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16 August 2020 Media Release: Severe Weather Update

 

Media Release: Severe Weather Update

For Immediate Release
16 August 2020

Disaster Management centres across the province and emergency responders are on standby for the severe weather predicted for the Western Cape this week.

The South African Weather Services are advising that the province can expect very cold weather and disruptive snowfall over the high lying areas of Cape Winelands, Central Karoo and Garden Route Districts from this evening to Tuesday. The SAWS further projects heavy rainfall leading to localised flooding across the coastal regions of the province, from Cape Town to the Garden Route over the period.

The Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, is urging members of the public to stay indoors and off the roads over the period as far as possible.

“We want to make the public aware of the latest weather warnings and in particular, highlight the risks of being outdoors during these weather conditions. Avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles. In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level. In rural areas relocate animals to a safe place on higher ground.”

Bredell says the public should contact the relevant disaster management entities as quickly as possible should an emergency occur.

“The easiest number to remember to call in an emergency is 112. This number can be dialled toll-free from any cell phone.”

In case of emergency other relevant numbers to call are:

Cape Winelands Municipality                               021-886-9244 / 021-8874446

Garden Route District:                                           044 805 5071

Central Karoo:                                                          023 449 8000

West Coast:                                                               022 433 8700

Overberg:                                                                 028 425 1690

City of Cape Town:                                                 107 landline or 080-911-4357

Flooding related Tip Sheet

How Can I Prepare for a Flood?

  • Identify the risk in your local area.
  • Prepare a home emergency plan, and identify risks around your home.
  • Remove leaves (from downpipes or gutters) or any other items that can increase the risk of flooding in your area.
  • Have an evacuation plan. Everyone in your family has to know where to go to find shelter.
  • Prepare an emergency toolkit. This should include a first aid kit, torch and portable radio with batteries, candles and waterproof matches, drinking water, a multi-tool, whistle and emergency contact numbers.

What Should I do during a flooding?

  • Monitor current flood warnings. Listen to the radio for emergency warnings, evacuation advice and weather updates.
  • Avoid entering floodwater unless it is necessary, and never underestimate the strength of floodwater, even if you are inside a vehicle.
  • Follow all instructions from emergency authorities.
  • Turn off all electricity and water and take your cellphone with you.
  • Assist elderly and disabled neighbours.

What Should I do after the flood?

  • Before entering your house, wait until the water has dropped below floor level.
  • Check with electricity and water authorities to know whether it is safe for you to use these resources.
  • Be aware of contamination if water sources have been flooded; this could be unsafe to drink.

ENDS

Media enquiries:

James-Brent Styan

Spokesperson for the Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell

Mobile: 084 583 1670 / Telephone: 021 483 2820

E-mail:  James-Brent.Styan@westerncape.gov.za

 

iStock.com/ra2studio

14 August 2020 Media Release: Garden Route Health Platform Update – 14 August 2020

Media Release: Garden Route Health Platform Update

For Immediate Release
14 August 2020

As of 14 August 2020, the Garden Route District has 7520 confirmed cases of Covid-19.

Cases 

Garden Route cases and recoveries per subdistrict.

Bitou 502 cases; 417 recoveries
Knysna 1197 cases; 1001 recoveries
George 2979 cases; 2525 recoveries
Hessequa 222 cases; 175 recoveries
Kannaland 75 cases; 55 recoveries
Mossel Bay 1754 cases; 1393 recoveries
Oudsthoorn 791 cases; 465 recoveries

The Garden Route has recorded 223 Covid-19 deaths.

Hessequa 11
Mossel Bay 49
George 79
Knysna 33
Bitou 16
Oudtshoorn 34
Kannaland 1

Hospitalisation

From our latest available information, there are currently 170 patients admitted in public and private hospitals of which 41 are in High Care/ICU.

Community Testing and Screening

The approach to active Covid-19 case finding within the rural areas remain that of community testing and screening with a focus on people > 55 years and those with high risk (people with co-morbidities). To date 147 772 people have been screened of whom 1284 have been referred for testing.

Isolation and quarantine

People who cannot isolate or quarantine safely at home (risk to themselves or exposure risk to others), can be referred to an isolation or quarantine facility.

