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3 September 2020 Media Release: Proposed Long-Term lease to develop, manage and operate Kleinkrantz Resort

Media Release: Proposed Long-Term lease to develop, manage and operate Kleinkrantz Resort

For Immediate Release
3 September 2020

Notice is hereby given in terms of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act (No 56 of 2003), read with the Municipal Asset Transfer Regulations (R878 of 2008), the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (No 3 of 2000) as well as the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act (No 32 of 2000) that the Council of the Garden Route District Municipality in terms of Resolution H1 of the council meeting held on 25 August 2020 intends to enter into a long-term lease agreement (50 years) and an option to renew with Waterleaf Properties (Pty) Ltd to develop, manage and operate Kleinkrantz Resort. The lease agreement is the cornerstone of a key social-entrepreneurial venture which will have an immense socio-economic impact on the region. The lease will attract a multi-million rand investment into the local economy, boosting job creation and reducing unemployment, investment in relevant and quality skills development which increases employee earnings, an investment in green technology at the resort including solar energy which will be integrated with municipal infrastructure, thus bringing energy security to the resort and clients. The district will attract fiscal revenues from tourism and hospitality generated from the development.

The entire property (30ha) is proposed to be used for resort purposes. The George Municipality SDF states that Kleinkrantz is to be upgraded and formally developed sensitively in an ecologically sustainable way to minimise impact on its surrounds; minimise ongoing operational servicing costs; exploit economic opportunities primarily associated with the surrounding environment and heritage; and to discourage further growth of the settlement.

The developer recognises the sensitivities of the site and the need to conserve the natural environment as an asset to strengthen the social and economic environments. Therefore, prior to making any firm development or commencing any works, the developer acknowledged and agreed to undertake all required assessment and authorisation processes to determine the most appropriate form and spatial distribution of development.

Phased Development to the identified 5 areas

 Phase 1

  • Conference Facility (Area 2)

The venue will offer a comprehensive array of services to clients, playing host to national, international conferences, events and tradeshows.

  • Luxury Villas (Area 4)

The height of luxury and refined living, these opulent 3-and-4 bedroom villas will offer the most generous indoor and outdoor living areas, giving potential buyers, short-term tenants a true sense of space, freedom and privacy while stimulating the Garden Route economy by creating jobs.

  • Roads and Infrastructure
  • Access Roads to the resort
  • The civil works and electrical
  • Fencing and security

Phase 2

  •  Hotel, Spa, Shops and Restaurants (Area 2)
  • Garage, small shopping centre and take away (Area 1)
  • Hiking trails, biking trails, and conservation area (Area 3 & 5) with walkways, look-out points and an adventure hub hosting cycling/canoe/canopy/bike carrier rental
  • Beach access

The Applicant will also be responsible for all the costs involved. The property is, in terms of the provisions of section 14 of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (Act 56 of 2003) not required for the purposes of providing minimum basic municipal services.

Any comments and/or objections to the proposed long-term lease, with your reasons for such objection(s), must be submitted in writing and addressed to the Municipal Manager, Garden Route District Municipality, P O Box 12, George, 6530, by no later than Friday, 06 November 2020.

Any comments and/or objections which are received after the abovementioned closing date, may possibly not be taken into consideration. In terms of section 21(4) of the Systems Act, notice is hereby given that people who cannot write, may approach the Economic Development Department during office hours, where a member of staff will assist them in converting their comments or objections in writing. Any enquiries may be directed to Mr P Dongi, Planning & Economic Development, at telephone number (044) 801 1418 or email Lusanda@gardenroute.gov.za or Passmore@gardenroute.gov.za

File Reference: 8/3/1/1

MONDE STRATU
MUNICIPAL MANAGER

2 September 2020 Media Release: Innovative Re-Imagine Garden Route WebiShop video and presentations now accessible online

Media Release: Innovative Re-Imagine Garden Route WebiShop video and presentations now accessible online

For Immediate Release
2 September 2020

A first ever WebiShop was hosted by the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) in collaboration with the South Cape Economic Partnership (SCEP) and Western Cape Tourism, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (WESGRO) on 12 August 2020. This WebiShop aimed to address several topics relevant to re-imagining the Garden Route in an innovative and creative way. It also provided a platform for representatives from various think tanks, based locally and internationally, to share how they do things differently in a streamlined way to enable a “next” normal. Presenters logged in from as far as the United Kingdom and Finland to share their ideas.

