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2 February 2026 Media Release: Garden Route Wetlands – A Climate and Biodiversity Imperative

Media Release: Garden Route Wetlands – A Climate and Biodiversity Imperative

2 February 2026

On 2 February World Wetlands Day is celebrated globally, and the theme for this year is “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage”.

Wetlands are among the most valuable yet vulnerable ecosystems in the Garden Route, playing a critical role in water security, climate resilience and biodiversity conservation. As pressures from climate change intensify, the protection of these natural assets has become a strategic priority for the region.

“The Garden Route is home to several wetlands of international importance, including Ramsar-designated systems that provide essential ecosystem services. These wetlands act as natural sponges, absorbing floodwaters during extreme rainfall events, releasing water during dry periods, filtering pollutants and supporting a rich diversity of plant and animal life. In an era of increasing droughts, floods and temperature extremes, their role as natural climate buffers cannot be overstated”, says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

One of the most remarkable wetland systems in the region is Vankervelsvlei, located near Buffels Bay and nestled within the PG Bison plantations. This peat-based wetland is estimated to be one of the oldest on the African continent, having accumulated organic material over thousands of years. Vankervelsvlei is not only a biodiversity hotspot, but also a significant carbon store, locking away vast amounts of carbon and helping to mitigate climate change. Damage or degradation of such systems results in irreversible biodiversity loss and the release of stored carbon back into the atmosphere.

From a biodiversity perspective, Garden Route wetlands support numerous endemic and threatened species and form ecological corridors linking terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments. Their degradation has far-reaching consequences for ecosystems, agriculture and local livelihoods.

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) has recognised this importance and has developed a wetland strategy aimed at identifying, protecting and sustainably managing wetlands across the district. This strategy provides a vital framework for coordinated action, but its success depends on effective implementation, adequate resourcing and strong collaboration between authorities, landowners, industry and civil society.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) believes wetlands must be treated as strategic natural infrastructure. Protecting and restoring them is not only an environmental obligation, but a cost-effective investment in climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction and long-term regional resilience. Safeguarding these systems today is essential to securing water, biodiversity and livelihoods for future generations.

Photo: Great Brak Estuary

Caption: The Great Brak river and estuary is an important home to thousands of birds and acts as nursery to fish replenishing the Indian Ocean, but it’s fresh water supply is under threat due to invasive alien plants in its upper catchments and water extraction.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) serves as a public platform for landowners and environmental managers and operates as a climate change think tank.(www.grefecsf.co.za)

30 January 2026 Media Release: Gift of the Givers comes to the rescue again – donating borehole equipment to assist Bitou

Media Release: Gift of the Givers comes to the rescue again – donating borehole equipment to assist Bitou

For immediate release
30 January 2026

Due to water restrictions and in some areas, shortages of potable water, Bitou Municipality recently reached out to the non-governmental organisation (NGO), Gift of the Givers, for assistance in refurbishing four existing boreholes to augment the municipality’s water supply system.

Following the discussions and assessment conducted, representatives from Gift of the Givers in collaboration with Shoprite on 28 January 2026 donated borehole equipment in order to refurbish the designated boreholes.

Bitou Executive Mayor Jessica Kamkam, addressing representatives from Gift of the Givers, Councillors and Officials present during the handover of the borehole equipment.

Executive Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Municipal Manager of Bitou together with Bitou Councillors Swart and Olivier, as well as Manager of Disaster Manager at Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), Gerhard Otto and representatives of the Bitou Infrastructure Department officially accepted the equipment on behalf of Bitou Municipality.

Subsequent to the donation, the Bitou Municipality already initiated the process to install the equipment within the next week to fast-track improved access to additional groundwater to provide some relief on current surface water abstraction, as well as to ensure additional emergency water supply in addition to the current water obtained from the town’s desalination plant.

Gerhard Otto during the handover said: “ Some actions and processes that can take governmental organisations three months to implement can be done by NGO’s and Faith-Based-Organisations in three days”. In addition, Otto highlighted that “this again is an example of how local government can work together with humanitarian organisations towards a common goal i.e. we need to avoid a DAY Zero and that means all hands-on deck”.

In conclusion Otto emphasised: “Every drop counts and while as a collective we aim to implement as many as possible water augmentation projects, we must work together to drive down consumption to a maximum of 50 liters of water per person per day”.

Feature Image: Representatives from Bitou and Garden Route District Municipalities, as well as Gift of the Givers during the official handover of the borehole equipment.

