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14 April 2020 Media Release: Statement by the Garden Route District Executive Mayor – Cllr Memory Booysen

Media Release: Statement by the Garden Route District Executive Mayor – Cllr Memory Booysen

For Immediate Release
14 April 2020

As the Executive Mayor of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), I want to assure residents of the Garden Route district that even though the world has temporarily turned upside down because of the current COVID-19 pandemic, we are hard at work to ensure that our economy thrives again.

As a district, we know that the nation-wide lockdown of 35 days has hit several industries and businesses very hard; hence we want to reassure businesses in our District that we are working closely with other key collaborative partners, to provide clarity and credible information to them.

These collaborative partners include:

  • The Western Cape Departments of Economic Development and Tourism
  • Department of Agriculture
  • WESGRO
  • Department of Unemployment and Labour
  • local municipalities
  • South Cape Economic Partnership (SCEP)
  • Business Chambers and -forums
  • Afrikaanse Handels Instituut Wes-kaap (AHI WC)
  • Small Business Forum
  • SEDA
  • business partners

We have established a Garden Route COVID-19 Economy Cluster which aims to assist businesses to navigate through opportunities for business assistance, funding, payment relief, etc.  Three (3) workstreams feed into this cluster namely, Business Continuity, Municipal Local Economic Development and Tourism.

To ensure that we fully understand what issues businesses face during these trying times, we and many others (SEDA, Business Partners, Sake Liga and the George Business Chamber) have initiated surveys to gain a clear picture of how COVID-19 has impacted them. All the data will be used to gain insights that will assist planning for the immediate, and medium to long term takes place, which include:

  • Business Continuity – through this period for the next year while the effects of the virus still have an influence (more so for the Tourism and Hospitality industry);
  • Business Revival / Rebuild – how to look internally at new business ideas to rebuild the local economies as we knew it; and
  • Business Innovation – what is the new normal and what can be done to implement totally new ideas that weren’t there before.

These are only a few of the aspects of our crisis response.

Last week, the Western Cape Government have launched an online tool which businesses can use to find and access appropriate government assistance. This tool can be accessed at https://www.supportbusiness.co.za/covid-19-support-finder/. Businesses can now access the Fund Finder facility through this website, to assess and determine exactly which financial or other assistance their businesses qualify for, be it government or private sector assistance.

We are hopeful that these efforts, structures and processes will help ensure the continuity and resilience of business operations during these turbulent economic times and post the national lockdown period, and in  doing so, minimize the number of job losses resulting from this pandemic.

We want to encourage residents in the district to stay calm, adhere to the lockdown regulations, practice personal hygiene and maintain social distance.  Together we can stop the spread.

9 April 2020 Media Release: Garden Route DM purchases half a million rand worth of essential goods for the vulnerable

Media Release: Garden Route DM purchases half a million rand worth of essential goods for the vulnerable

For Immediate Release
9 April 2020

On 9 April 2020, Executive Mayor of GRDM Cllr Memory Booysen, informed local municipalities that R500 000.00 worth of essential goods are ready for collection at its Fire Station in George.  These goods were purchased to aid local municipalities in assisting the most vulnerable communities in their areas. The delivery of items is expected to take place by tomorrow. “This R500 000.00 provides up to a week of essentials to 800 households of five members or less,” said Cllr Booysen.

Local Municipalities have been requested to identify the most vulnerable and in need of support that would not be addressed in terms of the Department Social Development (DSD) Social Relief of Distress (SDR) program. Strict measures will be in place to ensure that no duplication of distribution takes place, known as “double-dipping”. For this reason DSD officials and the municipalities will ensure that a centralised database is used. The South African Police Service will ensure that areas, where food parcels will be delivered, are secure and safe for those doing deliveries.

Last week DSD announced that the Department made R18 million available to distribute food parcels in the Western Cape of which 9 000 food parcels will be distributed to households in the Garden Route district from next week Thursday.

Manager of Disaster Manager at GRDM,  Mr Gerhard Otto, highlighted:  “To ensure that food is provided to all vulnerable residents for the period ahead, all municipalities are in the process to pledge their financial support to fill the gaps of the DSD funded programmes”.

Food items, toiletries and other necessities, donated by the public throughout the district will also contribute to the programme to ensure that no one is left unfed.

