Skip to content Skip to left sidebar Skip to footer

Local Government News

16 June 2020 PRESS STATEMENT: First Positive Covid-19 case at Garden Route District Municipality and Temporary Closure of Head-Office

For Immediate Release 

16 June 2020

From Wednesday, 17 June 2020, the Head-Office of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) in George will be temporary closed, due to an employee who tested positive for Covid-19.

Executive Mayor of GRDM, Cllr Memory Booysen, when confirming the first Covid-19 positive case of the municipality, said:  “Although the person was working from home and had less interaction with colleagues, the employee occasionally came to our offices and it is our duty as a municipality to follow all related protocols. We immediately took the necessary precautions and are implementing all measures such as closing the building, disinfecting, fogging, etc. to ensure the safety of the rest of the GRDM employees”.

Officials disinfecting the Head-Office of Garden Route District Municipality.

All GRDM satellite offices in the district will continue with normal working operations; however the Head-Office will be closed despite the District Command Centre that is stationed at the Head-Office being the centre point to coordinate Covid-19 related activities in the district.  The temporary closure of the building will therefore allow the municipality to take the necessary precautions related to the Covid-19 protocols.

The person is already in isolation and the process to trace all persons who were in contact with the employee, is underway.   All processes will be conducted in collaboration with the Western Cape Department of Health.  Mayor Booysen concluded by extending a word of appreciation on behalf of Council and Management to the employee, who immediately informed management of the test results. He wished the employee a speedy recovery and also wished all those who might have been in contact with the employee well, during this time.

The Strategic Manager in the Office of the Municipal Manager, Mr Thembani Loliwe, confirmed that the office will reopen on Monday, 22 June 2020 and he further stated that no person will be allowed into the office, including officials and members of the public until the reopening of the building. “We therefore encourage all staff and members of the public to be patient with us while we put these measures in place and ensuring a safe working environment for our employees”.

As we enter the peak period of the pandemic, every person will be at risk of contracting the virus, therefore it is important that we adhere to all principles to prevent the spread of the virus. Stay at home, if you can work from home. Make sure that you keep a 1.5 meter distance between yourself and the next person, wear a clean cloth mask when you have to go out, wash your hands often and avoid touching your face. If you feel sick also stay at home and seek urgent medical care when experiencing difficulty breathing.

For more information, contact:

Mr Thembani Loliwe,

Strategic Manager in the Office of the Municipal Manager

Tel: 067 038 7668 / E-mail: thembani@gardenroute.gov.za

 

-ENDS-

15 June 2020 Media Release: Alert Level 3 Regulations – Business who are allowed to operate

Media Release: Alert Level 3 Regulations – Business who are allowed to operate

For immediate release
15 June 2020

Monday, 01 June 2020 marked the date when South African entered lockdown alert level 3 which introduced a host of new regulations on what citizens can and cannot do.  According to the regulations of alert level 3, certain adjustments were made to the previous lockdown rules, however the state of national lockdown still continues until the curve has been flattened and the infection rate has been minimised for a sustained period.

More than eight million people have returned to their respective workplaces and in terms of the Alert Level 3 Lockdown Regulations set out in section 27(2) of the Disaster Management Act, 2002, gazetted Thursday, 28 May 2020.

Operation of economic and public sector 

All economic sectors are permitted to operate, except for high-risk activities that remain restricted.

According to section 27(2) of the Disaster Management Act, 2002, gazetted Thursday, 28 May 2020, number 46 operations are subject to certain social distancing measures that may limit the number of employees in the workplace at any given time.