ENDS

29 January 2026 Opportunities: 60 x Garden Route Skills Mecca Opportunities

60 x GARDEN ROUTE SKILLS MECCA OPPORTUNITIES

WORK INTEGRATED LEARNING, INTERNSHIPS AND LEARNERSHIPS

The Garden Route District Municipality invites unemployed persons currently residing within the Garden Route District Municipal area, to apply for Garden Route Skills Mecca Programme as listed below. Preference will be given to candidates with a qualification as categorised below. People with disabilities are encouraged to apply and those who previously formed part of these programmes are not allowed to re-apply. Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 35 (classified as youth).

 Programme and Entry Requirements:

Applicants will be selected based on the following sequentially prioritised criteria and the opportunities will be distributed across the Garden Route district (Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Bitou, Oudtshoorn and Kannaland):

1. Graduate Internship Programme

  • Persons with any NQF Level 6 Local or International Qualification in any field and want to do practical training.
  • Graduates with Tourism / Hospitality Qualification will be given preference.

Number of Opportunities: x35
Stipend: R6 000 p/m

2. Work Integrated Learning

  • Persons with a Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College N6 qualification; only those who require practicals in order to complete their diplomas.
  • Preference will be given to those with a Tourism/ Hospitality Qualification.

Number of Opportunities: x5
Stipend: R5 500 p/m

3. Learnership

  • Grade 12 certificate with Communication at NQF Level 4; and
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF level 4.

Number of Opportunities: x20
Stipend: R5 500 p/m

For any enquiries, do not hesitate to contact Kayakazi Klaas at 044 803 1434, or Berma Losper at 044 803 1344 during office hours only (Monday to Thursday, 7:30 – 16:30 and Friday, 7:30 – 13:30). Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Should candidates not be contacted within two months after the closing date, they must consider their application as unsuccessful.

Closing Date: 06 February 2026
Notice number: 3/2026

Apply here (red button, top right)

Click here to download the full advert.

28 January 2025 Media Release: Foot-and-Mouth Disease Poses Major Threat as Southern Cape Farmers Step Up Biosecurity

Media Release: Foot-and-Mouth Disease Poses Major Threat as Southern Cape Farmers Step Up Biosecurity

28 January 2025

The outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) remains one of the most serious threats facing South African agriculture and the broader economy. Industry leaders argue that the scale of the current risk could have been significantly reduced if faster, more coordinated national response measures had been implemented earlier. While several parts of the country have reported cases of the highly contagious disease, the Southern Cape has to date remained free of confirmed infections. Despite this, cattle and dairy farmers across the region are taking proactive steps to protect their herds.

“Especially along the coastal plateau there are vast numbers of cattle in the Garden Route, and agriculture is a cornerstone of the regional economy,” says GREF convener Cobus Meiring.

“The absence of cases here does not mean we must relax. On the contrary, it means prevention is absolutely critical.”

Farmers are currently implementing a range of biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of it rapidly spreading through the Garden Route. These include restricting farm access, disinfecting vehicles and equipment, limiting the movement of livestock, and closely monitoring animals for early signs of infection. Many producers have also increased record-keeping around animal movements and are engaging more frequently with veterinarians.

One of the biggest concerns remains the movement of unmonitored or undocumented herds between regions. “Uncontrolled movement is always a major risk factor,” Meiring explains. “Even a single breach can have devastating consequences.”

While current efforts are widely supported, questions remain about whether more could be done. Improved enforcement of movement controls, faster information sharing between authorities and farmers, and greater consistency in biosecurity protocols across provinces have all been highlighted as areas needing attention.

“We can only prepare as best we can and ensure that all reasonable safety precautions are firmly in place,” says Meiring. “But this requires collective discipline.”

The plea from industry leaders is clear: all stakeholders, including commercial farmers and smallholders to transporters and regulators must strictly adhere to established protocols to prevent the spread of the disease.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) serves as a public platform for landowners and environmental managers and operates as a climate change think tank. In the context of FMD, the organisation is emphasising the importance of shared responsibility in safeguarding both food security and regional livelihoods.

22 January 2026 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality achieves 5th consecutive Clean Audit

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality achieves 5th consecutive Clean Audit

22 January 2026

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) has once again demonstrated its commitment to good governance and responsible financial management after receiving its fifth consecutive clean audit from the Auditor-General of South Africa for the 2024/2025 financial year. In a national environment where many municipalities continue to face governance and financial challenges, GRDM’s sustained clean audit record reinforces the Western Cape’s reputation for excellence in local government and positions the GRDM as a stable and trusted public institution.