Also read:

https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/2020/04/06/additional-r53-million-allocated-to-food-relief-programmes-in-the-western-cape/

https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/2020/04/03/your-donation-is-needed-coronavirus-covid19-pandemic/

8 April 2020 Media Release: Role of various institutions in relation to permits, certificates and other approvals

Media Release: Role of various institutions in relation to permits, certificates and other approvals

For Immediate Release
8 April 2020

The COVID-19 response requires a practical multi-agency approach to address a myriad of issues facing South Africa during the lockdown. One solution is the appointment of essential workers from the public and private sectors. These workers risk their lives to keep the economy going and curb the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus by working in the frontline to assist those infected by the COVID-19 virus. It is also necessary for all essential workers to keep the relevant documentation issued by an authority with them while performing their duties.

“It should be noted and stressed that if anyone forges applications, certificates or permits, they will be liable to criminal prosecution and sanction,” said Gerhard Otto, Manager Municipal Disaster Management for the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM).

The role(s) of institutions who issue permits/certificates, etc.:

1. South African Police Services (SAPS)

SAPS only issue permits to people who plan to attend a funeral in a metropolitan area outside the district they reside in or a funeral in another province. SAPS issues no other permits.  The contact details of SAPS offices in the Garden Route district, include:

  • Albertinia: 028 735 8050
  • Calitzdorp: 044 213 8803
  • Conville: 044 803 3325
  • Da Gamaskop: 044 606 2229
  • De Rust: 044 241 2050
  • Dysselsdorp: 044 251 8403
  • George: 044 803 4705
  • Groot Brakrivier: 044 620 8300
  • Heidelberg: 028 722 1910
  • Knysna: 044 302 6600
  • KwaNokuthula: 044 501 4217
  • Kwanonqaba: 044 606 5600
  • Ladismith: 028 551 8106
  • Mossel Bay: 044 606 2800
  • Oudtshoorn: 044 203 9002
  • Pacaltsdorp: 044 803 9110
  • Plettenberg Bay: 044 501 1913
  • Riversdale: 028 713 8500
  • Stilbaai: 027 754 6100
  • Thembalethu: 044 802 8906
  • Uniondale: 044 752 6610

2. Local Municipalities (Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Bitou, Greater Oudtshoorn and Kannaland)

    • Issue permits to their own municipal staff who perform essential work.
    • Issue permits to companies that provide services to them.
    • Local municipalities issue business licences (except for George, Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn Municipalities), including licences to informal food traders (spaza shops, food vendors and hawkers). Business owners must contact local municipalities for details pertaining to licensing procedures and various health and safety regulations. Categories that require strict compliance in this instance include zoning, health (the district municipality issues a Certificate of Acceptability) and safety (particularly fire). Spaza shop owners and informal food traders must hold permits issued by their respective local municipalities allowing them to trade. Spaza shop owners and informal food traders currently trading without permits may apply for temporary permits. In case of non-South African citizens, the business owner must have lawfully admitted into the Republic and must hold a valid passport with a visa issued by the Department of Home Affairs or must alternatively hold an asylum seeker’s permit issued in terms of section 22 of the Refugees Act, 1998 (Act No. 130 of 1998).

2.1 Issuing of permits for companies providing essential services to municipality

2.2 Issuing of licences to informal food traders

 3. Garden Route District Municipality

Garden Route District municipality issues a Certificate of Acceptability (COA) to those who are planning to approach a local municipality for a business licence. Permits are also issued by GRDM to companies who provide services to it, as well as to all essential workers at a district level.

3.1 Certificate of Acceptability

3.2 Essential Services to Garden Route District Municipality

Tippie Bouwer / tippie@gardenroute.gov.za / 083 941 0885

4. National Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC)

Businesses providing essential services to the general public are required to seek approval via the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission’s online portal (www.bizportal.gov.za) to trade during the lockdown period. Approval is granted by the DTIC, who emails a certificate to each applicant stating that they can continue trading. This certificate is proof to authorities that the applicant has been given permission by Government to trade and that its employees are able to have unrestricted movement ONLY for work purposes during the lockdown.

Contact 086 184 3384 for more information.

5. Private sector companies providing transport

Permits for public transport services are issued by the Chief Executive Officers of the public transport service providers. It must include the operating shifts or work schedules of employees. This means that the permits issued by employers to their employees may have to be amended either by adding the timetable as an addendum, or by issuing a new permit.

6. Sector Departments

Various sector departments also issue permits to their workers. These include, but are not limited to national and provincial sector departments.

Those not required to apply for new permits

Healthcare professionals registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa, sole proprietors who provide essential goods and services (including those who were registered before the COVID-19 pandemic, i.e. spaza shops, food vendors and hawkers), and all farmers. The above mentioned healthcare professionals, business owners and small-scale farmers must carry a copy of their original permit by them.

