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18 November 2025: NCOP Provincial Week, Opening and Welcoming Remarks by Ald. Marais Kruger

National Council of Provinces: Provincial Week 

Opening and Welcoming Remarks on 18 November 2025

Executive Mayor Ald. Marais Kruger

Good morning,

Honourable Premier, Hon. Alan Winde,

Honourable Members of the NCOP Delegation,

Members of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament,

MECs, Councillors, Municipal Managers,

Distinguished guests, officials, and stakeholders,

Ladies and gentlemen, a very warm welcome to the Garden Route District Municipality.

It is an honour for us to host this important engagement as part of the NCOP Provincial Week 2025. On behalf of the Garden Route District Municipality, I extend a sincere word of welcome to every delegate and stakeholder who has travelled to our beautiful region to participate in this crucial programme.

This week’s engagements remind us of the importance of cooperation between all spheres of government, National, Provincial, and Local, to address the service delivery challenges that directly affect the lives of our residents. Together, we share one goal: to strengthen municipalities so that every household in our province can experience reliable, efficient, and dignified basic services.

The Garden Route District is a region of great potential, blessed with natural beauty, vibrant communities, and economic promise. Yet, like many other regions, we face challenges that require partnership, innovation, and accountability. I am encouraged that this Provincial Week provides a platform for honest reflection, practical solutions, and shared learning between municipalities and government departments.

Today’s discussions will focus on how we can collectively improve the state of municipalities, strengthen leadership and governance, and accelerate the delivery of essential infrastructure such as water, sanitation, housing, and roads. These are not just service delivery targets, they are the building blocks of hope, opportunity, and stability in our communities.

As the Garden Route District Municipality, we remain fully committed to working hand in hand with our local municipalities – George, Knysna, Mossel Bay, Bitou, and others, as well as with our provincial and national partners to ensure that our residents experience tangible improvements in their daily lives.

Let us approach today’s session with openness, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose. Together, we can continue building a stronger, more resilient, and inclusive Garden Route and Western Cape.

Once again, welcome to the Garden Route, where we strive to serve with integrity, inspire progress, and deliver results for our communities.

 Thank you.

 

17 November 2025 Media Release: GRDM Prioritises Safety and Compliance with Essential Small Plant Equipment Training for Roads Teams

Media Release: GRDM Prioritises Safety and Compliance with Essential Small Plant Equipment Training for Roads Teams

For immediate release
17 November 2025

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is significantly investing in the safety and operational capacity of its Roads Department personnel by launching the GRDM Use and Maintain Small Plant Training Programme. This essential training is designed to ensure all relevant staff are fully compliant with Construction Regulations and proficient in operating the small plant equipment critical to daily operations.

The program’s core focus is on enhancing skills across the maintenance, reseal, and concrete sections of the Roads Department.

“Safety and competency are non-negotiable, particularly when operating machinery,” said Gert Verwey Manager Maintenance. “By standardising this training, we are not only protecting our valuable staff but also guaranteeing that we meet all regulatory requirements, enabling us to deliver better, safer, and faster service delivery on our road network.”

This critical training initiative ensures full compliance with the current Construction Regulations, reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to employee safety, regulatory adherence, and the delivery of high-quality infrastructure.

The training program is essential for all workers who operate small plant equipment and is designed to mitigate operational risks while maximising efficiency across all roadwork disciplines. The comprehensive curriculum is structured around four key areas of competence:

  • Identify and Select: to correctly identify and select the appropriate small plant and equipment for specific tasks.
  • Prepare for Use: training in the essential pre-operation checks and preparation procedures necessary to ensure equipment is ready and safe.
  • Utilise Effectively: skilled and efficient utilisation of the equipment to achieve required roadwork standards.
  • Maintain Equipment: in-depth training on basic maintenance and fault-finding to ensure equipment longevity and minimal downtime.

