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17 October 2025 Media Release: GRDM hosts Graduation Ceremony for 69 Learners who successfully completed Water and Wastewater Programmes

Media Release: GRDM hosts Graduation Ceremony for 69 Learners who successfully completed Water and Wastewater Programmes

For immediate release
17 October 2025

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in November 2023, rolled out various projects to upskill employed participants in the field of Water and Wastewater.

A grant allocation for 84 employed learners was awarded for the region then, and today, 17 October, 69 employed learners who successfully completed the 12-month programme, graduated at a ceremony hosted by GRDM at the Conville Civic Hall in George.

These programmes include:
– Water and Wastewater treatment process operations – NQF level 2;
– Water and Wastewater Treatment Process Control – NQF level 3; and
– Water and Wastewater Treatment Process Supervision – NQF level 4.

The Water and Wastewater Treatment qualifications are designed for individuals currently working in/or aspiring to enter the water and wastewater treatment sector. These qualifications aim to recognise and develop essential skills required to operate effectively within water and wastewater treatment works. It provides learners with foundational knowledge, as well as supervisory competencies aligned with industry standards. Learners are therefore equipped with the technical and operational understanding necessary to manage water and wastewater treatment processes efficiently.

Thembani Loliwe, Strategic Services Manager at GRDM, congratulated the students and said: “Climate change has a huge impact on water as a vulnerable resource. We therefore need to protect this vulnerable resource. For this reason, you will be an asset to the region”. Loliwe also acknowledged the Local Government SETA (LGSETA) for the 1.7 million funding which they made available for the successful roll-out of this initiative through the Garden Route Skills Mecca initiative”.

In addition, Loliwe said: “This programme and your dedication has shown that you are indeed needed by the municipalities in the region”. In closing he said: “Take the opportunity, grab it with both hands and make a success of it”.

Gerhard Otto, Manager for Disaster Management at GRDM sketched the worrisome scenario of the status of water in the district. He said: ” Water is scarce – we need to conserve it and we need to have systems in place to prevent a dire situation for the area”. In addition, Otto emphasised: “We need to look at a solution that cuts across municipal boundaries”. In terms of the role of those who completed the course, he said: “Your role is to ensure that the quality of the water is of good standard. We need to conserve what we have and build our future together”. When interpreting the rainfall figures Otto further stressed that “we are not getting enough rain in the catchment that does not look good for the area – we are in for a dry Summer with little rainfall. Therefore, we need to conserve what we have”.

Aneeka Jacobs, Provincial Specialist at the LGSETA, congratulated the students with the following words: “You took the challenge, you showed up. You studied. You grew. You passed and today you wear the badge of achievement.” Describing the certificate received by all, she highlighted: “It is a key to employment, promotion, entrepreneurship, and personal pride”.

In her address, Ald. Nompumelelo Ndayi, Portfolio Chairperson of Corporate Services at GRDM said: “Your achievement demonstrates what is possible when we invest in people. This project made possible through the collaboration between the GRDM, our local municipalities, and the LGSETA, reflects the spirit of the Joint District Metro Approach, working together to build capacity, unlock opportunities, and empower our workforce”.

To the facilitators, mentors, and the Skills Development Units, Ndayi said: “Thank you for your tireless efforts in guiding and supporting our learners. Your dedication ensures that training is not just a formality, but a meaningful investment in the future of local government”. Ndayi also acknowledged the LGSETA. “We extend our gratitude for believing in our region and for making these programmes possible. Partnerships like these ensure that the Garden Route continues to lead by example in capacity building and skills development.”

The implementation of these projects furthermore aims to address critical skills shortages, promote career advancement, improve job security, and enhance overall productivity within the water and wastewater sector. This initiative contributes meaningfully to broader socio-economic development across the Garden Route district.

This collaborative initiative furthermore aims to strengthen regional capacity by supporting skills development and driving the JDMA. The GRDM coordinates and facilitates these projects and implementation is done in collaboration with the Skills Development Units of the respective Local Municipalities.