Isolation facilities are for patients who have been infected with the COVID-19 virus (with mild to moderate symptoms) where they can recover. Quarantine facilities are for those have been exposed and are awaiting test results. These facilities are safe, have been made as comfortable as possible and you will receive free transport, meals, and a laundry service. PetroSA (West Camp) is currently the only activated isolation and quarantine facility in the Garden Route. More facilities have been identified and will be activated, if and when the need arises or capacity is exceeded at PetroSA. We currently have 68 people at the West Camp facility.

Primary healthcare                                                                                                                                    

Our Primary Health Care platform is an important vehicle to support our health system, provide health services closer to the communities and prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed with services that can be provided outside of acute hospital settings. Although we advise patients to only visit their nearest clinic for essential services at this time; we remind parents and caregivers that services such as immunisations are still rendered. It is important to attend all your confirmed appointments. Services such as women’s health (family planning, antenatal and post-natal care), child health(immunisations) and TB, are still rendered. Stable chronic care patients must collect their chronic medicine at the chronic off-sites. Should you require guidance or advice around your current treatment or scheduled appointment, please contact your clinic/hospital.

Shielding the vulnerable

Persons over the age of 55 or have a chronic condition are at risk for severe COVID-19 illness and should take extra precautions to protect themselves by following these steps:

  1. Avoid getting the virus by staying home, wear a mask (when you have to go out), wash hands regularly and disinfect surfaces
  2. Look after your health by following a healthy lifestyle and take your medication regularly
  3. Get help immediately if you do not feel well
  4. If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, go for immediate screening and testing if required, do not delay

The Department has implemented an action plan for Diabetics (regarded as a high risk group) with COVID symptoms which includes expanding testing for diabetics and closer monitoring.

Next 100 days

The Department has identified the next 100 days as crucial to refocusing the health system and health services while still managing the pandemic with continued interventions to increase immunisation coverage, TB treatment and ART for HIV uptake.

5 ways to stay safe

We urge all citizens to remain careful in observing these precautions of hygiene and safety.

  1. Wear your mask as all times when you leave your home
  2. Keep you social distance from other (1.5m)
  3. Do not touch your face
  4. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or hand sanitizer
  5. If sick, stay home

Make sure you wear your mask when going out to protect yourself and others. Also remember that spitting is another means of transporting the virus. Do not spit on the ground.

The protection and wellbeing of all our people remains in our collective hands.

-END-

Nadia Ferreira
Principal Communications Officer
Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts
Western Cape Government Health
Town Clinic, Plettenberg Bay
Tel: 076 379 5423
Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za 
Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

Picture credit: iStock.com/ra2studio

12 August 2020 Weather Alert: Severe Weather Alert: Damaging Winds – 12 August 2020

Weather Alert: Severe Weather Alert: Damaging Winds – 12 August 2020

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued the following weather alert.

Hazard: Damaging Winds
Alert level: Warning
Valid from (SAST): 12/08/20 – 12h00
Valid to (SAST): 13/08/20 – 09h00

Gale force W to NW’ly winds of 62 to 74km/h is expected between Cape Point and Cape Agulhas tomorrow (12/08/2020) afternoon, spreading to Plettenberg Bay by the evening.

13 August 2020 Media Release: Tourism Relief Fund assists more than 100 businesses in the Garden Route district

Tourism Relief Fund assists more than 100 businesses in the Garden Route district

For Immediate Release
13 August 2020

The Minister of Tourism Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane on 4 August 2020 made the names of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) public who benefited through the much-needed Tourism Relief Funding (TRF).

The TRF was established to provide relief to the tourism sector. It provided for a once-off capped grant to SMMEs, which aims to ensure continued operations during the pandemic and also for a while after the pandemic has passed.

Categories that were eligible to apply for the TRF, included the following:

  • Accommodation establishments: Hotels; resort properties; bed and breakfast (B&B’s); guest houses; lodges and backpackers.
  • Hospitality and related services: Restaurants (not attached to hotels); conference venues (not attached to hotels), professional catering; and attractions
  • Travel and related services: Tour operators; travel agents; tourist guiding; car rental companies; and coach operators.