Specific equipment covered in the hands-on and theoretical modules includes:

  • Jumping Jacks (Tampers)
  • Rollers (various types)
  • Bomags (Compactors)
  • Pedestrian Rollers
  • Grinders
  • Electrical Equipment
  • Concrete mixers and related apparatus
  • Generators

“The Head of department, John Daniels, said. “By investing in this specialised training, we are not only ensuring compliance with the Construction Regulations, but are also empowering our workforce with the skills needed to execute projects safely and to the highest professional standards. Our commitment to worker safety and the integrity of our national road network remains paramount.”

The programme will be completed by the end of November 2025, accommodating approximately 144 learners from various regional teams including Oudtshoorn, George, Ladismith and Riversdale,

The training will be facilitated by Nqobile Mkhize and Richard Fembi form the company South Africa Value Education (SAVE), ensuring expert guidance for all participants across the various sites.

This proactive approach confirms GRDM’s commitment to creating a highly skilled, legally compliant, and safe working environment for all its employees.

ENDS

12 November 2025 Media Release: GREF: Western Cape Nature Reserves Offer a Safe Haven for Biodiversity and Holiday Visitors

Media Release: GREF: Western Cape Nature Reserves Offer a Safe Haven for Biodiversity and Holiday Visitors

For immediate release
12 November 2025

As the holiday season approaches, the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) highlights the importance of the Western Cape’s nature reserves, which continues to stand out as a beacon of conservation excellence and effective environmental management in South Africa.

A recent report by the EMS Foundation (NGO) on 53 provincial nature reserves across South Africa paints a grim national picture: widespread decay, biodiversity loss, and crumbling infrastructure threaten the future of many protected areas. The Western Cape, through CapeNature, remains a rare exception. Its network of reserves, spanning marine, coastal, and estuarine ecosystems is renowned for strong management, skilled personnel, and innovative conservation practices.

Partnerships with SANParks and private landowners and conservancies further extend the province’s conservation footprint, while collaboration with local authorities ensures a coordinated approach to protecting fragile ecosystems. In addition, private reserves and conservancies, driven by passionate environmental custodians, contribute invaluable expertise, resources, and on-the-ground stewardship to safeguard biodiversity and habitats that are increasingly rare.

“Our quality of life depends on how we manage what remains of the Western Cape’s biodiversity and unique ecosystems,” says Cobus Meiring, GREF Convener. “Through responsible stewardship, public–private partnerships, and community engagement, these reserves continue to thrive — providing safe havens for wildlife and natural beauty for all to enjoy.”

Holidaymakers visiting the Western Cape this season can look forward to exploring well-managed, secure, and scenic reserves, from coastal pathways to pristine fynbos landscapes and vibrant estuaries. GREF encourages visitors to respect these special places: leave no trace, avoid littering, and follow reserve guidelines to ensure that every footprint remains clean.

GREF applauds CapeNature, private reserve managers, and the province’s conservancy networks for their tireless efforts to protect biodiversity. These reserves are more than tourist attractions — they are essential to the ecological health of the Western Cape and the protection of its natural legacy for future generations.

By working together, authorities, landowners, and visitors can ensure that the Western Cape remains a model of conservation excellence in South Africa — protecting biodiversity while offering unforgettable holiday experiences.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a regional platform for environmental managers and conservation entities, serving as a climate change think tank.

For more information, visit: www.grefecsf.co.za

Issued by:
Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF)
Enquiries: cobus@naturalbridge.co.za

ENDS

11 November 2025 Media Release: Nineteen Garden Route Beaches Awarded Blue Flag Status for 2025 Holiday Season – again the most for a region in South Africa

Media Release: Nineteen Garden Route Beaches Awarded Blue Flag Status for 2025 Holiday Season – again the most for a region in South Africa

11 November 2025

Nineteen (19) beaches across the Garden Route coastline have been awarded Blue Flag Status for the upcoming holiday season by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) There are 50 Blue Flag Beaches in the country and 20 Pilot Status beaches.

GRDM Executive Mayor, Marais Kruger said: “The municipalities in our region who received  consistent Blue Flag Status and related awards, reflect their commitment to excellent water quality, safety, security, sound environmental management, and accessibility. Thank you for the local municipalities of Hessequa, Bitou, Mossel Bay and George, for once again helping us collectively secure our top spot on South Africa’s preferred tourism destination map.”