ENDS 

Participants with the GRDM Management and Stakeholders during the graduation ceremony.

20 October 2025 Media Release: Klein Karoo EHPs Celebrate World Environmental Health Day

Media Release: Klein Karoo EHPs Celebrate World Environmental Health Day

20 October 2025

The Klein Karoo Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) recently engaged in community outreach under the theme: “Clean Air, Healthy People.”

Garden Route District Municipality’s EHPs, Maxwelline Fatuse and Ikanya Hendricks visited Zoar Clinic and Amalienstein Clinic, where they engaged with patients on the importance of clean air, avoiding smoking in public spaces, safe water use, and improving indoor air quality. The public interaction was positive, asking questions and actively participating in the discussions.

The team also visited Ladismith Clinic, focusing specifically on safe water use and household air quality.  The visit was particularly important as the community of Ladismith has faced numerous water challenges in the past months.

Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) hosted regular public education and health awareness activities, highlighting the importance of smoke-free public areas. They also monitored the safe storage, handling, and distribution of food served during the event. Food samples are collected on-site during events for bacteriological testing to ensure compliance with food safety standards.

These initiatives reflect Klein Karoo Environmental Health’s ongoing commitment to promoting healthier communities through education, preventative action, and strong public engagement.

-END-

Afrikaans:

Klein Karoo EHP’s vier Wêreldomgewingsgesondheidsdag

Die Klein Karoo Omgewingsgesondheidspraktisyns (EHP’s) van die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit het onlangs Wêreldomgewingsgesondheidsdag gevier met gemeenskapsuitreike onder die tema: “Suiwer Lug, Gesonde Mense.”

EHP’s Maxwelline Fatuse en Ikanya Hendricks het die Zoar- en Amalienstein-klinieke besoek waar hulle met pasiënte gesels het oor die belangrikheid van skoon lug, die vermyding van rook in openbare ruimtes, veilige watergebruik en binnenshuise luggehalte. Die besoek aan Ladismith-kliniek het gefokus op veilige watergebruik en huishoudelike luggehalte – ’n belangrike tema gegewe die dorp se onlangse wateruitdagings.

Tydens hierdie tipe uitreike word openbare gesondheidsbewustheid bevorder, rookvrye ruimtes beklemtoon en voedselveiligheid gemonitor deur monsters vir toetsing te neem. Hierdie inisiatiewe weerspieël die Klein Karoo-span se voortdurende verbintenis tot gesonder gemeenskappe deur opvoeding, voorkoming en aktiewe betrokkenheid.

-EINDE-

16 October 2025 Public Notice: Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) Meeting on 22 October 2025 at 11:00

Notice of a MPAC Meeting on 22 October 2025 at 11:00

Notice: 111/2025

Notice is hereby given that a Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) Meeting of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the CA Robertson Council Chambers and via Zoom, 54 York Street, George, on 22 October 2025 at 11:00.

MG Stratu
Municipal Manager54 York Street
P O Box 12
GEORGE
6530

Tel: 044 803 1300
Notice Number: 111/2025

Click here to download the Official Notice

15 Oktober 2025 Persverklaring: Klein-Karoo Tuinroete- en Kannaland-munisipaliteite verenig vir gemeenskapsgedrewe rivier-skoonmaakinisiatief

Persverklaring: Klein-Karoo Tuinroete- en Kannaland-munisipaliteite verenig vir gemeenskapsgedrewe rivier-skoonmaakinisiatief

15 Oktober 2025

Laas week Dinsdag, 7 Oktober 2025, het die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit, in vennootskap met Kannaland Munisipaliteit, ’n skoonmaaksessie gehou. Die inisiatief is geïnisieer en gelei deur die Afvalbestuursafdeling van die Kannaland Munisipaliteit.

Die skoonmaak was ’n gemeenskapsgedrewe poging met die doel om die plaaslike ekosisteme te herstel en bewaar. Dié geleentheid het plaaslike vrywilligers saamgebring, omgewingsbewustheid bevorder, en besoedeling aan te spreek deur skadelike afval suksesvol uit die rivier verwyder. Die projek wys wat mense kan bereik as hulle saamwerk om die omgewing te beskerm.

