NOTICE NO 127/2025
Notice is hereby given that a Special 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 03 December 2025 at 11:00
During the month of November, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Roads Layerworks Team commenced with the cement stabilization process of the second to last layer on the left hand side (LHS) lane. This process was done with the use of a specialized recycler machine, which processed the full length of the project on the LHS.
Due to the fact that the layer is stabilized with cement, it is currently in a curing phase where it is required to lay undisturbed for a period of time, in order to reach the optimal strength. Once the curing phase is completed and the test results have been received, the team will then begin with importing the material for the final layer, which is the basecourse layer. Source material is currently at a laboratory undergoing various tests, and once the results are received, the next phase of the construction will commence.
Although the Roads and Transport Planning Services Department will be closed from 12:00 on 12 December 2025 to 9 January 2026, the Department remains focused on the completion of the concrete lined side drains, as well as constructing concrete edge beams at all accesses along the road.
Completion date of the project still remains at 31st January 2026, with the progress standing at 92%.
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For immediate release
25 November 2025
Officials from the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), women and men, joined the rest of the world in marking the start of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign earlier today. The campaign runs annually from 25 November to 10 December, and this year it is observed under the theme: “Letsema: Men, Women, Boys and Girls working together to end Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).”
This year marks the 27th anniversary of the campaign with its primary goal remaining to raise awareness, inspire action, and promote accountability in the fight to end gender-based violence. This year’s theme is anchored in the Positive Masculinity Dialogue, which will be hosted on the margins of the G20 Ministerial Meeting and builds on G20 outcomes related to GBVF.
On 18 November 2025, during the G20 Social Summit in Johannesburg, President Ramaphosa declared GBVF a national disaster in South Africa. This decision was officially welcomed by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa.
As the first African country to host the G20 host, South Africa placed the eradication of GBVF at the centre of the G20 Empowerment of Women Working Group’s agenda. The G20 Leaders’ Declaration further reinforced this commitment, highlighting global priorities such as sustainable development, equality, and the urgent need to address gender-based violence.
Today, GRDM officials, all dressed in black, gathered at the municipality’s parking area at the back of the head office. Special words of encouragement and support were shared by GRDM Councillors Ald. Nompumelelo Sumeia Ndayi (MMC for Corporate Services) and Cllr Clodia Lichaba. Rian Boshoff (Chief Financial Officer) and Deon Stoffels (Fire Chief), also delivered messages of support, emphasising that violence against women remains a major concern that requires a whole of society approach; a human rights crisis, affecting nearly one in three women in their lifetime.
In a demonstration of global solidarity and to pledge their commitment to ending violence against women and girls, as well as gender-based violence, officials painted their hands and left their handprints on a large poster. Following this, staff formed a large circle, joining hands in solidarity and support for the drive to end gender-based violence.
The campaign serves as a reminder that creating a safe and inclusive environment is everyone’s responsibility. During this period, staff are encouraged to start conversations about GBVF in its many forms, support one another, and reaffirm their commitment to fostering respect, equality, and dignity for all.
Other important commemorative days during this period include World AIDS Day on 1 December and the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December each year.
Did you know?
16 Days of Activism provides a platform for individuals and institutions to:
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21 November 2025
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) has developed its Seasonal Municipal Health Safety Plan to ensure that residents and holiday visitors enjoy a safe and healthy environment during the peak holiday season.
According to Executive Mayor Marais Kruger, “every year, the region experiences a significant increase in food handling activities, temporary events, large tourist volumes, and higher temperatures. All of which heighten the risk of foodborne illnesses, water contamination, and general public health hazards”.
“In response to the influx of tourists, GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) will intensify their proactive inspections, monitoring and awareness operations across all seven local municipal areas from now to January 2026.”
The plan is to ensure extensive monitoring of food premises, accommodation facilities, water quality, and hygiene compliance across the district. Activities will include blitz operations, joint enforcement actions, sampling programmes, community awareness campaigns, and extended standby coverage by EHPs.
Key activities will include:
Implement a strengthened standby programme with Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) on duty across all regions between 12 December 2025 and 5 January 2026. “Our responsibility is to prevent avoidable harm.
This plan ensures we remain vigilant, responsive, and committed to protecting public health during the busiest season of the year,” said Compion.