Lappiesbaai in the Hessequa Municipal area has maintained Blue Flag status for 20 consecutive years, while Witsand, also in Hessequa, celebrates its 10th consecutive year of accreditation.

Witsand, also in Hessequa, celebrates its 10th consecutive year of accreditation (Supplied: Hessequa Tourism)

More exciting statistics include the following:

  • Four of the Garden Route beaches were awarded pilot Blue Flag status (South Africa has 20), these include Santos Beach, Suiderkruis, Tweekuilen and Leentjiesklip.
  • Three out of 15 Green Coast sites (15 sites in South Africa), these include Nature’s Valley Beach, Swartvlei Beach and Gwaiing Beach.
  • Two Blue Flag Marinas (5 Blue Flag Marinas in South Africa), these include Thesen Harbour Town Marina and Thesen Island Home Owners’ Marina.
  • Two Sustainable Tourism Boats (7 in total in South Africa), these are from Offshore Adventures (Robberg Express and Oceanic).

Garden Route beaches with successful Blue Flag accreditation include the following:Hessequa (6): Witsand Beach, Preekstoel Beach, Lappiesbaai Beach, Jongensfontein Beach, Gouritsmond Beach and Still Bay West Beach.

Plettenberg Bay (6): Robberg 5, The Waves, Nature’s Valley, Lookout Beach, The Dunes and Singing Kettle Beach.

Mossel Bay (4): De Bakke Beach, Hartenbos Beach, Little Brak Breach and Glentana Beach.

George (3): Herold’s Bay, Victoria Bay and Wilderness.

South Africa has proudly participated in the Blue Flag Programme for 24 years, since 2001.

Feature image caption: Lappiesbaai in the Hessequa Municipal area has maintained Blue Flag status for 20 consecutive years (Supplied: Hessequa Tourism).

ENDS

11 November 2025 Media Statement: Garden Route District Municipality elects new Executive Mayor, Marais Kruger

Media Statement: Garden Route District Municipality elects new Executive Mayor, Marais Kruger

11 November 2025

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Council has elected and sworn in Alderman Marais Kruger as the new Executive Mayor during a Special Council Meeting held on 11 November 2025. Mayor Kruger succeeds the former Executive Mayor, Ald. Andrew Stroebel, who vacated the office on 31 October 2025.

Kruger was nominated by Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard and seconded by Ald. Nompumelelo Ndayi from the Democratic Alliance (DA). Councillor Christopher Taute (ANC) nominated and Cllr Vinolia Gungubele (ANC) seconded the nomination of Ald. Stephen de Vries as Executive Mayor.

The two nominations required votes to be cast by all Councillors present. Subsequently, the votes recorded were 19 in favour of Ald. Kruger and 7 in favour of Ald. De Vries; three Councillors abstained from voting.

During his acceptance speech, Ald. Kruger focused on his commitment to strengthening regional cooperation, supporting economic development, enhancing disaster management and fire services, and prioritising the well-being and future of all communities within the Garden Route District.

“To the people of the Garden Route, we are here to serve you. Your needs, your voices and your dignity remain at the centre of our work. Let us move forward together, building a district that is safe, resilient, inclusive and full of opportunity for all who call the Garden Route home”.

Read the full acceptance speech of Mayor Marais Kruger: https://tinyurl.com/mrxjvsas

MAYOR MARAIS BACKGROUND

Mayor Marais Kruger (see profile here) hails from George. He matriculated at Outeniqua High School, holds a diploma in finance obtained from Moonstone Business School and is currently enrolled doing his MMC through Stellenbosch University School of Public Leadership. He entered politics in 2021 and currently serves as the Ward 22 Councillor in George. Until February 2025, he served as the Mayoral Committee Member (MMC) for Community Safety and Financial Services at George Municipality.