Doelwitte van die skoonmaakinisiatief:

– Verwyder plastiek en ander rommel uit die rivier.
– Lig gemeenskappe in oor hoe om afval beter te bestuur en die natuur te beskerm.
– Moedig mense aan om die omgewing op die lang termyn te versorg.
– Versamel inligting oor die hoeveelheid afval om toekomstige skoonmaakplanne te verbeter.

 

Belanghebbendes en Vennootskappe:

 

Kannaland Munisipaliteit – Verskaf logistieke ondersteuning en afvalverwydering.

Kommunikasie- en LED-afdeling van Kannaland Munisipaliteit – Help met gemeenskapsbetrokkenheid en koördinering.

Departement van Bosbou, Visserye en die Omgewing (DFFE) – Jeug-omgewingsgradueerdes het deelgeneem.

FC Velocity Sokkerklub – Verskaf jeugvrywilligers.

Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit – Verskaf T-hemde, sakke, water, bewustheidsmateriaal en die ‘maskot’.

Kantoor van die Uitvoerende Burgemeester, Kannaland Munisipaliteit – Bied versnaperinge aan.

-EINDE-

15 October 2025 Update: GRDM provides water to residential areas within the Knysna municipal area

Update: GRDM provides water to residential areas within the Knysna municipal area

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) recently received a request from the Municipal Manager of Knysna to assist with the tankering of water to areas in Hornlee, as well as Concordia residential areas where low water levels in the higher lying reservoirs are making it difficult for them to ensure un-interrupted water supply.

Since Monday, 13 October 2025, the DMC in collaboration with the GRDM Fire Service has been using both the 10 000 and 6000 litre water tankers to deliver water to these communities.  According to the Knysna Municipality’s Technical Services Department, personnel experienced in some instances 13 hour long electrical outages that occurred over the weekend resulting in the below normal levels of the higher situated bulk water reservoirs which supply water to these areas. Water flow to these specific areas has been running at full capacity since Monday and it was foreseen that the water levels in these reservoirs would reach normal operating values by today, 15 October 2025.

The GRDM will however extend water tankering assistance to also include water tankering to Buffalo Bay, as well as Kurland in Bitou, where current drought conditions remain a challenge to ensure normal water supply.

ENDS

15 October 2025 Media Release: GRDM bags two awards during the 10th Toughest Firefighter South Africa Championship

GRDM bags two awards during the 10th Toughest Firefighter South Africa Championship

15 October 2025

George – The winners of various categories were announced last Saturday night following three days of the gruelling 10th Toughest Firefighter Alive (TFA) South Africa Championship, held at the Garden Route Mall in George. Firefighters and fire chiefs from across South Africa, as well as teams from Botswana and Namibia, participated in the prestigious event.

The awards ceremony which was held at the Garden Route Fire Station in George was officially opened by Councillor Jobieth Hoogbaard, Member of the Mayoral Committee responsible for Community Services and including Fire and Rescue Services. He welcomed all attendees, referring to every participant as a winner, and congratulated them on their efforts. He concluded with the event programme director’s memorable words from the first day of the competition: “𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘁.”

During a very brief keynote address, Garden Route District Municipal (GRDM) Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel extended a special thank you to all the sponsors, his team, including the Firefighters, Communicators, Leadership and the Organising Committee. “I hope the Garden Route treated you well. Please come back with your families and enjoy our hospitality and beautiful Blue Flag beaches ,” he said.

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿’𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀:

Aphiwe Ndukbini from Western Cape EMS Rescue Services claimed the title of Overall TFA Champion, in second place was Emile Conrad from the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Fire Services, followed by Manie Gouws from the Westrand N’zuri, who secured third place.