  • Businesses and other institutions may operate except those set out in Table 2 (listed below).
  • Businesses and other institutions with more than 100 employees must, where possible, make provision for minimising the number of employees at the workplace at any given time, through rotation, staggered working hours, shift systems, remote working arrangements or similar measures, in order to achieve social distancing and to limit congestion in public transport and at the workplace.
  • Relevant health protocols and social distancing measures for persons employed in private residences must be adhered to.
  • Relevant health protocols and social distancing measures set out in directions must be adhered to, in addition to the occupational health and safety directions issued by the Cabinet member responsible for employment and labour and applicable labour legislation.
  • Employers must implement measures for employees who are over 60 or those with co- morbidities to facilitate their safe return to work, which may include special measures at the work place to limit employees’ exposure to COVID -19 infection and where possible that the employees work from home.
  • Construction, manufacturing, business and financial services firms with more than 500 employees must finalise appropriate sector or workplace arrangements or compacts to address the following:
    1. provide, or arrange transport to their employees coming to site, or, where this is not possible. consider staggered working time arrangements to reduce congestion in public transport;
    2. stagger the return to work of employees to ensure workplace readiness and avoid traffic congestion during peak travel times as a result of the return to work;
    3. screen employees daily for symptoms of COVID -19 and refer the employees who display symptoms for medical examination and testing where necessary; and
    4. submit data collected during the screening and testing process to the Director -General: Health.
  • (a) The relevant sector or industry body, if such a body exists, must, in the event of high health risks, develop sector -specific health protocols which must include provisions to limit the spread of COVID -19 in the sector concerned and provide for those circumstances where a firm cannot operate staggered working hours or provide transport to its employees.

(b) The sector -specific health protocols referred to in paragraph (a) must be developed in consultation with the Department of Health.

Specific Economic Exclusions:

  1. Consumption of food and beverages at or in a place of sale, including restaurants retail outlets, convenience stores or informal traders.
  2. On -site consumption of liquor.
  3. Short term home -sharing /letting /leasing /rental for leisure purposes.
  4. Domestic passenger air travel for leisure purposes until directions with health protocols and social distancing measures are issued by the relevant Cabinet member responsible for transport.
  5. Passenger ships for leisure purposes.
  6. Conferences and events, including sporting events, except as provided for in Chapter 4 of the Regulations.
  7. Personal care services, including hairdressing, beauty treatments, make -up and nails salons and piercing and tattoo parlours, except those categories of services identified in directions by the relevant Cabinet member, in consultation with the Cabinet member responsible for health, as safe to resume, under specified conditions.
  8. Exclusions relating to public transport services as set out in the directions issued by the Cabinet member responsible for transport.
  9. Exclusions relating to education services as set out in the directions issued by the Cabinet members responsible for education.
  10. Tourist attractions, casinos and entertainment activities, except those categories of activities which the relevant Cabinet members, in consultation with the Cabinet member responsible for health, identified in directions as safe to resume under specified conditions.

15 June 2020 DSD donates essential food items to homeless shelters in the Garden Route district

For Immediate Release
15 June 2020

On Wednesday, 10 June 2020, the Disaster Management Centre of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) collected food items from the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) in Cape Town to assist shelters situated in all municipal areas with food relief.

Essential food items donated by the Western Cape Department of Social Development on 10 June 2020 to provide food relief to the homeless of the Garden Route district.

Mr Gerhard Otto, Manager of Disaster Management at GRDM, applied for food relief with a list of specified items on 4 June 2020, after sending a request for assistance to the DSD. The request was approved on 8 June 2020. This assistance came at a crucial time after Oudtshoorn and Bitou municipalities shortly before Otto’s request, indicated the need for essential food items at their respective shelters for homeless people. Itemba in Oudtshoorn accommodates 18 homeless, while Native Roots, situated in Plettenberg Bay, accommodates 40 persons.  Homeless persons are not only accommodated at these shelters, but are also cared for during the COVID-19 pandemic and kept safe and healthy during this unprecedented time.

Preparation of the food will be done at kitchens approved by the GRDM Municipal Health Services section. The kitchens will be well-managed by non-governmental and faith based organisations in the respective municipal areas. Soup kitchens supported by the respective municipalities will also benefit from this donation. The items approved and donated by DSD, include: porridge, beef and chicken soup, juice, pasta, mince, chicken casserole, maize meal and pilchards.

Executive Mayor of GRDM, Cllr Memory Booysen, welcomed the donation and extended a word of gratitude to DSD for assisting the Garden Route district with essential food items. Mayor Booysen said: “This donation from the DSD is confirmation of our good working relations with provincial departments.  It is important that we continue with our efforts to explore any possibility to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of our residents, most importantly the most vulnerable – this donation is a result thereof”.