Many of the business will be able to utilise the fund to subsidise expenses towards fixed costs, operational costs, supplies and other pressure cost items. Allocation of funds to ordinary South Africans, was conducted in line with government policies. This ensured that the benefit would be spread geographically across the country to cover even businesses in small villages and townships.

The 4000 beneficiaries per province across the sub-sectors of accommodation, hospitality and travel services, include:

  • Eastern Cape – 457
  • Free State – 134
  • Gauteng – 1017
  • KwaZulu-Natal – 607
  • Limpopo – 294
  • Mpumalanga – 238
  • North West – 162
  • Northern Cape – 124
  • Western Cape – 967

The National Department of Tourism (NDT) remains committed to working with all stakeholders in whatever way possible.  The NDT understands that these are extremely difficult times for the sector and this situation demands everyone works together to revive the economy.

More than 100 businesses in the Garden Route and Klein Karoo region have benefited from the TRF. The list of beneficiaries of this grant, capped at R50, 000 is available online: List of beneficiaries

Here is a copy of the list:

1 113 on Robberg B&B Western Cape Garden Route
2 A Farm Story Western Cape Garden Route
3 A La Delias ( Pty ) Ltd Western Cape Eden District
4 A Pretorius t/a Lentelus guesthouse Western Cape George
5 Abalone Lodges (Pty) Ltd Western Cape Knysna
6 Actebis 123 CC t/as George Lodge International Western Cape Garden Route
7 Africa Safari Connexion Western Cape Eden
8 Alexa Safaris CC Western Cape Garden Route
9 Amot Hospitality (Pty) Ltd Western Cape Eden
10 Augusta View (Pty) Ltd Western Cape George
11 Batavia Boutique Hotel PTY Ltd (2015/443778/07) Western Cape Oudtshoorn
12 Belle Earth (Pty) Ltd Western Cape Garden Route
13 Beverton Holdings (Pty) Ltd Western Cape Eden
14 Blyss Technologies Pty Ltd Western Cape Garden Route
15 Burnt Orange Trading Pty Ltd Western Cape Plettenberg Bay, Bitou Muncipal District
16 Cango Caves Estate PTY (Ltd) Western Cape Garden Route
17 CC Elegant Functions (Pty) Ltd Western Cape Eden
18 Central Award Trade T/A Cango Retreat Western Cape Oudtshoorn
19 Chandelier Game Lodge and Ostrich Show Farm Western Cape Oudtshoorn
20 Chilli and Chive Catering CC Western Cape Eden
21 Club Travel Stilbaai ITC Western Cape Hessequa
22 Cornelia de Bruyn Western Cape Knysna
23 Cornerway House Western Cape Plettenberg Bay
24 Destination Garden Route (Pty) Ltd. Western Cape Garden Route
25 Dolphins’ Playground B&B Western Cape Bitou
26 Domeo Institute Western Cape Garden Route
27 E&S Ras Trust Western Cape George
28 Ebenaeser Toerisme BK t/a De Opstal Country Lodge Western Cape Garden Route
29 Eden Event Management (Pty) Ltd Western Cape Garden Route
30 Edenwood House Western Cape George
31 ELKU Enterprises (Pty) Ltd Western Cape Eden, Kannaland
32 Eternity Star Investments 240 cc Western Cape Mossel Bay
33 F AND C RESTAURANT CC Western Cape SEDGEFIELD, GARDEN ROUTE
34 Fortna 141cc Western Cape Garden Route
35 free diving marine safaris Western Cape Bitou
36 George 1814 Pty Ltd Western Cape Garden Route
37 Glentana Caravan Park Western Cape George
38 Gooseberries Bistro Western Cape Eden
39 Gouritz Rivermouth Property Western Cape Hessaqua
40 HARTENBOS TRAVEL PTY LTD Western Cape Hartenbos
41 Hello Adventure (Pty) Ltd Western Cape Garden Route
42 Hello Garden Route Pty Ltd Western Cape Garden Route
43 HEMISPHERE FOOD AND FINE ART (PTY) LTD Western Cape Plettenberg Bay
44 Hide Away Guest House CC Western Cape Garden Route
45 Highgate Ostrich Show Farm Holdings Western Cape Garden Route
46 Hillview Self Catering Apartments Western Cape Knysna
47 Honey Pot Investments 109 CC Western Cape George
48 Ilana Guest House CC Western Cape Garden Route
49 Isibindi Forest Retreat PTY LTD Western Cape Garden Route
50 Island Lake Holiday Resort Western Cape George
51 Jacobus Adriaan Jordaan Western Cape Hessequa
52 Jembjo’s Knysna Lodge Western Cape Knysna,
53 Jo-Jo’s Bed and Breakfast (Pty) Ltd Western Cape Mossel Bay
54 Karee Manor Guesthouse (Pty) Ltd Western Cape Garden Route
55 Keurbooms Lagoon Caravan Park Western Cape Garden Route
56 Knysna Film Festival Pty Ltd Western Cape Garden Route