At the beginning of the WebiShop (attended by close to 100 people), Alderman Memory Booysen, Executive Mayor for GRDM, said: “I am in awe when looking at all the brainpower together today”.

“I would like to see all of us putting our ‘thinking caps’ on and come up with innovative ideas,” said Alderman Booysen.

The panel included representatives from the GRDM, SCEP, TOMA-Now, FreedThinkers, Vodacom, The Depository & Clearing Corporation (UK), African Crowd Funding Association, Moxworld (Finland), Brilliance in Business and the Institute for Future’s Research.

The following themes/topics were discussed on 12 August 2020:

  • The place to be – Garden Route as a first choice;
  • Keeping it tight – the Circular Economy Model, concepts and examples;
  • Design it right – service design for the ‘new normal’;
  • Get Smart – solutions for a SMART region;
  • Funding for impact – Crowd Funding as an alternative to conventional funding;
  • The next normal – alternative business models;
  • Time to hold onto customers – practical steps to keeping your customers and attracting new ones;
  • Where to from here – next steps and way forward; and
  • Scenario planning concepts.

The themes and topics discussed provided a perfect baseline from which to begin with a process of re-imagining the Garden Route. The next phase would be to initiate sector-specific workshops. “These will consist of journey-mapping exercises led by three focus sectors namely Tourism, Agriculture, and Construction,” said Mr Paul Hoffman, Project Manager for SCEP. He added that a variety of sector-specific workshops and webinars, training opportunities, sector expert advisors, and business mentors will visit the Garden Route virtually and physically over the next few months to assist individual businesses. “We need to rebuild our economy, and these interventions form part of the Garden Route Recovery Plan that is in progress,” said Hoffman.

Towards the end of the four-and-a-half hour WebiShop, Mr Monde Stratu (Municipal Manager) reflected on the contents of the programme. He also said: “It is clear that COVID-19 has shown us that one sector is not going to be successful without another.” Stratu also stated that government is interested in building partnerships with the private sector. Proof of this commitment is the platforms the GRDM created to attract investment to the Garden Route – including the Garden Route Investment Conference, Green Energy Summit, to name but a few.

“In a month or two we will launch our Growth and Development Strategy for the region. This strategy will help the region to see what needs to be done to change the economic trajectory of the district. Coupled with this, the GRDM is finalising an investment prospectus. “We are trying to show people outside and inside our region what opportunities are available in the district, and that we are open for business,” said Stratu.

View the WebiShop online by browsing to this Youtube page.

Mpho Dondolo: Vodacom

Jaisheila Rajput: TOMA Now

Vicky Bridge: Get SMART

Danielle Ehrlich: Design it Right

Doris Viljoen: Flip it

Samantha Hillion-Burns: Brilliance Customer Experience 

Tarja Castel: Moxworld

Elizabeth Howard: African Crowdfunding Association

ENDS

2 September 2020 Public Notice: Appointment of Audit Committee Members (2)

Public Notice: Appointment of Audit Committee Members (2)

2 September 2020
In terms of Section 166 of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), 2003, each municipality must have an Audit Committee which is an independent advisory body.
 
The Audit Committee advises the Municipal Council, political office bearers, Accounting Officer and the management staff of the Municipality on matters relating to:
 
  1. Internal financial control and internal audits;
  2. Risk Management;
  3. Accounting policies;
  4. The adequacy, reliability and accuracy of financial reporting and information;
  5. Performance Management;
  6. Effective Governance;
  7. Compliance with the MFMA, the Annual Division of Revenue Act and any other applicable legislation;
  8. Performance evaluation; and
  9. Any other issues referred to it by the municipality.
The Audit Committee further reviews the Municipal Council’s Annual Financial Statements; responds to issues raised in the Auditor General’s annual audit report; carries out certain investigations; and performs other functions as commissioned by the Municipal Council. The Audit Committee also carries out the functions of a Performance Audit Committee.
 
Two vacancies for membership of the Audit Committee of Garden Route District Municipality have become available. Applications are hereby invited from suitable candidates to fill these upcoming vacancies. Successful candidates will be contracted for a period of three years. Experience in Financial Accounting and Municipal Law is preferred.
 
Remuneration will be based on the National Treasury Circular – “Remuneration of Non-Official Members”.
 
An application with Curriculum Vitae, describing the suitability of the applicant, must be forwarded in writing to:
 
Chief Audit Executive
Garden Route District Municipality
54 York Street / P.O. Box 12
GEORGE
6530
 
For further enquiries, contact the Chief Audit Executive, Ms Pamela Lufele, during office hours at telephone number (044) 803 1422, or via e-mail at pamela@gardenroute.gov.za.
 