For more information or to report unhygienic practices by food handlers, contact the following GRDM offices within the Garden Route:
Johan Compion
Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management and Air Quality
E-mail: info@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1300 / Cell: 082 803 516
Klein Karoo & Kannaland
Desmond Paulse – Manager: Municipal Health (Klein Karoo)
94 St John Street, Oudtshoorn
Tel: 044 272 2241 / Cell: 083 678 6530
Mossel Bay
Rinay Cloete – Acting Chief: Municipal Health
C/O Sampson & Marling Street, Ext 23, Mossel Bay
Tell: 044 693 0006 / Cell: 083 530 3709
George Outeniqua
Emmy Douglas – Chief: Municipal Health (Outeniqua)
Mission Street, Industrial Area, George, 6530
Tel: 044 803 1501 / Cell: 078 457 2824
George & Wilderness
Lusizo Kwetshube – Acting Chief: Municipal Health
Mission Street, Industrial Area, George, 6530
Tel: 044 803 1599 / Cell: 081 555 6992
Knysna
James McCarthy – Chief: Knysna
26A Queen Street, Knysna, 6571
Tel: 044 382 7214 / Cell: 082 805 9417
Bitou
Gawie Vos – Chief: Lakes (Bitou)
4 Virginia street, Plettenberg bay, 6600
Tel: 044 501 1600 / Cell: 083 557 1522
Hessequa
Haemish Herwels – Chief: Hessequa
24 Michell Street, Riversdale, 6670
Tel: 028 713 2438 / Cell: 083 678 6545
NOTICE NO 111/2025
Notice is hereby given that an MPAC MEETING of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the Loerie Committee Room and via Zoom, 54 York Street, George, on 25 November 2025 at 10:00.
For immediate release
20 November 2025
The Disaster Management team of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) from this morning, 20 November 2025, commenced with the provision of water to the residents of Sedgefield.
“This assistance followed a request received from the Municipal Manager of Knysna. However, a truck incident on the Kaaiman’s Pass caused a delay in our response efforts yesterday, but today we were able to deliver water to the affected areas,” said Gerhard Otto, Manager for Disaster Management at GRDM.
With the water treatment plant in Sedgefield that is currently unable to remove the salt from the water, support from the GRDM will continue until the water shortage experienced by the residents of Sedgefield has been resolved. Otto, explained: “The water treatment works needs to operate outside of its design parameters and therefore process controllers are struggling to produce water for domestic use that meets normal approved salinity standards”.
GRDM Executive Mayor Marais Kruger said: “The GRDM values its strong relationships with local government stakeholders in the Garden Route and will continue its efforts to support Knysna in ensuring the delivery of essential services to the residents of Sedgefield.”
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20 November 2025
The 2025 Western Cape Investment Summit was hosted at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 5 to 7 November 2025, bringing together local, national, and international investors with high-impact projects poised to accelerate economic growth in the province. Representing the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), Richard Dyantyi and Natalie Raubenheimer from the Integrated Planning and Development Section attended the three-day summit, engaging with investors and highlighting the region’s investment potential.
Anchored by the theme “Catalysing Growth, Connecting Opportunities,” the summit serves as a meticulously crafted deal-making platform designed to attract both foreign direct investment (FDI) and domestic direct investment (DDI).
In a pre-summit statement, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde emphasised the significance of the event: “The summit is vital to accelerating economic growth in our province and creating the jobs our communities need. It is an opportunity to showcase the Western Cape’s investment-ready projects and attract the capital that will drive transformation.”
Eight Transformative Sectors for Investment
The summit highlighted projects across eight key sectors:
Streamlined Investment Processes
The summit provided mechanisms to simplify regulatory frameworks and fast-track approvals, with a dedicated regulatory forum allowing direct engagement between investors and government facilitators.
Representatives from the Garden Route District, including officials from GRDM and the municipalities of George, Hessequa, and Mossel Bay, actively engaged with investors to showcase the district’s growing potential. On the final day, the GRDM team attended presentations by the Department of Economic Development & Tourism, Department of Infrastructure and logistics by Transnet Ports and Freight Rail amongst other sessions. The Garden Route district stand drew investors already planning projects in water management and industrial park development. Premier Winde visited the GRDM team during the summit, praising the Garden Route for its strong representation and commitment to drawing investment to the region.
Garden Route Investment Highlights
A key feature with direct impact on the Garden Route was Investment Overview #3, focusing on Target Projects by RW Architects & Condorgreen Holdings. The investment pledge includes six estate developments covering 213 hectares across the Southern Cape, Garden Route, and Overberg regions, with an estimated CAPEX of R5.1 billion over the next six years.
The projects will result in the creation of 3,669 new residential units designed with a regenerative ethos through RootedEARTH, an innovative approach integrating digital technology, ethical AI, biophilic and regenerative design, and real estate economics into a cohesive development ecosystem.