In a historic first for the competition, the Overall Female Champion title was shared between Baigum Abrahams and Thobeka Senatse, both representing the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services. Sweetness Qinisile from Western Cape EMS Rescue Services earned second place, while Natasha Stoltz, a volunteer with Wildfire Services, took third.

The Overall TFA Relay Open Champions are firefighters from Westrand N’zuri, who claimed first place. In second place was the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, followed by the GRDM Fire Services in third place.

According to Mayor Stroebel, the Garden Route Council takes immense pride in its firefighters, who serve not only as ambassadors for the municipality but also as representatives of the region and South Africa on the global stage. Their dedication to health, fitness, and professional excellence embodies the true spirit of firefighting and serves as an inspiration to us all.

“Congratulations to Team Garden Route on their outstanding achievements and thank you to the public for their support throughout the event,” said Stroebel.

Two gentlemen, Andrew Burch and Faisel Dossary from Saudi Arabia, attended the three-day event as technical directors and event critics, providing expert insight and guidance to further develop the Toughest Firefighter Alive (TFA) competition in South Africa and globally. They also promoted the World Firefighters’ Games, scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia next year and hosted by Aramco. Andrew co-MC’d the event alongside our local MC and event organiser, Mickie Louw, playing a key role in keeping the crowd engaged, entertained, and informed.

John Hartley, president of the World Firefighter Games, and his wife Laura Hartley from Australia, also attended the competition, showing their support for the event and the participating firefighters.

A huge thank you also has to go out to everyone who made this event such a huge success. The event was organised by Firefighters for Excellence, Garden Route District Municipality Fire and Rescue Services, and the World Firefighter Games. It was presented in collaboration with Garden Route District Municipality, George Tourism, Garden Route Mall, and George Municipality.

The event proudly acknowledges its partners and sponsors:

  • Media Partner: Fire and Rescue International.
  • Platinum Sponsor: Industrial Fire and Hazard Control.
  • Silver Sponsors: Vanguard Fire and Safety and Ramcom Truck Load Bodies.
  • Other Sponsors: Garden Route District Municipality, Dräger, Form Scaff, FirstCare, Frontiermedix, Perfectwater, Pick n Pay, TyreMart, Henra, Kiron Pty Ltd & Project One Pty Ltd, and Design Plus.

-END-

13 October 2025 NOTICE OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION FOR THE GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY FIRE SAFETY BY-LAW RELATING TO VELD, MOUNTAIN, AND CHEMICAL FIRES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION FOR THE GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY FIRE SAFETY BY-LAW RELATING TO VELD, MOUNTAIN, AND CHEMICAL FIRES.

Furthermore, the adoption of The Community Fire Safety By-law (2002) for regulation of Building Fire Protection and related activities

The Garden Route District Municipality envisage to enact a Fire Safety By-Law, relating to Veld, Mountain, and Chemical Fires. In terms of Section 156 (2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act No. 108 of 1996, the Municipal Systems Act, No. 32 of 2000, and Section 16 of the Fire Brigade Services Act, 99 of 1987 the Garden Route District Municipality makes this bylaw for the effective administration of matters that it has the right to administer. As per the provisions of Sections 12 and 13 as well as sections 21 and 21A of the Municipal Systems Act, 32 of 2000, Garden Route District Municipality publish this by-law for public comment and input, prior to being gazetted.

Notice is hereby given that the Draft Garden Route District Municipality Fire Safety By-Law relating to Veld, Mountain and Chemical Fires will be available for public comment and input from 13 October 2025 to  13 November 2025. The draft Garden Route District Municipality Fire Safety By-Law will be available for viewing at the following places:

  • Garden Route District Municipality Head office, 54 York Street, George.
  • Garden Route District Municipality Fire Station, Opal Close, Tamsui Industrial.
  • George Municipality Head office, York Street, 71 York Street.
  • George Municipality Fire Station, 124 Mitchell Street.
  • Mossel Bay Municipality Head office, 101 Marsh Street.
  • Mossel Bay Municipality Fire Station, Heiderand
  • Knysna Municipality Head office, 5 Clyde Street.
  • Knysna Municipality Fire Station, Waterfront Drive, Knysna Central.
  • Buffelsnek Public Library, 6 Protea Straat, Buffelsnek, Knysna.
  • Uniondale Post Office, 48 Voortrekker Street.
  • Bitou Municipality Head office, 04 Sewell Street.
  • Bitou Municipality Fire Station, 6 Flying Cloud Drive.
  • Hessequa Municipality Head office, Civic Centre Van den Berg Street.
  • Garden Route District Municipality Sub-Fire Station, 35 Mulder Street, Riversdale.
  • Kannaland Municipality Head office, 32 Church Street.
  • Garden Route District Municipality Sub-Fire Station, 54 Van Riebeek Street.
  • Oudtshoorn Municipality Head Office, 69 Cnr. CJ Langenhoven Street & Voortrekker Road
  • Oudtshoorn Municipality Fire Station, 28 Church Street.
  • Heidelberg Post Office, 50 Van Riebeek Street.
  • 20) Garden Route District Municipality website – link: gardenroute.gov.za

The District Municipality hereby invites comments from interested and affected parties on the draft Garden Route District Municipality Fire Safety By-Law. Any comments and inputs submitted will be considered during the finalisation of the draft document for final approval and Gazetting.

Written submissions may be directed to the Municipal Manager using the following address:

Garden Route District Municipality, Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, 54 York Street, George or P.O Box 12, George, 6530 or via email to info@gardenroute.gov.za on or before 13 November 2025.

Any person who is unable to write can submit their input verbally to the Council’s offices where they will be assisted by a staff member to put their comments in writing. Enquiries can be directed to Mr Deon Stoffels at 044 8781000 or 083 9411994 or e-mail  deon@gardenroute.gov.za

Click here to download the Provincial Gazette 10 October2025

Click here to download the MUNICIPALITY FIRE SAFETY BY-LAW RELATING TO VELD, MOUNTAIN, AND CHEMICAL FIRES

 

MG Stratu
MUNICIPAL MANAGER
GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY  

Interview: Garden Route Faces Growing Fire Threat Amid Record Dry Conditions

Interview: Garden Route Faces Growing Fire Threat Amid Record Dry Conditions

9 October 2025

By Cobus Meiring: Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF)

In an exclusive interview by Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF), veteran firefighter Deon van Wyk, Deputy Fire Chief at the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), expressed grave concern about the region’s escalating fire risk as relentless winds and exceptionally low rainfall persist. Van Wyk has formed part of the GRDM Fire and Rescue Services Unit since 1996 and works in a team of more than 40 firefighters under the leadership of Chief Fire Officer, Deon Stoffels.

According to Van Wyk, the Southern Cape has recorded unprecedentedly low rainfall figures over the past six months, causing surface and underground water tables to drop dramatically.

“The wind blows right through the night, which is highly unusual for this region and makes fire suppression extremely challenging,” he said.

These prolonged dry and windy conditions have left the Garden Route environment tinder-dry, increasing the likelihood of runaway wildfires. Van Wyk warned that even a small ignition could rapidly develop into a large-scale fire under current conditions, and GRDM have most recently faced more than a dozen wildfires.

Adding to the concern is a sharp decline in experienced wildland fighters across the region over the past decade. “The Southern Cape is naturally fire-prone, and the situation is worsened by the vast amount of invasive alien plant biomass in the landscape,” Van Wyk explained.

“To deal effectively with this, we need a strong corps of professional firefighters trained in forward planning, maintaining fire breaks, as well as block and back-burning practices.”

“Just today, and over the last couple of weeks, prescribed burns have burned beyond control. These have raised concerns about the management and controls thereof, pointing to some of the current risks that require actions to reduce their likelihood”.

Recognising the urgency, GREF, Nelson Mandela University, Southern Cape Fire Protection Association (SCFPA), GRDM, SANParks, CapeNature, and Cold Stream Timbers have established a Fire Risk Reduction Task Team (RRTT). This collaborative platform focuses on strategic risk assessment, coordinated fire prevention planning, and awareness across both public and private land.

