfelt thanks to Sister Charmaine Titus, Ms Jael Africa and the entire Rosemoor Home for the Aged for welcoming GRDM and its officials to celebrate Arbor Month with them.

This collaborative initiative stands as a symbol of partnership and a step toward a greener, more sustainable future for the Garden Route district.

Why are trees important?

  • Trees are often called the lungs of the earth, because they give us oxygen and clean the air.
  • They absorb carbon dioxide, helping us fight climate change.
  • They also provide shade, fruit, medicine, and even wood for our daily use.
  • Beyond that, trees protect the soil from erosion, support birds, and wildlife; and
  • They make communities more beautiful and provide a peaceful atmosphere.

What can we do

  • Plant a tree at home, school or in the community – always make sure the roots are not invasive.
  • Care for the trees we already have.

We urge communities to spread the message of why trees matter!

ENDS

15 September 2025 Media Release: GRDM joins Knysna Municipality and others to clean up some beach areas

Media Release: GRDM joins Knysna Municipality and others to clean up some beach areas

For immediate release
15 September 2025

To celebrate International Coastal Clean-Up Day in Knysna from 11 to 12 September 2025, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) joined hands with the Knysna Municipality, the Western Cape Provincial Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP), CapeNature, and the South African National Parks (SANParks).

Participants clean-up the Main Beach of Buffalo Bay, in celebration of International Coastal Clean-up Day.

The annual International Coastal Clean-Up Day is celebrated on 20 September 2025 every year, however this initiative is celebrated worldwide with various coastal, estuarine, river, and marine clean-up activities. According to Dr Nina Viljoen, GRDM Head: Environmental Management, ‘this initiative is a meaningful approach to raise awareness on the impact of waste and littering on the Garden Route’s sensitive coastline, and why coastal and marine wildlife, birds and plants rely on a clean coastal and marine environment”.

“It inspires sustainable habits, as awareness is the first step towards change,” she said.

On Thursday, 11 September, Knysna Municipality hosted a coastal clean-up awareness event at the Hornlee Civic Hall in Knysna, where High School Tourism learners from surrounding schools were treated to awareness talks and exhibitions. Organisations, including CapeNature, the SANParks, and Knysna Tourism, collectively raised awareness to learners about the Tourism Industry, focusing on the benefits of eco-tourism and the challenges within the Sector.

Learners are educated about various marine life species during the Clean-up operation at Buffalo Bay beach.

The next day, Knysna Municipality also hosted a clean-up operation along the Buffalo Bay main beach. During the event, learners from the Rondevlei Learning Centre participated to clear the beach as they collected waste and small litter particles they came across. In rewarding them for all their efforts, the CapeNature team presented an interactive activity to them, where they had to identify marine life on the beach, and were furthermore educated on ‘why clean beaches are important’. The GRDM Environmental Management team, under leadership of Dr Nina Viljoen, furthermore spoiled them with stationery packs and snacks that were donated by the Western Cape DEA&DP.

This collaborative partnership between these participating organisations symbolises how Government institutions take hands and make a difference in ensuring the success of environmental projects rolled out within communities of the Garden Route district.

Did you know?

Rondevlei Learning Centre is established in 2019 and is a registered NPC (2024/453120/08) and PBO with Section 18A registration. Their aim is to provide stimulating forms of learning to children struggling with mainstream education.

Also read: https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/2025/09/01/46214/

ENDS

11 September 2025 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Bids Farewell to a ‘Big One’

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Bids Farewell to a ‘Big One’

 11 September 2025

Colleagues from the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) mourn the passing of their beloved colleague, Mxolisi John Klaas, fondly known as Uncle John.  He sadly passed away on Sunday, 31 of August, at the Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town after a short illness.

Mxolisi John Klaas was born on 12 October 1965 in the small Eastern Cape town of Middelburg in the Great Karoo.  He would have celebrated his 60th birthday this coming October.

Uncle John joined the then Eden District Municipality (now GRDM) on 08 September 1997 as a General Operator, but due to his dedication and eagerness to learn, he ends up operating a wide variety of plants and machinery.

Since 2019, Uncle John worked under the Roads Services Workshop Section, reporting directly to Melissa Koen.

“It’s difficult to put into words what Uncle John meant to us, not just as a colleague, but as a person. No matter the changes around him, one thing never changed, his attitude. He was consistent, respectful, and deeply committed to his work. For 16 years, he drove the lowbed truck with a quiet sense of purpose, showing up day after day with a calm, steady presence that made him stand out in the best possible way,” said his direct supervisor, Melissa Koen.

Colleagues remember that even in the final weeks before he became severely ill, Uncle John continue to show up for work with dedication and commitment. He worked through discomfort, pain and even when it would have been more than understandable for him to step back. “That kind of dedication is rare. It wasn’t for recognition or praise, but it was simply who he was,” Koen said.

According to his colleagues, some of the outstanding characteristics of Mxolisi John Klaas were his steady nature, his calm and reserved demeanour and his ever-present warm smile. He never drew attention to himself, but you always noticed when he was there and even more so now that he is not around.

Uncle John leaves behind not just memories, but a lasting impression on those who had the privilege of working with him. He’ll be fondly missed not just for what he did, but for who he was.

He leaves behind his wife, Vuyiseka Veronica Klaas, 3 daughters and 2 grandchildren.

-END-

05 September 2025 Media Release: GRDM assists Knysna Municipality with water for the Buffalo Bay residents

Media Release: GRDM assists Knysna Municipality with water for the Buffalo Bay residents

For immediate release
05 September 2025

Last week, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Disaster Management Centre received a request from Knysna Municipality to assist with the tankering of water to residents of the Buffalo Bay area.

“The need for water developed due to the high salinity levels in the Goukamma River at the point of abstraction, about 10 kilometres up-stream from the sea,” said Gerhard Otto, Manager for Disaster Management at GRDM.  Otto explained: “These high salinity levels were a result of the combination of the following:

  • The river mouth being closed.
  • There has been very little rain for an extended period of time, therefore very little run-off reached the river from the river catchment area; and
  • Due to evaporation, the salinity of the water in the river increases day-by-day”.

The GRDM Disaster Management and Firefighting teams immediately dispatched the 10 000-litre water tanker to Sedgefield where the tanker was filled and then used to transport water to the main reservoir in Buffalo Bay. The operation was supported by a fleet of three additional tankers; two rented by Knysna Municipality from private service providers, and one made available by the Central Karoo District Municipality.

Due to the lengthy process to fill-up the tankers in Sedgefield, the GRDM reinforced the fleet with an additional 6,000-litre tanker to improve turnaround times.

While assisting in Knysna, a fire broke out in Albertinia, requiring the temporary diversion of the GRDM firefighters who had been driving the tankers. From Monday, 1 September 2025, however, the GRDM team resumed daily water deliveries to Buffalo Bay.

The GRDM is aware that the tankering of water is only a temporary solution and that the only short-term solution would be to do an emergency breaching of the Goukamma River Mouth. This process, however, does not reflect in the current Management Plan of this system,” said Otto. He added: “GRDM is in ongoing discussions with CapeNature – we received confirmation from Cape Nature that a special emergency breaching committee meeting will be scheduled for Tuesday next week, where all the latest data will be assessed to decide on a way forward”

ENDS