57 Knysna Inyathi Guest Lodge CC Western Cape Garden Route
58 Knysna Pocket Breaks (Pty) Ltd Western Cape Knysna
59 Knysna Spring Tide Charters cc Western Cape Knysna
60 KONGAS TOURS Western Cape Garden Route
61 Lakeside Guesthouse Western Cape Knysna
62 Lawnwood Properties Western Cape Bitou
63 Lincha 2 (Pty) Ltd Western Cape Mossel Bay
64 Live The Journey Incentives & Events T/A Thorntree Country Lodge Western Cape Oudtshoorn
65 Lodge at Lily Pond Pty Ltd Western Cape Bitou
66 Longships Self Catering (PTY) LTD Western Cape Garden Route
67 Lungiswa Jijigubo Western Cape Eden (George)
68 Malvern Manor c.c. Western Cape George
69 Michael Glynn Raubenheimer Western Cape Wilderness
70 Miles B&B Guest House Western Cape Eden
71 Moncrieff Manor Western Cape Knysna – Garden Route
72 Moontide Guest Lodge Western Cape George
73 MS van Zyl Western Cape Great Brak River
74 MYMERING GUEST FARM AND WINE ESTATE Western Cape Ladismith
75 Ninas Cafe (Pty) Ltd Western Cape Garden Route
76 Ocean Odyssey Charters cc Western Cape Knysna
77 Oceans Research Institute (Pty) Ltd Western Cape Garden Route
78 Ohannas PTY Ltd Western Cape Garden Route
79 Outeniqua Adventure Tours. Western Cape George
80 Palikari Trading CC t/a Avondblij Guesthouse Western Cape Oudtshoorn
81 Panoramic Blue B&B Western Cape Garden Route
82 Paradise Found Guesthouse Western Cape Knysna
83 Patagonia Restaurant Group (Pty) Ltd Western Cape Garden Route
84 Phillips Guest Cottages cc Western Cape Bitou
85 Plett Hospitality Pty Ltd Western Cape Bitou
86 Plett Shelf 39CC Western Cape Bitou
87 Plett Villas CC Western Cape Garden Route
88 Point of Human Origins (Pty) Ltd Western Cape Garden Route
89 Presidio Granite CC t/a The Green Shed Western Cape Garden Route
90 Protea Wilds Eco Reserve CC Western Cape Eden
91 Purple Moss 1230 CC Western Cape Garden Route
92 Reimax investment Trading Western Cape Garden Route
93 Ritzshelf 50 (Pty) Ltd Western Cape Mossel Bay
94 Riverside Guest Lodge (Pty) Ltd. Western Cape Oudtshoorn
95 S. A. Phelps CC Western Cape Eden
96 SANPAT Western Cape Eden
97 Schulteheim Hotel Pty Ltd Western Cape Uniondale
98 Southern Cross Beach House CC Western Cape Garden Route
99 Sport at Backward Point cc Western Cape Knysna
100 Spring Forest 386 cc t/a Ingwe Adventures Western Cape Bitou
101 Stroebel Cafe cc T/A The Lunar Cafe cc Western Cape Knysna
102 Swallows nest Western Cape Garden Route
103 Thai Eatery (Pty) Ltd Western Cape Garden Route
104 The Diaz Express (Edms) Bpk Western Cape Mossel Bay
105 The Loerie Portfolio (Pty) Ltd Western Cape Garden Route
106 The Owls Inn Country Villa’s & Spa Western Cape Glentana
107 The St James Boutique Hotel of Knysna (Pty) Ltd Western Cape Knysna
108 The Uitsig Wild Farm cc Western Cape Garden Route
109 THe Urban Western Cape Hartenbos
110 T’Niqua Stable Inn Western Cape Garden Route
111 Top Tours Knysna CC Western Cape Garden Route
112 Tranquil Shores Guesthouse Western Cape George
113 Travel Counsellors Mossel Bay Western Cape Tuinroete
114 Travel Ibiki (Pty) Ltd Western Cape Mossel Bay
115 Trisport Western Cape Garden Route
116 True South Destinations Western Cape Garden Route
117 True South Travel Western Cape Eden
118 Tumelo Tladi Industries Pty ltd Western Cape Eden
119 Turnberry Boutique Hotel CC Western Cape Garden route/ Little Karoo
120 Uniondale Hotel Pty Ltd Western Cape Uniondale
121 VILLA XANADU GUESTHOUSE CC Western Cape George
122 Welisa Holdings (Pty) Ltd Western Cape Plettenberg Bay
123 Wentzel Currie Accreditation Service (Pty) Ltd Western Cape Bitou
124 West End Accommodation CC Western Cape George
125 WESTERN CAPE GAME LODGE (PTY)LTD Western Cape Oudtshoorn
126 Whale Rock Guest House CC Western Cape Plettenberg Bay
127 WhiteSands Bed and Breakfast CC Western Cape Garden Route
128 Wilderness Bushcamp Western Cape George
129 Wilderness Sea Paradise Western Cape Garden Route
130 Wilderness Waters Pty Ltd Western Cape Wilderness
131 WILGEWANDEL Western Cape Garden Route
132 Xplore English (Pty) Ltd Western Cape Eden
133 Zakter Properties 159 CC Western Cape De Rust
134 Zoolook Fishing Western Cape Hessequa
135 Zucchini Restaurant Western Cape Garden Route / Eden
136 Zuriglo(Pty)Ltd. Western Cape Garden Route