With 5 Clean Audits under his leadership, Monde Stratu, GRDM Municipal Manager, said: “This achievement reflects our collective strong leadership, sound internal controls, and a culture of accountability across the organisation”.

“This outcome did not happen by chance, and I commend our staff for their professionalism and dedication in maintaining high standards year after year,” he said.

Executive Mayor Marais Kruger welcomed the audit outcome and congratulated Council, management, and staff on the milestone. “Achieving our fifth consecutive clean audit is a powerful signal of trust to our communities, stakeholders, and partners. It shows that Garden Route District Municipality manages public funds responsibly and that we take our governance responsibilities seriously. This achievement is the result of teamwork, discipline, and a shared commitment to doing what is right for the people we serve.”

Chief Financial Officer Rian Boshoff acknowledged the role of financial discipline and internal controls in sustaining clean administration. “Maintaining a clean audit requires continuous monitoring, prudent spending, and accountability at every level. I would like to thank all the officials that were involved in the audit process, management, and all departments for their commitment to safeguarding public resources.”

The Municipality’s Internal Audit and Risk Management functions continue to play a key role in monitoring that recommendations from the Auditor-General are addressed proactively and that governance systems remain strong and effective.

Chief Audit Executive, Pamela Lufele, said: “A fifth consecutive clean audit outcome reflects a strong control environment, effective governance structures, and management’s commitment to legislative requirements. The cooperation between management, internal audit, and external audit in addressing prior-year audit findings and emerging risks further ensures overall success.”

This fifth consecutive clean audit reinforces GRDM’s standing as a reliable, accountable, and well-governed municipality, working in partnership with local municipalities and communities to build a resilient and prosperous Garden Route.

“GRDM will now be able to finalise its oversight process by tabling the final Annual Report to the Audit Committee, Municipal Public Accounts Committee and ultimately to council for final adoption,“ said the Strategic Manager in the Office of the Municipal Manager, Mr Thembani Loliwe.

ENDS

20 January 2026 Save the Date: Notice of a Council Meeting on 27 January 2026 at 11:00

Notice of a Council Meeting on 27 January 2026 at 11:00

Notice Number: 01/2026

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 27 January 2026 at 11:00.

Members of the public are invited to view the proceeding through the GRDM YouTube channel at:
https://youtube.com/live/a2_MG_B-X-8?feature=share

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

19 January 2026 Media Release: Mattresses and blankets handed over to Graceland Crèche by GRDM

Media Release: Mattresses and blankets handed over to Graceland Crèche by GRDM

For immediate release
19 January 2026

Today, 19 January 2026, the Department Community Services, handed over mattresses and blankets to Graceland Crèche in Conville, George, as part of an Early Childhood Development Health and Hygiene Awareness session presented by Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) from GRDM.

EHPs Janine Koopman (left) and Lana Don (right) demonstrate proper hand wash techniques and an illegal dumping presentation to kids and caretakers of Graceland Crèche.

To start off the programme, the team of EHPs Janine Koopman and Lana Don, demonstrated how hands must be washed during the day in order to prevent the spread of germs and prevent illnesses. Another important aspect of concern in the environment, is illegal dumping of litter in the environment. During the presentation the team emphasised the importance how litter must be handled, that it must be put in a dustbin instead of littered in the communities. All kids present were also encouraged to share these messages with parents at home.

When handing over the items to the crèche, Cllr Hoogbaard emphasised that “although it might not be plenty items to fulfil all the needs of the creche, the gesture comes from a District Municipality that cares for its communities”.

Johan Compion, Senior Manager responsible for Municipal Health at GRDM, during his address emphasised the importance of proper rest in a learning environment stating that “good rest allows your body to restore enough energy in order for you to focus better in class, especially during lessons – you think better, you listen better and complete your tasks better in the class,” he emphasised.

The principal of the crèche, Mandy Booysen, extended words of gratitude to all EHPs who delivered presentations about good hygiene practices and the negative impact of illegal dumping on the environment. She also stated that “every single gesture of support to the facility is appreciated,” when she referred to how expensive daily essentials are to operate optimally and to provide the best possible service to the children enrolled at the crèche.

“We thank the District Municipality, Cllr Hoogbaard and the team for the visit today and for choosing Graceland Creche so early in the year,” Booysen added.

DID YOU KNOW?