Read his profile here: https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/executive-mayor/

MAYORAL COMMITTEE AND COUNCIL WHIP

Prior to his election as Executive Mayor, he also held the position of Council Whip at GRDM.

At the same Special Council Meeting, Cllr Koos Malooi was nominated and elected as the new Council Whip. Ald. Clodia Lichaba was also nominated. Votes were subsequently cast and Cllr Malooi had 19 votes in his favour, Ald. Lichaba had 7 and 3 people abstained from voting.

For the interim, Mayor Kruger has retained the existing Mayoral Committee to ensure continuity and stability in the administration during the season ahead:
1. Ald. Nompumelelo Sumeia Ndayi, Corporate Services – https://tinyurl.com/3j23bekv
2. Ald. Dave Swart, Financial Services – https://tinyurl.com/nuxnfrb6
3. Ald. Rosina Ruiters, Planning and Economic Development – https://tinyurl.com/yx6ckn8j
4. Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, Community Services – https://tinyurl.com/yvp2zehx
5. Ald. Stag Cronje, Roads and Transport Planning Services, https://tinyurl.com/4hdjc668
6. Ald. Werner Meshoa, Strategic Services, https://tinyurl.com/e4tfvbeu
7. Cllr Hilton Stroebel, Property and Asset Management, https://tinyurl.com/3ezfrxhj

MESSAGES OF SUPPORT

Ald. Werner Meshoa said amongst others that “From the coastal towns, farms and townships, the people expect fairness, transparency and bold action. In your hands lie the opportunity to unite us”.

Ald. Stephen De Vries (ANC), stated that the ANC looks forward to working with the Mayor for the betterment of communities. He also said he “looks forward to robust and respectful debates”.

Cllr Rosa Louw from GOOD said she trusts that Ald. Marais will uphold the highest standards in the public office. “We know the journey is not always easy, but we are looking forward to working with you to serve communities”.

Cllr Alberto Marbi from PBI, congratulated Ald. Marais on his significant achievement as Mayor and stated that “your leadership comes at a critical time and we trust that you will inspire positive change going forward”.

Monde Stratu, Municipal Manager conveyed his messages of support from the administration and said “we pledge our support and solidarity”. “We will avail our capacity and expertise to help you succeed in your vision. We stand with our professional ethics to deliver on the madate you require us to deliver on.” “Congratulations Executive Mayor, he condluded”

The GRDM remains committed to transparent governance, stability, and service excellence under the leadership of Executive Mayor Marais Kruger and the Council as a collective.

ENDS

11 November 2025 Media Release: GREF: Western Cape Nature Reserves Offer a Safe Haven for Biodiversity and Holiday Visitors

Media Release: GREF: Western Cape Nature Reserves Offer a Safe Haven for Biodiversity and Holiday Visitors

For immediate release
11 November 2025

As the holiday season approaches, the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) highlights the importance of the Western Cape’s nature reserves, which continue to stand out as a beacon of conservation excellence and effective environmental management in South Africa.

A recent report by the EMS Foundation (NGO) on 53 provincial nature reserves across South Africa paints a grim national picture: widespread decay, biodiversity loss, and crumbling infrastructure threaten the future of many protected areas. The Western Cape, through CapeNature, remains a rare exception. Its network of reserves, spanning marine, coastal, and estuarine ecosystems is renowned for strong management, skilled personnel, and innovative conservation practices.

Partnerships with SANParks and private landowners and conservancies further extend the province’s conservation footprint, while collaboration with local authorities ensures a coordinated approach to protecting fragile ecosystems. In addition, private reserves and conservancies, driven by passionate environmental custodians, contribute invaluable expertise, resources, and on-the-ground stewardship to safeguard biodiversity and habitats that are increasingly rare.

“Our quality of life depends on how we manage what remains of the Western Cape’s biodiversity and unique ecosystems,” says Cobus Meiring, GREF Convener. “Through responsible stewardship, public–private partnerships, and community engagement, these reserves continue to thrive — providing safe havens for wildlife and natural beauty for all to enjoy.”