ENDS

14 June 2020 Weekly update on the Coronavirus by the Garden Route District Municipality Command Centre

Weekly update on the Coronavirus by the Garden Route District Municipality Command Centre

For Immediate Release
14 June 2020

The Garden Route has recorded nine (9) COVID-19 deaths to date – five in George, one in Mossel Bay, two in Knysna and one in Hessequa. Our heartfelt condolences go out to all family members and friends of the deceased and we continue to keep them in our prayers. Since 7 June 2020, the Garden Route has recorded 102 new COVID-19 positive cases – a total of 209 Garden Routers have now recovered from the virus.

Executive Mayor of GRDM, Councillor Memory Booysen on Saturday thanked the public for donating 459 cloth face masks that will be distributed to community members who cannot afford to buy their own. Cllr Booysen thanked those who donated masks by name (in no particular order): Lee Neto, Gerty Bezuidenhoudt, Jenny Streiger, Lorrain Gerberg, Khutala Maki Gewegwe, Penny Tyson, Elize Loots, Bev Pollocks, Lisa Murray and Rohan Compion.

View the video of Cllr Booysen sharing a thank you message here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEgbNihMCpc

GRDM Executive Mayor, Cllr Memory Booysen (middle), with Cllr Liza Stroebel (right) and the George Junior City Council Municipal Manager, Mr Haydin Wentzel (left), Mayor Inilé du Toit (second from left) and Speaker, MsJalaser Basman (second from right).
GRDM Executive Mayor Cllr Memory Booysen with Mr Herman Pienaar (Love George) and Mr Horne (Faith Based Organisation).

On Saturday, Mayor Booysen also visited the Shofar Christian Church in George where a lot of good work happens. Shofar provides space for the Love George NGO to create and distribute food parcels from to the most vulnerable. The storehouse has played a pivotal role in feeding the most vulnerable communities in the region. Another highlight of Cllr Booysen’s visit to the site was to meet the George Junior City Council members. Under the leadership of Inilé du Toit (Mayor), Haydin Wentzel (Municipal Manager) and Jalaser Basman (Speaker), the Junior City Council members managed to source various donations for the needy. Items collected include non-perishable food, clothing, toys and other items.

Listen to Councillor Memory Booysen’s address to the George Junior City Council, FBOs and Love George NGO here:

 

GRDM HEALTH INTERVENTIONS

In an effort to break the rate and cycle of COVID-19 infections, Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) will conduct home visits to those who tested positive for COVID-19. This will be done to ensure that they are adhering to the rules relating to self-isolation. The GRDM is also investigating the possibility of providing individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 with hand sanitisers.

COVID-19 STATISTICS

Cases
(7/06)		 Recoveries
(7/06)		 Cases
(14/06)		 Recoveries
(14/06)
Bitou 15 14 16 (+1) 15 (+1)
George 105 50 148 83 (+2)
Hessequa 13 10 19 (+6) 12
Kannaland 1 All recovered 3 (+2) 2 (+2)
Knysna 69 44 88 (+19) 59 +15)
Mossel Bay 34 28 63 (+29) 29 (+1)
Oudtshoorn 17 8 19 (+2) 9 (+1)
Totals 254 155 356 (+102) 209 (+54)

Visit https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/covid-19-dashboard for live updates.

The Western Cape Department of Health found that the following risk factors are most prevalent for people who succumbed to the COVID-19 coronavirus in the region. A shift in testing strategy to prioritise persons most at risk for severe disease, therefore include:

  • Diabetes, hypertension or heart disease on treatment
  • Cancer on treatment
  • TB on treatment
  • HIV with poor adherence to ARVs
  • Chronic lung disease on treatment (e.g. asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis)

Many people who contract Covid-19 will have mild symptoms and most will recover without any need for hospitalisation. But this does not mean that we should be any less careful- as you could experience mild symptoms, but you could also pass on the virus to your parents or grandparents, or someone in one of the high risk groups.

People with existing comorbidities are more at risk of becoming severely ill if they contract Covid-19.