  •  Illegal dumping causes the spread of bacteria, diseases, causes rodent infestations, causes water, soil, and air pollution and it also blocks our water network systems. It furthermore leads to pollution of air, water and soil, and can also attract pests and create unsanitary conditions. In addition, it can also decrease property values and negatively impact the overall aesthetic of an area.
  • Hand washing benefits both young and old and is the first line of defence in preventing the spread of disease and must be embraced vigorously by families, schools and health care professionals.

Gallery:

ENDS

16 January 2026 Media Release: Environmental Practitioners from GRDM ensured health and safety standards during holiday period

Media Release: Environmental Practitioners from GRDM ensured health and safety standards during holiday period

For immediately release
16 January 2026

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) has implemented its Seasonal Municipal Health Safety Plan to ensure the health and safety of residents and visitors during the December holiday period.

As tourists entered the region GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) intensified their Municipal Health plans conducting inspections while monitoring and creating awareness across all seven local municipal areas to protect public health during the busiest time of the year.

The following inspections were conducted:

Knysna Region:

  • Formal food premises – 54
  • Informal food premises – 14

Pre-seasonal Health and Hygiene inspections were conducted of at major food outlets, malls and shopping centres. During this period no food related incidents were reported to this office.

George – Wilderness region:

  • Formal food premises – 44
  • Spaza shops – 25

Premises were under severe pressure due to the influx of tourists to the area. This made cleaning as-you-go challenging and most cleaning was done after business hours. Hiring more staff is an option that can help clean continuously, but it comes at a cost. Premises must not stretch beyond their reach in Decembers and accommodate more customers than they are able to handle – this is to ensure that food safety remains prioritised.

Although people followed health and hygiene standards, a possible scabies outbreak was reported in the area. Following inspections conducted, it was discovered that only two cases occurred, after which the facility acted to prevent further spread in the area. Health education was provided to the management of the facility.

Another complaint of children defecating in the water at the Touws River was received and subsequently a swimming section was cornered off for no swimming due to contamination. It is important to be reminded that there are clean public bathroom facilities to use and that many people also swim in the same water, so the water must be left in the clean condition it was found in.

Stalls/markets in the area were also monitored to ensure ongoing compliance, and mostly everyone complied.

George – Outeniqua region:

  • Formal food premises: 86
  • Informal food premises: 107

Highlights experienced in this area were that all informal food stalls were registered prior to events; health and hygiene requirements were met by all food handlers/owners; and minor incidences were addressed and rectified immediately showing co-operation and willingness to adhere. Furthermore, no health and hygiene complaints were received from various platforms during the holiday period.

EHPs extended a message of gratitude to all businesses for their cooperation and the commitment that they have showed towards the environmental well-being of the communities of the Garden Route.

Bitou region:

The following inspections were conducted:

  • Formal food premises: 39
  • Information food premises: 1
  • In the Bitou area, residents and visitors followed and complied to health and hygiene standards – all inspected food premises complied, with no cases of food poisoning reported.

Mossel Bay region:

The Mossel Bay area hosted various events including the:

  • “Matriek Baai”
  • Jazz Festival
  • “Afrikaans is Groot” (2 events)
  • 2 x Christmas White Tents in Hartenbos
  • Markets – Brinkleys; Great Brak River
  • Amongst others.

With these events that were hosted in Mossel Bay, the EHPs also included inspections of these and other premises in their planning for the holiday period. The following premises were inspected:

  • Formal food premises (complied): 58
  • Informal food premises (complied): 70
  • Spaza shops (complied): 9
  • Other premises (complied): 18

A highlight of this area was that all informal food stalls were registered prior to events. Health and hygiene requirements were met by all food handlers/owners, however, minor incidences were addressed and rectified immediately’ showing co-operation and willingness by business owners and managers to adhere to the health and hygiene standards. No health and hygiene complaints were received from various platforms during the holiday period.

Furthermore, EHPs from the Mossel Bay region did regular monitoring of the bacteriological standard in the Hartenbos River during the holiday. From the total of four samples taken at two sampling points at the Hartenbos River, all the samples complied bacteriologically.

Hessequa region:

The following inspections were conducted:

  • Formal food premises: 37
  • Informal food premises: 14
  • Spaza shops: 52

Most of the inspections were follow-ups as to ensure compliance to relevant regulations. Caravan parks were well maintained by the Hessequa Municipality with excellent hygiene standards applied.