 

11 August 2020 Media Release: Western Cape Minister of Health officially opens the upgraded Kranshoek Clinic

Media Release: Western Cape Minister of Health officially opens the upgraded Kranshoek Clinic

For Immediate Release
11 August 2020

Today, 11 August 2020, The Western Cape Health Minister, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo will officially open the newly upgraded, Kranshoek Clinic in the Bitou Municipality. This facility is one of several facilities in the Garden Route that received upgrades over the past two years, including New Horizon Clinic and Kwanokuthula CDC.

These newly upgraded facilities give effect to the healthcare 2030 objective of providing high-quality health facilities. The upgrades of Kranshoek Clinic forms part of a revitalisation process to improve the infrastructure and service delivery to this community.

This facility was identified with having a need for additional services, because of the growing population in the broader community. All the additions were done in phases and is now concluded at cost of over R1.03 million.

“It is important for us as a government to ensure that the healthcare package offered in our facilities suit the needs of our communities, we have to constantly expand our services, that is why we pride ourselves in what we offer our patients. We continuously strive to offer the best services to all our clients in the best possible facilities” said Minister Mbombo

The upgrades include:

  • Dispensary upgrade
  • new Registry
  • new Sputum booth
  • New Sub-Wait areas
  • Medical and Municipal waste

“Yes, we are under enormous pressure in terms of our finances, we are still dealing with COVID-19, ageing infrastructure, unfunded mandates and statutory requirements, to name a few, but we are here today because we listened to the people of Plettenberg Bay. We are giving them upgraded health facilities, with better services, which they can be proud of. This is their asset; I hope the people of Plettenberg Bay will take pride and treasure this asset. To our staff, thank you for all your hard work and I hope that you will continue serving the community with passion and dedication.” said Minister Mbombo

ENDS

Media Enquiries

Nomawethu Sbukwana, Spokesperson for Minister Mbombo

Mobile: 0838935200 / E-mail: nomawethu.sbukwana@westerncape.gov.za

Western Cape Government: Health

11 August 2020 Media Release: WC MEC of Transport and Public Works commends the Garden Route for COVID-19 compliance

Media Release: WC MEC of Transport and Public Works commends the Garden Route for COVID-19 compliance

For immediate release
11 August 2020

This past long weekend, the Western Cape (WC) MEC for Transport and Public Works, Bonginkosi Madikizela, visited the Garden Route district to inspect the compliance of the Transport industry to the COVID-19 regulations.