Those most at risk include those who are:

  • Individuals with comorbidities, at any age
  • 55 years an older, with or without co-morbidities

CLOSE CONTACTS

One must clearly distinguish between direct (close) contact, and casual contact. Direct contact involves being very close to someone physically, or giving a hug or a handshake. It is important that we keep direct contact to a minimum as required by physical distancing protocols. Only the direct contacts of a confirmed case need to isolate for up to 14 days from the date of last contact.

Just being in the same room as a confirmed case, when maintaining the 1.5m physical distancing requirement, is considered casual contact. Casual contacts do not need to isolate, but they should be monitored for any symptoms of COVID-19.

Circumstances of each positive case will determine whether a person needs to self-isolate.

HUMANITARIAN AID

Agrimark in Stellenbosch promised to donate fruit and vegetables to the region, which will delivered to the Garden Route within the next two weeks and distributed to local municipalities to use at soup kitchens.

The Western Cape Department of Social Development also donated various foodstuffs to the Garden Route homeless shelters, including porridge, beef and chicken soup, juice, pasta and mince, chicken casserole, maize meal and pilchards.  There are 296 homeless people housed at the shelters all over the Garden Route at the moment.

Red Cross International has indicated that they will provide assistance to the quarantine and isolation facility at PetroSA in terms after a request for vanity packs were received. Other items that could make the stay of Covid-19 infected people at this facility more bearable will also be considered.

AWARENESS VIDEO

The GRDM Communications section completed a COVID-19 awareness and training video – view it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cU5xOTZnnNc&t=8s

 

iStock.com/ufabizphoto

13 June 2020 International Albinism Awareness Day

13 June annually is proclaimed as International Albinism Awareness Day and by acknowledging and celebrating this day, a platform is created to educate people on albinism in a quest to demystify and debunk deep-seated misconceptions and superstitious beliefs on this condition.

In 2013, the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a resolution calling for the prevention or attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism, and on 26 March 2015, following a recommendations from civil society organisations to consider persons with albinism as a specific group with particular needs who require special attention, the Council created the mandate of independent expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism.

What is Albinism?

Albinism is an inherited genetic condition that reduces the amount of melanin pigment formed in the skin, hair and/or eyes. Albinism occurs in all racial and ethnic groups throughout the world. In the U.S., approximately one in 18,000 to 20,000 people has some type of albinism. In other parts of the world, the occurrence can be as high as one in 3,000. Most children with albinism are born to parents whose hair and eye color are typical for their ethnic backgrounds.

Common myths about albinism?

  • A common myth is that people with albinism have red eyes. Although lighting conditions can allow the blood vessels at the back of the eye to be seen, which can cause the eyes to look reddish or violet, most people with albinism have blue eyes, and some have hazel or brown eyes. There are different types of albinism and the amount of pigment in the eyes varies. However, vision problems are associated with albinism.
  • The myth that sex with people with albinism is a cure for HIV/Aids: The false belief has resulted in the rape of women and girls with albinism in parts of Africa.
  • People with albinism (children in particular) bring bad luck: There is superstitious misconception that the condition brings sickness or even death.
  • Albinism is a punishment of a curse from the gods or ancestral spirits.
  • Body parts of persons living with albinism can be used in portions to cure other diseases.
  • Drinking the blood of a person with albinism gives you magical powers.
  • People who spent too much time in the sun will develop albinism.
  • People with albinism have a lower IQ than the rest of the population.

The abovementioned myths is just a few example which may lead to serious harm, or even death of people with albinism, seeing that many people still believe these myths about albinism.

People with albinism are at risk of isolation because the condition is often misunderstood. Social stigmatization can occur, especially within communities of color, where the race or paternity of a person with albinism may be questioned. Families and schools must make an effort to include children with albinism in group activities.

 

Source of some of the facts: Website of National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation

12 June 2020 Garden Route DM Waste Recycling and Minimisation Survey Participation

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) has appointed GIBB Pty Ltd (GIBB) to develop a waste minimization strategy for the district municipality and the seven local municipalities in the district namely:

  • Bitou Local Municipality
  • George Local Municipality
  • Kannaland Local Municipality
  • Knysna Local Municipality
  • Hessequa Local Municipality
  • Mossel Bay Local Municipality
  • Oudtshoorn Local Municipality

The aim of the waste minimization strategy is to identify mechanisms which can be used to minimize waste generation, increase waste recycling or treatment (including composting) and reduce waste disposal at landfill.