The Garden Route District Municipality reserves the right not to make or confirm an appointment on posts.
 
Closing date: Friday, 18 September 2020 before 13h30
Notice no: 49/2020
 
 

2 September 2020 Public Notice: 2021/2022 IDP/Budget and PMS Process Plan & Time Schedule

Notice 48/2020

2021/2022 IDP/Budget and PMS Process Plan including Time Schedule

Notice is hereby given that the 2021/2022 Integrated Development Plan IDP/Budget/ Performance Management System (PMS) Process Plan including the Time Schedule to review the 2017/2018-2021/2022 IDP and Budget has been adopted in terms of Section 28 of the Local Government Municipal Systems Act (Act 32 of 2000) and Section 21 of the Municipal Finance Management Act (Act 56 of 2003) by the Garden Route District Municipal Council, at a Council meeting held on 25 August 2020.

These documents will be available on the municipal website www.gardenroute.gov.za.

Click to download the full advert.

For any further enquiries, please contact:

Ms M James (IDP Unit: Garden Route District Municipality) at telephone number:

044 803 1431

M G Stratu

Municipal Manager

Garden Route District Municipality

31 August 2020 Media Release: Campaign to boost the economy

Media Release: Campaign to boost the economy

For Immediate Release
31 August 2020

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is currently running a campaign to boost business activities in the Garden Route. This video by our Mayor, Alderman Memory Booysen, highlights what a person needs to do to participate in the campaign.

In short, the campaign is a call-to-action for members of the public to post something to Twitter or Facebook about a small business they support. GRDM hopes that a diverse range businesses can benefit from this and not only businesses in town.

It is important to mention the #GardenRouteAndMe and #MyFavouriteBusiness when posting about a local business. These hashtags will link back to the campaign.

When finding posts, GRDM will share the posts back to our Facebook page and tag all local municipalities. Local municipalities will therefore be notified about posts.

We might also try to track other platforms like Instagram and TikTok going forward.

31 August 2020 Weather Alert: Weather Forecast for the Week & Severe Weather Alerts

The Cape Weather Office has issued the following expected weather forecast for the week and severe weather alerts as follows:

FORECAST:

An intense Cut-off low is developing and is associated with a low pressure system at the surface. Winds are expected to reach 50 to 65km/h gusting 65 to 82km/h along the south coast from tomorrow afternoon and over the eastern parts of the Western Cape Province by Wednesday.

Showers and thundershowers are expected over the eastern parts Tuesday night, spreading over the whole Province by Wednesday. Good rainfall amounts are also expected over the Overberg District and Cape Town (35 to 45mm) by Wednesday thus heavy rain leading to localised flooding can be expected over those areas.

Offshore conditions are expected for Thursday and Friday, with a high pressure system dominant over the country. A cold front is expected to make landfall over the south western parts overnight Saturday, spreading to the east by the afternoon, clearing by the evening. Not more than 10mm of rainfall amounts are expected.

Wind: Tomorrow an intense cut-off low develops along our West Coast, associated with a low pressure system at the surface. Gale to strong gale force easterly 65 to 90km/h winds are expected between Table Bay and Plettenberg Bay by Tuesday afternoon into the evening, becoming north westerly 65 to 90km/h wind from Wednesday morning, moderating from the west.

Waves: In general wave heights are expected to be 3.0 to 4.0m with south-westerly swell, reaching 5.0 to 6.0m east of Cape Agulhas (very rough seas) by Tuesday evening but 6.5 to 7.0m between Still Bay and Plettenberg Bay (high seas), with easterly swells, subsiding by Thursday morning.

Visibility: Generally good visibility is expected for the week, but moderate in rain and showers along the coastal areas of the south western parts, clearing towards the evening. Moderate to poor visibility is also expected by Tuesday evening into Wednesday, clearing towards the evening of Thursday. Another Cold front expected to make landfall Saturday thus moderate visibility in showers and rain along the west coast spreading along the south coast by the evening, clearing by Sunday.

ALERTS:

HAZARD 1: Damaging Winds

Alert Level: Watch

Valid From (SAST): 01/09/20 12h00

Valid To (SAST): 02/09/20 00h00

  1. Gale to strong gale force easterly to south-easterly winds (65-90km/h) are expected between Table Bay and Plettenberg Bay including the adjacent coastal towns from Tuesday afternoon, becoming north-westerly from Wednesday morning (01-02/09/2020).
  2. Gale to strong gale force north-westerly interior winds (65-80km/h) are expected over the Central Karoo, Cape Winelands, Overberg, Garden Route Districts on Wednesday (02/09/2020).