“The task team was created to improve regional readiness and cooperation ahead of what could be one of the toughest fire seasons in years,” said Van Wyk.

GREF urges landowners, municipalities, and residents across the Garden Route to remain vigilant, clear firebreaks, remove invasive plants, and report any signs of uncontrolled fires immediately.

GREF is a public platform for environmental managers. conservation and a climate change think-tank (www.grefecsf.co.za)

Feature image: GRDM Deputy Fire Chief, Deon van Wyk.

ENDS

 

08 October 2025 Media Release: GRDM acknowledges 31 successful First Aid Level 3 participants during graduation ceremony in Oudtshoorn

GRDM acknowledges 31 successful First Aid Level 3 participants during graduation ceremony in Oudtshoorn

For immediate release
08 October 2025

The Garden Route Disaster Management Centre (GRDMC) at Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) believes in building the capacity of ordinary members in our communities to be able to help those in need.

Most often the people closest to the person in need of medical assistance is a close relative, friend of family member and with seconds being the difference between a life and death event, the most basic first aid provided could save a life.

Last night, 7 October 2025, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in collaboration with Oudtshoorn Municipality, hosted a graduation ceremony to acknowledge graduates who underwent First Aid Level 3 and Firefighting for Disaster Management training during September this year.

The ceremony took place at the Bongolethu Thusong Centre in Oudtshoorn. During September month, special emphasis was placed on presenting this course to the community members in Oudtshoorn. Certificates were issued to the first group of 31 students who successfully completed the course.

The course covers a range of topics from the principles of first aid, basic life support, injuries, and medical emergencies and even emergency childbirth. The GRDMC has been providing the training free of charge to all Disaster Management Volunteers over a 4 full day period, with a formal written, as well as practical assessment on the 5th day.

During his address on behalf of Executive Mayor of the Garden Route District Municipality, Andrew Stroebel, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, MMC for Community Services at GRDM, expressed his appreciation to be part of this significant event, celebrating hard working individuals during this year. Referring to the event as a milestone, Hoogbaard highlighted that “this programme has equipped participants with critical life-saving skills and has restored a sense of hope, dignity, and opportunity to the people of Oudtshoorn”.

Additionally, he extended his sincere appreciation to all partners, trainers, and facilitators who have shared their knowledge and expertise, ensuring that this programme was a success. While also acknowledging the community leaders and stakeholders, Hoogbaard shared his appreciation on behalf of GRDM for their continued support regarding initiatives that empower the people of the area.

Above all, to the graduates Hoogbaard highlighted: “You have worked hard, remained committed, and have set an inspiring example for others. May you continue to use these skills not only to benefit yourselves but also to serve and protect your communities”. In addition, he said: “This achievement is only the beginning – we are proud of you, and we look forward to the positive impact you will make in your families, communities, and beyond. May this event be remembered as the start of even greater things to come,” Hoogbaard concluded.

This celebration, once again demonstrates the powerful outcomes that can be achieved when government and the community work together and remain committed to supporting initiatives that promote safety, skills development, and economic opportunities for all.

Feature Image:Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, MMC for Community Services at GRDM (front, 3rd left), Gail Bekeer –  GRDM First Aid Training Facilitator (front, right) and Wouter Jacobs – GRDM First Aid Training Facilitator (back, 4th right), with the graduates who successfully completed the First Aid Level 3 programme.

ENDS

7 October 2025 Media Release: The Toughest Firefighter Alive Championship returns to George from 9 – 11 October

Media Release: The Toughest Firefighter Alive Championship returns to George from 9 – 11 October

For Immediate Release

7 October 2025

The countdown has begun for the much-anticipated Toughest Firefighter Alive (TFA) South Africa Championship, which will be hosted from 9 to 11 October 2025 at the Garden Route Mall in George. This is the largest and most strenuous firefighter challenge hosted in South Africa.