GIBB are engaging with local residents, business and industry, companies involved in waste management, non-governmental organizations, and environmental organisations to gather data and understand recycling and waste minimisation challenges as well as opportunities to increase waste minimization, recycling and diversion from landfill.

Business/ industry survey:

https://surveys.gibb.co.za/index.php?r=survey/index&sid=338239&lang=en

The business/ industry survey consists of 8 sections and the majority of questions are multiple choice or require a short answer. The survey should take no longer than 10 – 15 minutes to complete.

 

Public survey:

https://surveys.gibb.co.za/index.php?r=survey/index&sid=39065&lang=en

The public survey consists of 5 sections and the majority of questions are multiple choice or require a short answer. The survey should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete.

Questions/ queries can be directed to GIBB:

Ms Kate Flood
Email: kflood@gibb.co.za all emails to be copied to wastesurvey@gibb.co.za
Tel: 041 509 9160/ 084 631 1456
Deadline for responses: Both surveys will close on 10 July 2020

Please note that an Afrikaans and Xhosa survey will be made available in the week of the 15 – 19th of June 2020.

11 June 2020 Severe Weather Update

11 June 2020

Severe Weather Update

The Western Cape Disaster Management Centre has been alerted to an influx of visitors to the Cape Winelands area and in particular the Witzenberg area with visitors allegedly attempting to see the snowfall on the mountain ranges in the area.

The Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, is requesting members of the public NOT TO travel outside their municipal areas. This includes going to areas like Ceres, Op-die-Berg and Prince Alfred’s Hamlet in particular where snowfall is prevalent.

“Travel restrictions remain in place with regards to ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and the public is cautioned to adhere to the existing regulations,” says Bredell.

The South African Weather Service has alerted the centre that adverse weather conditions continue across large parts of the Western Cape. This includes heavy rain across the southern parts of the Province.

“The SA Weather Services advise that localised urban flooding can continue to be expected in some areas due to continuous ‘on and off’ rainshowers. While the province welcomes the wet weather, we are concerned about the associated risks that increase during bad weather like this, risks which include mudslides and informal settlement fires.”

Provincial as well as Municipal Disaster Management Centres and emergency services are activated and providing assistance where needed.

The public is advised to contact their closest disaster management centre 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.

“We are also calling on communities to cooperate with local authorities and emergency response personnel in the event of any emergency.”

In case of emergency other relevant numbers to call are:

Cape Winelands Municipality                               021 888 5837

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 021 480 7700

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.

Further tips provided by the SAWS:

  • (When moving around outdoors) dress in warm brightly coloured wet weather clothing.
  • If caught unawares by strong wind, barricade windows with wooded panels or strips (or furniture if needs be).
  • If ordered to evacuate do so immediately and in an orderly fashion. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

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

11 June 2020 Severe Weather Alert

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued the following severe weather alerts:

Hazard Alert Level Valid From (SAST) Valid To (SAST)
Flooding Warning 11/06/20 01h00 11/06/20 23h00

Localised urban flooding due to continuous ‘on and off’ rainshowers are expected over Cape Winelands, Cape Metropole, western parts of Overberg districts (W.Cape) as well as the eastern parts of Cederberg and Bergrivier municipalities (W.Cape) today (11/06/2020).

Description: Strong damaging winds
Strong damaging winds often occur along coastal regions, but also often occur during thunderstorm activity. These winds are sudden and can cause much damage.Precautions:  Strong damaging winds
Stay indoors where possible away from the windows that open towards the severe winds. Be aware of the following: – sudden cross winds if traveling especially between buildings, fallen trees or power lines and flying debris.
Small boats must stay away from the open sea and seek the shelter of a harbour, river estuary or protected bay.
Parked aircraft should be pointed into the direction of the wind and secured Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.Descriptions: SnowSnow is precipitation in the form of flakes of crystalline water ice that fall from clouds. Since snow is composed of small ice particles, it is a granular material.Precautions: Snow

If driving decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop, you should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.  Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

Description: An intense cod front

A tropical cyclone or an intense cyclonic system is a storm system characterized by a low pressure centre generating extreme winds and numerous showers and thundershowers that produce flooding rain and driving winds. These systems may produce torrential rain, high waves, and damaging storm surges resulting in extensive coastal and inland flooding up to 40 kilometres from the coastline.