COVID-19 compliance roadblocks attended by MEC of Transport and Public Works, Minister Bongikosi Madikizela and Executive Mayor of GRDM, Alderman Memory Booysen, as well as Provincial and Local officials. Photo: SABC

The purpose of the visit was also for the MEC to meet with transport stakeholders and to open a regional government vehicle pool facility in George. Executive Mayor of Garden Route District Municipality, Alderman Memory Booysen accompanied MEC Madikizela during his visit.

The inspections commenced on Friday, 7 August 2020 in Bitou at the taxi rank with the monitoring of taxis during peak hour.  Inspections were put on halt when MEC and Executive Mayor were alerted about a crime scene in George the same evening where a Provincial Traffic Officer was injured in a shooting incident.  After visiting the scene, both delegates visited the Traffic Officer’s family to assure them that the perpetrator would face the full might of the law.

The next day, inspections continued in Knysna where the delegation took part in a road block to monitor whether vehicles complied with the maximum occupancy of 70% per vehicle.  The Knysna taxi rank also received a visit where after the MEC engaged in discussions with representatives and the leadership of the local Taxi Association.

The visit to George was conducted in the same format as the visits of Bitou and Knysna, however the GO George bus services was prioritised given the vast number of passengers making use of the service.  During his engagements, MEC Madikizela specifically focused on the issues experienced by the bus services and whether those issues were resolved.  MEC Madikizela, on Monday, 10 August, concluded his George visit when he officially opened the Regional Vehicle Pool facility in the presence of Mayor Booysen and the George Executive Mayor, Cllr Leon van Wyk, as well as councilors, officials and stakeholders of the Transport industry.

MEC Madizikela ended his programme in Mossel Bay the next day when he monitored the taxi rank as well as the Louise-Fourie Corridor in the area.  He commended the district for adhering to the regulations and although the curb in terms of new COVID-19 infections in the Western Cape flattened, he said: “We are now targeting certain areas which are concerning and this is one of those areas”. He added:  “With the behavior and adherence to the regulations in the Garden Route district, it is very pleasing”.

Mayor Booysen praised the Garden Routers for adhering to the protocols and regulations and said:  “We are highly impressed in terms of how the transport industry and people abide to the regulations. Taxis are being decontaminated before and after trips, hand sanitizers are applied and a ‘no-mask-no-entry’ principle applies. It was indeed an impressive visit”.

Feature Photo: During the visit to the family of the Traffic Officer who was shot and injured in George, were (fltr) Alderman Memory Booysen, Executive Mayor of GRDM; Deputy Mayor of George, Cllr Charlotte Clarke and Western Cape MEC for Transport and Public Works, Minister Bonginkosi Madikizela, with family members of the officer.

ENDS

9 August 2020 Media Release: Women’s Day Message by Municipal Manager Monde Stratu

Media Release: Women’s Day Message by Municipal Manager Monde Stratu

For Immediate Release
9 August 2020

Women’s Day Message by Municipal Manager Monde Stratu

Annually in August, South Africans celebrate Women’s Month to ’salute‘ more than 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 in protest against the requirement for women to carry passbooks as part of pass laws. These brave women of all races and ages, from every corner of South Africa, selflessly stood together in unity, singing the song, amongst others, titled Wathint’ Abafazi Wathint’ imbokodo – When you strike a woman, you strike a rock’.

This year’s celebrations will be commemorated under the theme “Generation Equality: Realising women’s rights for an equal future”. The concept of generation equality is a global campaign and links South Africa to global efforts to achieve gender equality by 2030.

At the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), we want to celebrate and honour women of South Africa, across all spheres of life, and we would like to acknowledge them for their contributions towards the achievement of a democratic South Africa.

Women in South Africa and around the world are still faced with discrimination and find gender equality elusive, however, we acknowledge that women’s empowerment is a critical aspect of achieving gender equality. This includes increasing a woman’s sense of self-worth, decision-making power, access to opportunities and resources, power and control over her own life inside and outside the home, and the ability of women to effect change.