ENDS

Media Queries
Herman Pieters | Senior Communicator
Garden Route District Municipality
E-mail: communications@gardenroute.gov.za

8 April 2020 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality continues with disinfection of public areas

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality continues with disinfection of public areas

For Immediate Release
8 April 2020

While the number of Covid-19 positive cases are still increasing worldwide, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) recently started with a disinfection programme to disinfect various informal settlements and public areas in the district.  Prior to this initiative thorough training was provided to the teams to ensure that the correct processes are followed and also that each person is using suitable personal protective equipment during these operations. During this initiative special focus is placed on waiting rooms, meeting/committee rooms, facilities of the South African Police Service (SAPS) e.g. police cells, to name a few.

Firefighers disinfection public areas in Thembalethu. Photos & feature photo: George Herald

Disinfection operations at Courts and SAPS facilities in the Garden Route.

This morning the GRDM team continued with this initiative in George where they started off at Conville Police Station. Thereafter they disinfected the George Police Station and court, where after the Thembalethu Police Station and court followed suit. The next area of focus will be Pacaltsdorp.  On 9 April the team also plans to address the Uniondale, Haarlem and Noll areas etc. which are situated next to the N9.

For the past week, since the initiative commenced, all efforts have been well-received.  This is an indication that residents are fully aware of the seriousness of the pandemic. These efforts will keep the firefighters busy for a while, although they simultaneously have to deal with their first responsibility to ensure that reported fires in the district are contained, should the need arise.

The GRDM Management and Council at this stage would like to extend a word gratitude to all members of community and government departments for their cooperation throughout the process to ensure that the pandemic does not continue to spread. They also commended the GRDM firefighters (on-duty and standby crews, as well as volunteers) and Municipal Health officials for all their continued efforts during this initiative.

Firefighters disinfect courts in the Garden Route district.

For more information or requests, please contact:

  • Johan Compion – jcompion@gardenroute.gov.za
  • Emmy Douglas – emmy@gardenroute.gov.za

Also view: https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/2020/04/04/district-municipality-rolls-out-district-wide-decontamination-plan/

6 April 2020 Media Statement: Up to six months imprisonment, a fine, or both for those spreading fake news

Media Statement

For Immediate Release

6 April 2020

Up to six months imprisonment, a fine, or both for those spreading fake news

The National Department of Communication and Digital Technologies has published regulations to address the spread of fake news. These regulations have significant implications for the exercise of information rights. However, during the national lockdown all legislation remain subject to the Constitution and the rights entrenched in it.

It is a criminal offence for any person to publish any statement with the intention to deceive others about Covid-19, the infection status of any person or any measure taken by the government to address Covid-19. Spreading fake news about coronavirus is an offence punishable by a fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both.

Report fake news

If you receive information you suspect to be fake news, report it to fakenewsalert@dtps.gov.za or WhatsApp 067 966 4015.

Be sure to include a link or screenshot of the social media post, article or document.

ENDS

Media Queries
Herman Pieters | Senior Communicator
Garden Route District Municipality
E-mail: communications@gardenroute.gov.za

iStock.com/andreypopov

6 April 2020 Media Release: Community screening and testing for COVID-19 starts today

Media Release: Community screening and testing for COVID-19 starts today, 6 April 2020

For Immediate Release
6 April 2020

Western Cape Government Health will commence community screening and testing for COVID-19 from today, 6 April 2020. This is in line with the President and Minister Mkhize’s announcement that fieldworkers will commence with an active community screening and testing programme. With the number of positive COVID-19 cases spreading in communities, the risk to vulnerable communities is increasing. Government health services are actively trying to find people who might need help through talking to people (screening) and thus to determine whether they need to go for testing so we can refer them for treatment.

“We must ensure that our vulnerable communities are screened and tested in greater numbers to ensure our people are protected against the spread of the COVID-19 disease,” says Dr. Nomafrench Mbombo, MEC for Health in Western Cape. “I myself will be visiting Mbekweni in Paarl tomorrow to give support to our community teams.”

Fake news alert

Western Cape Government Health is aware of the video circulating on social media relating to community based testing of COVID-19

COVID-19 tests are performed with a nose and mouth swab, which is clinically safe and not contaminated

The video is not true. No blood or DNA tests will be done

 

Various initiatives will be rolled out this week, but we will start with the following areas:

Community screening and testing will start in the following areas:

Cape Town Metro sub-districts

  • Khayelitsha: Town2 and Ilitha Park (Monday)
  • Eastern: Happy Valley (Monday)
  • Western: Bo-Kaap (Tuesday)
  • Tygerberg: Bishop Lavis (Monday)
  • Klipfontein: Philippi (Tuesday)

Rural districts

  • Kwanonqaba, Mossel Bay (Monday)
  • Mbekweni, Cape Winelands (Monday)

Screening and testing will be expanded to other vulnerable communities at high risk of Coronavirus spreading from person to person. Screening will be conducted door-to-door by trained field workers in these areas using simple verbal questions to identify people who may require testing. Health workers will ask health questions aimed at screening for symptom (a sore throat, a cough or fever screening will either be done via community health workers visiting your home, or mobile units in your area (e.g. gazebos). Our fieldworkers will have ID tags and identifiable clothing. We ask the public to please allow our workers to screen them.