HAZARD 2: High Seas

Alert Level: Watch

Valid From (SAST): 02/09/20 00h00

Valid To (SAST): 02/09/20 00h00

High seas with wave heights in excess of 6m is expected between Cape Point and Plettenberg Bay on Wednesday (02/09/2020).

Report any severe weather related incidents to the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at 044-805 5071.

31 August 2020 Media Release: Third Garden Route DM employee loses his life to COVID-19

Media Release: Third Garden Route DM employee loses his life to COVID-19

For Immediate Release
31 August 2020

It is with profound sadness and loss that the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) announces its third employee who succumbed to COVID-19. On Friday, 28 August 2020, Mr Nono Willie Nkasayi, a Senior Worker at the GRDM Oudtshoorn Roads Services Department passed away when he lost his battle against Covid-19.

The 54-year-old Willie Nkasayi worked at the Oudtshoorn region since 3 June 2005. Colleagues remember him as a humble and beloved person. Mr Gert Verwey, Deputy Manager at the Oudtshoorn region described him as a man who has always treated everyone with respect, and who had the ability to look at the “bigger picture” of things in life. He further described the late Nkasayi as an exceptional person – well-known, as a God-fearing person.  Having been a pastor at his church, Verwey refers to Willie as a prominent religious leader in the Southern Cape and Karoo area.  He acknowledges that Willie’s passion for the Lord and people drove him to always serve his fellow community members.

Mr Kleinbooi Stoffels, Roads Services Superintendent and the immediate supervisor of Willie Nkasayi said that he will be deeply missed amongst his colleagues.  He described Willie as a very disciplined and caring person.  “Willie was a go-getter in his team, always ready to make plans on how to complete a task productively.  His passing really ‘shocked’ me, and made me realise how short life is and that we should appreciate each other while we still can. I will miss his visits in the morning in my office. I am eternally grateful that I was able to walk a path with such a great spirit,” said Kleinbooi.

During his journey at GRDM Roads Services, Willie served his colleagues as a union representative for the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU).  As a shop steward, he lived his passion and he believed that a matter could be resolved in a respectful and orderly manner.  Willie Nkasayi will also be remembered as a family man whose loved ones and relatives meant the world to him; as a community leader; a teacher for many; a caring colleague and friend.

Hamba Kahle – ‘Tata Nkasayi – as you were known by all’.

28 August 2020 Media Release: Garden Route Health Platform Update

Media Release: Garden Route Health Platform Update

For Immediate Release
28 August 2020

 Western Cape Government Health in the Garden Route is optimistic about the current COVID-19 situation. In the District, as a whole, we are experiencing a flattening of active cases and so also hospitalizations and deaths. Some sub-districts’ numbers are more satisfying than others but if we compare our statistics to a month before it appears that we are over the peak.

We must however remember that it is now even more important to adhere to the 5 ways to stay safe in order to keep our numbers as low as possible, and to prevent a second wave.

  1. Wash your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer (70% alcohol base)
  2. Wear your mask in public
  3. Cough or sneeze into the folds of your elbow or a tissue
  4. Stay 1.5m away from others especially in public places like shopping malls.
  5. If you feel sick, stay home

While the health service platform must remain geared to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic (including a possible second wave of infections), the Department of Health aims to scale up essential health services in a balanced manner. The Department has developed a risk and impact based approach which guides the services to be reintroduced and identifying those services which are low risk yet high impact (such as immunisation services). These services which had reduced significantly during the COVID pandemic, will have a significant long term impact for those clients who had missed immunisations, follow-up appointments and scheduled non-emergency treatment.    A phased approach will be adopted to return the comprehensive health service platform back to a new normal. The re-introduction of these services will be communicated to the public. However, currently, all preventative services are in fact offered i.e. women’s health (family planning, antenatal and post-natal care), men’s health, child health(immunisations) and chronic disease management (TB, HIV, Diabetes, etc.)

As of 28 August 2020, the Garden Route District has 8757 confirmed cases of Covid-19.

Cases 

Garden Route cases and recoveries per subdistrict.