Precautions: An intense cold frons

Dress in warm brightly coloured wet weather gear (clothing). In the case of a Tropical Cyclone pack a small waterproof survival kit made up of food and drinkable water. If possible wear a life vest or floatation device. If you have flares make sure these are sealed.

If caught unawares barricade windows with wooded panels or strips as the storm will shatter glass windows. If ordered to evacuate do so immediately and in an orderly fashion. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.     

Description: Dangerous veld/bush fire conditions

Whenever there are prolonged periods of little and no rain coupled with warm dry winds, veldt or bush fires can easily be sparked and will spread rapidly in strong winds.

Precautions: Dangerous veld/bush fire conditions

Don’t make fires in the open and/or leave fires unattended. Don’t throw cigarette butts out of cars or in the open veldt. Don’t throw bottles in the veldt as they can magnify the sun’s rays and start fires. Prepare and maintain fire breaks in controlled manner. In the case of a large fire report it immediately and move away from the area to let the professionals deal with it. Never throw water onto a fire started by an electrical fault or fires started by oil or paraffin lamps. In this case sand or a blanket should be used to smother the fire. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

10 June 2020 FOR PUBLIC COMMENT – Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plan 2020/2021

10 June 2020

FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

The Garden Route District Municipality Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plan 2020/2021 is available for public comment.

Click here to download the PDF document for your perusal.

Closing date for comments is 24 June 2020.

All comments must be forwarded to:

Ms Ilse Saaiman

Manager: Performance Management

E-mail: pms@gardenroute.gov.za / (c) 065 821 7904

8 June 2020 Severe Weather Alerts (Strong Winds & Veld Fire Conditions)

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued the following severe weather alerts:

HAZARD 1: Veld Fire Conditions
Alert Level: Warning
Valid From (SAST): 08/06/20 08h00
Valid To (SAST): 08/06/20 18h00

Expected over the Central Karoo, Garden Route and the northern part of Cape Winelands (W.Cape) tomorrow (08/06/2020).

HAZARD 2: Damaging Winds
Alert Level: Advisory
Valid From (SAST): 09/06/20 00h00
Valid To (SAST): 11/06/20 00h00

Strong interior winds (50 to 70km/h) are expected over the Cape Winelands, Central Karoo and the Garden Route municipalities (W.Cape) on Tuesday (09/06/2020).

DESCRIPTION: Strong damaging winds
Strong damaging winds often occur along coastal regions, but also often occur during thunderstorm activity. These winds are sudden and can cause much damage.

PRECAUTIONS: Strong damaging winds
Stay indoors where possible away from the windows that open towards the severe winds. Be aware of the following: – sudden cross winds if traveling especially between buildings, fallen trees or power lines and flying debris.
Small boats must stay away from the open sea and seek the shelter of a harbour, river estuary or protected bay.
Parked aircraft should be pointed into the direction of the wind and secured Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

DESCRIPTION: Dangerous veld/bush fire conditions
Whenever there are prolonged periods of little and no rain coupled with warm dry winds, veldt or bush fires can easily be sparked and will spread rapidly in strong winds.

PRECAUTIONS: Dangerous veld/bush fire conditions
Don’t make fires in the open and/or leave fires unattended. Don’t throw cigarette butts out of cars or in the open veldt. Don’t throw bottles in the veldt as they can magnify the sun’s rays and start fires. Prepare and maintain fire breaks in controlled manner. In the case of a large fire report it immediately and move away from the area to let the professionals deal with it. Never throw water onto a fire started by an electrical fault or fires started by oil or paraffin lamps. In this case sand or a blanket should be used to smother the fire. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.