As a municipality, we believe that empowered women contribute to the health and productivity of their families, communities, and country, and that creates a ripple effect that benefits everyone. In many instances, women wear different hats, because they are caregivers for their children, spouses and siblings while they also work full-time as breadwinners for their households.

This year’s Women Month commemoration comes at a time when the country is fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the country entered alert Level 3 of the COVID-19 lockdown on 1 June 2020, we have witnessed a surge in gender-based violence and femicide, leaving women and children vulnerable and in danger.  It is furthermore tragic to witness, that after 64 years of the Women’s March of 9 August 1956, South African women still faced major challenges such as unemployment, poverty, HIV/AIDS, domestic violence and gender inequality.

This violence against women takes many forms, and it remains a critical challenge facing society today.  Throughout the country, women fall victim to physical, emotional and sexual assault, and humiliation daily by their partners. Lesbian women are raped or gang-raped to justify these inhuman deeds as attempts to convert to a heterosexual orientation. Others contract HIV/AIDS or sexually transmitted diseases, mothers are murdered, which leads to a new phenomenon of child-headed household, where children are forced to run households and look after younger siblings.

With the above said, it is imperative that a stricter approach to the justice system is put in place in order for women to feel safe enough to report crimes committed against them. Perpetrators must face the full might of the law.

We want to encourage women and victims of gender-based violence to be courageous; to take a stand; show strength, and make their voices heard.  In doing so, they will take control and be of motivation for those who lost their voices and dignity.  As the GRDM we pledge to continually create awareness, pledge our support and promote a multi-disciplinary approach to tackle issues women and children face.

In conclusion, we want to echo the words of the President of SA, Cyril Ramaphosa, during a nation-wide speech saying:  “In far too many cases of gender-based violence, the perpetrators are known to the victim, but they are also known to our communities. That is why we say this is a societal matter and not a matter of law enforcement alone. Gender-based violence thrives in a climate of silence. With our silence, by looking the other way because we believe it is a personal or family matter, we become complicit in this most insidious of crimes,” Ramaphosa said.

9 August 2020 Message from Alderman Barend Groenewald – GRDM Speaker

7 August 2020 Media Release: GRDM looses its second employee, Lemos Soko, to COVID-19

Media Release: Garden Route DM loses its second employee, Lemos Soko, to COVID-19

For Immediate Release
7 August 2020

Mr Lemos Soko (47) passed away on 6 August 2020 after battling with COVID-19 in ICU for two weeks. He is the second Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) employee to sadly pass away due to COVID-19 complications. Lemos worked at the GRDM Roads Department since 16 April 1998.

Employees gathered via Zoom today to recollect the fond memories held of Lemos and the impact he had on the institution throughout his 22-year employ. During the meeting, Alderman Memory Booysen (Executive Mayor for GRDM), Mr Monde Stratu (Municipal Manager), Mr John Daniels (Executive Manager for Roads Services), Mr Japie Strydom (Manager: Construction and Mechanical Services) and Mr Gert Verwey (Deputy Manager: Operations) shared their fond memories of him. “He was a gentle giant and always willing to go the extra mile,” are some of Lemos’ key personality traits that GRDM’s representatives shared.

Lemos Soko at work in front of one of the many Roads machines he could operate.

Lemos spent his first few years at GRDM working as part of the Harold Construction Team. Over the past few years he worked alongside a maintenance team in the Friemersheim area. In describing his skills and work ethic, Mr Daniels said, “he was one of the few employees who could operate every roads machine,” and “he went out of his way to ensure that the team’s daily tasks were completed, even though some of these tasks were not his responsibility”.

Mr Simon Mankonkwana, a colleague and best friend of Lemos, described his passing as a huge loss and a void in his life. Lemos also left behind a wife, four (4) children and five (5) grandchildren.

Alderman Booysen shared his condolences and a message of support to everyone present on behalf of Council by saying: “We tend to run out of words during times like these, especially in light of the fact that we are not only loosing colleagues and friends, but also family members.”

“Although we are a big family at the GRDM, we are going to be broken for a long time,” he said.

Ald. Booysen also encouraged employees to try their best to rise above the fear currently experienced, although it is natural to feel scared of such a dreadful disease and its effects on society.  Mayor Booysen said that the GRDM would walk the walk with Lemos’ family and offer its undivided emotional and spiritual support.