According to Richard Dyantyi, the 2025 Western Cape Investment Summit highlighted the province’s readiness for investment while positioning the Garden Route as a strategic hub for sustainable, transformative economic growth.
Featured image, from left to right (FLTR): Natalie Raubenheimer – GRDM Senior District Economic Development Officer; Alan Winde – Western Cape Premier; Mahlatse Phosa – Director: Town and Spatial Planning, LED & Tourism, George Municipality; and Richard Dyantyi – Manager: Tourism, District Economic Development, Job Creation & EPWP.
GRDM official engaging with delegates during the 2025 Western Cape Investment Summit, hosted at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
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Friday, 12 December 2025 at 12:00
Notice Number: 125/2025
Notice is hereby given that the offices of the Garden Route District Municipality will close on Friday, 12 December 2025 at 12:00 and re-open on Monday, 5 January 2026 at 07:30.
All emergency services will continue to be rendered during this period. The numbers 044 805 5071 / 081 709 5193 (WhatsApp) can be contacted at all hours for such services.
MG Stratu
Municipal Manager
54 York Street
P.O. Box 12
GEORGE
6530
Tel: 044 803 1300
19 November 2025
In South Africa, the highest rabies fatalities have historically been reported in Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, and the Free State/Lesotho border, mainly resulting from infected dog bites. According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), numerous cases of rabies were confirmed in Cape fur seals along the Western Cape shoreline in May 2024.
Rabies is a fatal zoonotic viral disease but is 100% preventable through the vaccination of pets and the administration of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis after contact with a suspected rabid animal. It is transmitted to humans through bites and scratches from infected animals. There is no cure for rabies once a person or animal begins to show clinical signs.
Legally, every pet owner must have their dogs and cats vaccinated to protect both humans and animals against rabies.
Image credit: Department of Agriculture
For more information enquire with your local state or private veterinarian, animal health technician or welfare organisation. Contact details of the State Veterinarian in our district: Tel 044 8735527
For any additional information regarding this article, or to report any incidents, please contact:
Mr Johan Compion
Manager: Municipal Health & Environmental Services
E-mail: info@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1300 / Cell: 082 803 5161
DID YOU KNOW?
“Rabies is a preventable tragedy, and we have the power to stop it. By vaccinating our pets and raising awareness within our communities, we can mitigate the factors that allow this deadly virus to spread.”
Related Articles:
https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/2018/11/16/awareness-rabies/
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For immediate release
18 November 2025
“The multiple fires we’ve seen in the Garden Route over recent weeks again confirm what we have warned about for years,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF). “With rainfall figures remaining low, invasive alien plants proliferating, and climate conditions becoming harsher, the region is facing rising fire danger and intensifying pressure on already stressed water resources.”
Invasive alien plants (IAPs) are one of the greatest threats to the Garden Route’s critically endangered habitats, sensitive mountain catchments, and the ecological functioning of rivers and estuaries. Species such as pines, wattles, Lantana, bugweed, gums and hakeas consume large volumes of water, starving rivers of sustained flow and undermining the health of estuaries that depend on reliable freshwater input. At the same time, these invasives create dense, highly flammable fuel loads that can turn ordinary wildfires into uncontrollable events.
To better understand and respond to these risks, entities such as the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association (SCFPA), SANParks, CapeNature and the Garden Route District Municipality established the Risk Reduction Task Team – a working group that continuously evaluates the growing threats posed by IAP’s and advises on coordinated mitigation.
However, the challenge is outpacing the resources available. Government grants, including those that previously supported large-scale clearing under programmes such as Working for Water, have shrunk dramatically. The breeding and release of biological control agents- once an essential tool for suppressing the spread of several invasive species is now no longer freely available, further compounding management difficulties. As a result, landowners, conservancies and local initiatives are increasingly left to carry the financial burden themselves, with uneven success.
More sustained investment from government is essential. Firefighting is expensive, and so are the preventative measures required to reduce risk, but prevention is far cheaper than disaster. Alien plant control must be funded consistently, prioritised strategically, and integrated with fire management, biodiversity conservation and climate-adaptation planning. Without this, the region’s water security, natural heritage and community safety will remain increasingly vulnerable.
The Garden Route Environmental Forum is a public platform for landowners and environmental managers and a climate change think tank. (www.grefecsf.co.za)
Photo: Homestead saved from raging wildfire by determined GRDM fire fighters and the landowner in Hessequa in October 2025 – Michael Raimondo.
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