Testing will be done if the questions indicate that you require a further test. The health worker will refer you to the closest testing centre. The test will be done by taking a swab from your nose and throat. This will either be done in a clinic, or in a mobile parked in your area. Test results will not be immediately available but patients will be followed up and advised of their status.

What individuals must do

  • Please welcome health workers when screening
  • Answer the questions honestly.
  • Remember the 5 Golden rules: Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, keep surfaces clean, do not touch your face, cough and sneeze in your elbow fold, keep 1,5m away from people, and stay at home
  • Please co-operate fully and support family for testing

What communities should do

  • Please encourage people to be screened and tested
  • Look out for health workers who have official identification and branded clothing
  • Please support our health workers and keep them safe
  • Please help to keep communities clean and encourage good behaviour
  • Don’t be afraid of testing or potential sick people.
  • Please support the elderly and children

Where can I get help

  • Your local NGO or health worker
  • Call numbers: National Hotline: 0800 029 999
    Provincial hotline: 021 928 4102
    WhatsApp “hi” to 0600 123 456
  • All lines are operational 24/7
  • Your closest clinic (City and Province)Together, let’s stop the spread of Coronavirus

ENDS

Media Queries

Nadia Ferreira | Principal Communications Officer
Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts, Western Cape Government
E-mail: nadia.ferreira@westerncape.gov.za

Garden Route District Multi-Agency Command Centre

4 April 2020 Media Release: District Municipality rolls out district-wide disinfection plan

Media Release: District Municipality rolls out district-wide disinfection plan

For Immediate Release
4 April 2020

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in conjunction with local municipalities, started sanitising/disinfection of various areas on 1 April 2020 and will continue to do this at public spaces and informal settlements. Due to the risk of the coronavirus remaining on frequently used surfaces, it is important to disinfect areas where a large number of feet pass through. Some of these include communal toilets, taps and door handles.

Executive Manager Community Services Mr Clive Africa said: “We have started implementing a practical sanitation plan for high risk areas and certain items and will ensure that it is repeated when and if necessary. The disinfection action will be directed to private and public places, including communal and public toilets, taxi ranks and marketplaces, sidewalks, municipal properties, state owned properties, private properties, and camping sites.”

Disinfection sites are categorized into high-, medium- and low risk categories. High risk sites must be disinfection daily, or every 2nd day. These include taxi ranks, informal settlements, communal facilities, etc. Medium risk sites that must be disinfection every 3rd day include shops, banks and public benches, to name a few. Low risk sites that must be disinfection every 5th day include public spaces at beach areas (not the beach area), animal welfare vehicles, and public facilities closed during lockdown.

TRAINING

Training of personnel regarding disinfection of private and public places took place in George, Hessequa, Kannaland, and Knysna today. Further training sessions will take place in Mossel Bay, Bitou and Oudtshoorn tomorrow.

“Local municipalities welcomed the disinfection training we provided over the past few days,” said Africa.

ENDS

Media Queries
Herman Pieters | Senior Communicator
Garden Route District Municipality
E-mail: communications@gardenroute.gov.za

Garden Route District Multi-Agency Command Centre

3 April 2020 Media Statement: Food vendors and hawkers allowed to trade food during lockdown

Media Statement

For Immediate Release

3 April 2020

Media Statement: Food vendors and hawkers allowed to trade food during lockdown

Only street vendors that have an existing trading permit that was issued by local municipalities before the Covid-19 lockdown, are allowed to operate. They may only sell basic food products. Hot meals and food preparation not be permitted. Spaza shops selling essential groceries are allowed to trade from 08:00 – 18:00.

FALSE INFORMATION

Information is going the rounds that hawkers and street vendors can request permits to trade during lockdown from municipal councillors. The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma communicated this statement via various news channels yesterday and this morning. It has however been retracted during a video conference session between the Department and Executive Mayors at 14:00 today.

Media Queries
Herman Pieters | Senior Communicator
Garden Route District Municipality
E-mail: communications@gardenroute.gov.za

Garden Route District Multi-Agency Command Centre