  • Bitou 570 cases; 514 recoveries
  • Knysna 1338 cases; 1216 recoveries
  • George 3269 cases; 2946 recoveries
  • Hessequa 272 cases; 223 recoveries
  • Kannaland 102 cases; 97 recoveries
  • Mossel Bay 2088 cases; 1829 recoveries
  • Oudsthoorn 1118 cases; 797 recoveries

The Garden Route has recorded 288 Covid-19 deaths.

Hessequa 15
Mossel Bay 59
George 91
Knysna 43
Bitou 21
Oudtshoorn 58
Kannaland 1

Hospitalisation

From our latest available information, there are currently 115 patients admitted in public and private hospitals of which 24 are in High Care/ICU.

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 42 people at the West Camp facility.

-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

28 August 2020 Media Release: Third Generation Western Cape Air Quality Management Plan Review

Media Release: Third Generation Western Cape Air Quality Management Plan Review

For Immediate Release
28 August 2020

The Western Cape Government, through the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP), implements systems and provides an oversight role in the province with respect to air quality management. In line with Section 15 (1) of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act (Act 39 of 2004) (NEM: AQA) Provinces and Municipalities are required to develop Air Quality Management Plans to manage air quality in their regions. For it to be effective, the AQMP needs to be reviewed every 5 years to establish whether the identified goals and targets have been effectively implemented.

In accordance with the NEM: AQA requirements, a Western Cape Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) was first developed in 2010 to manage air quality in the Province. The 2010 Western Cape AQMP outlined the air quality management planning, monitoring and regulatory interventions, inclusive of assessing air quality impacts and characterizing the sources of pollution within the Western Cape Province.

The 2nd Generation Western Cape AQMP was built upon the strengths and successes of the 2010 Western Cape AQMP and was informed via formal Public Participation Process workshops during 2015 and adopted in 2016. The 2nd Generation AQMP mainly focused on strengthening the linkages between Air Quality Management and Climate Change Response, as well as spatial planning for growth and development in the Western Cape Province.
The 2nd Generation AQMP upholds the vision and the mission of the 2010 Western Cape AQMP which are as follows:

VISION

“Clean and healthy air for all in the Western Cape”

MISSION

“To ensure the effective and consistent implementation of sustainable air quality management practices, by all spheres of government, relevant stakeholders and civil society to progressively achieve and efficiently maintain clean and healthy air in the Western Cape”

GOALS

Four goals of the AQMP support the vision and mission, with each goal addressing the different aspects of the vision and are underpinned by objectives to achieve them. These are:

  • Goal 1 Ensure effective and consistent air quality management, linked to Climate Change Response
  • Goal 2 Continually engage with stakeholders to raise awareness with respect to Air Quality Management and Climate Change Response
  • Goal 3 Ensure effective and consistent compliance monitoring and enforcement
  • Goal 4 Support Air Quality and Climate Change Response programmes, including promoting and facilitating the reduction of Greenhouse gas emissions.

Following 5 years of the implementation of the 2nd Generation AQMP (2016-2020), the DEA&DP is extending an invitation and calling on all Interested and Affected Parties (I&AP’s) and authorities in the different regions of the Province to review the 2nd Generation AQMP. This first phase of the public participation review process will run from 3 August to 3 September 2020.

The review is to, inter alia:

  • Assess progress made in air quality management in the Province;
  • Establish whether the identified goals and targets have been effectively implemented;
  • Establish whether the goals and targets were still valid in terms of new developments and economic growth in the province; and
  • Identify potential air quality risks and interventions that can be translated into new goals and objectives, where required.

All I&APs and authorities are invited to participate in the first phase of the Public Participation Process, which will contribute towards the development of the 3rd Generation Western Cape AQMP.

Due to the current novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic, the Public Participation Process (PPP) cannot be undertaken through the known conventional methods. In compliance to the National Disaster Management Regulations, which prohibit social gatherings, the PPP will be conducted via two sets of questionnaires to the public and industry, respectively. The I&AP’s and authorities will be engaged through alternative platforms to ensure that the Public Participation Process of the 2nd Generation AQMP is far-reaching.

The links to the background document & questionnaires will be made available on the WCG website, Facebook and Twitter.
Please click on the links below to access and complete the questionnaire.
English: https://forms.gle/qqFs7MVGXoZHuZwt8
Afrikaans: https://forms.gle/mbLbV1R6RUwxFFWp9

If you have any queries and should you wish to engage with the DEA&DP through any other virtual means (e.g. via MS Teams, Skype, Zoom), kindly contact:
Sally Benson: Sally.Benson@westerncape.gov.za