This year’s event will see 267 firefighters, up 27 from last year, and 44 relay teams participate from across South Africa and teams from Botswana and Namibia. The event also includes a Mini-TFA and the TFA-Dräger Youth Challenge and several industry exhibits.

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel will be there to support individuals and teams, in anticipation of the upcoming 3-day event said:

“Beginning Thursday, the best of the best firefighters from across the country will test their skills with one goal in mind; to prove their strength, endurance, and teamwork. We are proud to host this prestigious and internationally known championship in George, the heart of the Garden Route, home to the most talented and dedicated firefighters.”

George Municipality Executive Mayor, Jackie von Brandis also shared her excitement about the upcoming event, saying: “This week, George will set the stage and not just host the Toughest Firefighter Alive Championship—we are proving once again why our city is the perfect stage for excellence. With 267 of South Africa’s finest firefighters, plus international competitors from Botswana and Namibia converging at the Garden Route Mall, we are demonstrating that George, the heart of the Garden Route, is where champions gather and legends are made. We couldn’t be prouder to showcase our beautiful city while celebrating the extraordinary courage of our nation’s bravest heroes.”

A special highlight of this year’s event is the participation of Chief Fire Officer Amanda Mgobozi from Astron Energy Cape Town Refinery. She is a trailblazer in the industry and a source of inspiration for young women aspiring to join the firefighting profession.

PROMINENT INTERNATIONAL GUESTS

  • John Hartley, President of the World Firefighter Games, and his wife Laura.
  • Andrew Birch, Director of Sports & Competitions for the World Firefighter Games 2026, Saudi Arabia.
  • Faisal Dossary, Sponsorship Director for the World Firefighter Games 2026, Saudi Arabia.

SPONSORS AND PARTNERS

According to Mark Smith, organiser and founder of TFA-SA, the event is organised by Firefighters for Excellence, Garden Route District Municipality Fire and Rescue Services, and the World Firefighter Games. It is presented in collaboration with Garden Route District Municipality, George Tourism, Garden Route Mall, and George Municipality.

The event proudly acknowledges its partners and sponsors:

  • Media Partner: Fire and Rescue International.
  • Platinum Sponsor: Industrial Fire and Hazard Control.
  • Silver Sponsors: Vanguard Fire and Safety and Ramcom Truck Load Bodies.
  • Other Sponsors: Garden Route District Municipality, Dräger, Form Scaff, FirstCare, Frontiermedix, Perfectwater, Pick n Pay, TyreMart, Henra, Kiron Pty Ltd & Project One Pty Ltd, and Design Plus.

WHAT TO EXPECT OVER THE THREE DAYS

Entertainment will be provided by DJ Micky Louw, who will keep the momentum alive with energetic music, engaging commentary, and a vibrant atmosphere that will keep both spectators entertained and participants motivated.

  • Day 1 (9 October): Programme opening from 08h50 – 09:45; Start of day one competition at 09h45 – 18:00.
  • Day 2 (10 October): 09:00 – 16:00 First competitors (Individuals competing); 10:00 – 14:00 TFA-Dräger Young Adults Challenge.
  • Day 3 (11 October): 09:00 – 12:00 First competitors (Individuals competing), 12:00 – 16:00 (Relays), Mini TFA (registration 09:00, starting between 09:30 and 10:00).

With the Mini Toughest Firefighter Challenge, kids can look forward to obstacle courses inspired by real firefighting drills (like crawling through tunnels, rolling hoses, and dragging dummies). Medals and gift packs will be awarded for the first 300 mini firefighters who complete the course. Parents are welcome to join in and guide their little heroes through the fun challenges

Members of the public are encouraged to attend, cheer on the competitors, and bring the whole family for an unforgettable experience of strength, skill, and spirit!

Feature Image: Emile Conrad, GRDM Snr Firefighter at the Garden Route Mall where the setup of the obstacle course already started on Monday, 6 October and is set to be completed by 8 October. 

Issued by the Garden Route District Municipality

ENDS