The following events took place:

  • 20 Dec 2025 – Cooler Box Chill out, Riversdale
  • 20 Dec 2025 – Cooler Box Chill out, Heidelberg
  • 21 Dec 2025 – Cooler Box Chill out, Albertinia
  • Christmas Outreach
  • 27 Dec 2025 – Summer Baze

These events were regarded as low-risk events as only one food trader were operating at the events. Hygiene aspects with regards to food safety, waste management and sanitation, were thus adhered to.

Oudtshoorn and Kannaland:

Between 15 December and the 5 January 2026, 41 inspections were conducted in the Klein Karoo region.  This included formal food premises and general surveillance inspections. No food related complaints were received over the festive season.

Regrettably, the water situation in Kannaland worsened to the point where water had to be transported to areas where there was no accessible water available.  Kannaland also received assistance from various sources to help alleviate the problem.

Two crucial lessons learned during the festive period, is communication and safety.

  1. Communication is critical: Effective and efficient Municipal Health Services requires constant dialogue between management and the public and that regular training and awareness sessions at business premises be conducted.
  2. Safety:  It is not just the EHPs responsibility; it is a cooperative effort involving everyone to maintain a healthy and safe environment.

The Municipal Health Services of GRDM extends a word of gratitude to the community for taking care over the festive season and wishing everyone a prosperous and blessed 2026.

ENDS

16 January 2026 Media Release: Fire and Drought inflict trauma on the Garden Route

Media Release: Fire and Drought inflict trauma on the Garden Route

16 January 2026

The Garden Route environment has once again been placed under immense strain as widespread wildfires, fuelled by prolonged drought and relentless winds raged across large parts of the region in recent weeks. Multiple fires between Mossel Bay and Gqeberha pushed communities to the brink, with only the dedication and expertise of highly trained firefighting teams preventing catastrophic loss of life and property.

“Only committed and well-equipped firefighting expertise saved the day,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF). “The scale and intensity of these fires underline just how vulnerable the region has become under current climatic conditions.”

Beyond the physical damage, the psychological toll on communities living under constant threat of fire is profound. This stress is compounded by the ongoing drought, with water restrictions firmly in place across the Garden Route and Knysna reportedly on the verge of running out of water. Fire and drought are intrinsically linked in this region, as painfully demonstrated during the 2017 Knysna disaster, when the town faced near-total water depletion while simultaneously dealing with the aftermath of South Africa’s most devastating fire event.

Although the recent fires were predicted months in advance due to extremely dry conditions and persistent winds, the ferocity and reach of the blazes left many residents shocked. With several dry months still ahead, the likelihood of further fire incidents remains high.

The financial cost of fighting multiple large-scale fires is staggering, while the physical and emotional strain placed on firefighters and disaster management personnel working around the clock cannot be quantified. The Garden Route’s firefighting and disaster management capacity is widely regarded as world-class, built on years of planning, training, and constant preparedness. These efforts deserve recognition and sincere appreciation.

Despite early warnings and repeated calls for landowners to implement fire breaks and clear Invasive Alien Plants to reduce fuel loads, many properties, particularly along the urban edge were ill-prepared for the fires that followed.

Climate change is no longer a distant threat but a present reality. Authorities are doing what they can with limited resources, but adaptation to this new normal requires a collective effort.

Residents are urged to heed early warnings, reduce risk proactively, and take responsibility for safeguarding their properties and communities.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum serves as a public platform for environmental managers and a climate change think tank.

Picture Caption: Aftermath of the wildfire that occurred early January 2026 in Mossel Bay: Source: Mossel Bay Municipality

ENDS

 

15 January 2025 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality mourns the sudden passing of Diazine Pretorius

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality mourns the sudden passing of Diazine Pretorius

15 January 2025

It is with deep sadness that the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) announces the passing of Diazine Pretorius, who passed away on 8 January 2026 due to natural causes.

Diazine (38), had been in the employment of the GRDM’s Roads Services since 16 January 2012, serving as a General Attendant in Van Wyksdorp. Her sudden passing has left colleagues and the community shocked and deeply saddened.

She was known among her colleagues as a hardworking person who genuinely cared for her fellow human beings. Diazine had a vibrant personality and rendered many years of dedicated service to the GRDM and the community she served. She is fondly remembered for her positive outlook on life and was dearly loved by both her colleagues and the broader community.

Diazine was married to Desmond Pretorius and is survived by three children (one son and two daughters).

The GRDM extends its heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones during this difficult time.

– END –