Holidaymakers visiting the Western Cape this season can look forward to exploring well-managed, secure, and scenic reserves, from coastal pathways to pristine fynbos landscapes and vibrant estuaries. GREF encourages visitors to respect these special places: leave no trace, avoid littering, and follow reserve guidelines to ensure that every footprint remains clean.

GREF applauds CapeNature, private reserve managers, and the province’s conservancy networks for their tireless efforts to protect biodiversity. These reserves are more than tourist attractions — they are essential to the ecological health of the Western Cape and the protection of its natural legacy for future generations.

By working together, authorities, landowners, and visitors can ensure that the Western Cape remains a model of conservation excellence in South Africa — protecting biodiversity while offering unforgettable holiday experiences.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a regional platform for environmental managers and conservation entities, serving as a climate change think tank.

For more information, visit: www.grefecsf.co.za

Issued by:
Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF)
Enquiries: cobus@naturalbridge.co.za

ENDS

05 March 2026 Save the Date: Notice of a Special Council Meeting, 12 March 2026 – 11:00

Notice of a Special Council Meeting, 12 March 2026, 11:00

Notice Number: 17/2026

Notice is hereby given that a SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the CA Robertson Council Chambers, 54 York Street, George and via Zoom, on 12 March 2026 at 11:00.

YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03M0goZzF20

5 November 2025 Media Statement: Traces of a Greasy Residues Found Along Garden Route Coastline

Media Statement: Traces of a Greasy Residues Found Along Garden Route Coastline

5 November 2025

Minor traces of a smearable and sticky sheen-like dark substance have been found on a number of beaches along the Garden Route coastline in recent weeks. The exact source of it remains unknown. At a special JOC meeting called by the District Disaster Centre earlier today,  Gerhard Otto, Garden Route District Municipality Manager: Disaster Management: indicated that

“Initial reports were received about traces of the substance found along the Bitou municipality coastline, with subsequent sightings gradually moving westward across the region up to Still Bay”.

“The substance typically dries out and breaks down within approximately 6 days,” says Otto.

Traces of small smearable and soft globule patches have been found on most beaches along the Garden Route coastline over the past few weeks with the exact source being unknown.

REPORT TRACES OF THE SUBSTANCE TO THE GRDM EMERGENCY CALL CENTRE

Some beachgoers have reported traces of the sticky patches of residue on their feet, surfboards, and strips of patches visible along the high and low tide marks.

Currently, there are no reports of any impact on wildlife.

Members of the public who spot traces of the residue are urged to contact the GRDM Emergency Call Centre via WhatsApp at 081 709 5193, and to include a location pin of where it was spotted. These pins help GRDM accurately map and track where patches have occurred and where clean-up operations are required.

An interactive map where residues have been discovered, will be published within the next week.

CLEAN-UP EFFORTS ONGOING

Ongoing assessment and clean-up operations are underway by local municipalities and stakeholders to remove any visible residue. It is important to note that when these incidents occur at sea, the National Department of Transport is responsible for responding to the spill and implementing the relevant contingency plan. Only once residue reaches the coastline above the high-tide mark do municipalities assume responsibility for clean-up operations.

WHERE IS THE WASTE ROUTED TO?

Approximately 30 bags have been collected during clean-up operations and will be transported to approved hazardous waste disposal sites located in Cape Town and Gqeberha.

WHERE DOES THE RESIDUE COME FROM?

Samples of the residue will be tested; however, there is currently no conclusive evidence linking it to any specific source. Investigations of this nature are complex and can take some time to conclude.

A follow-up update will be provided again on 19 November.

ENDS

05 November 2025 Notice to Bidders: Non-Compulsory Briefing Session (New Date) – Tender Number: GRDM/12/25-26

NOTICE TO BIDDERS: NON-COMPULSORY BRIEFING SESSION (NEW DATE)

Tender Number: GRDM/12/25-26

Appointment of a Service Provider to Undertake Specific Initiatives and Collaborations in terms of Destination Marketing, Destination Marketing and Destination Management and Destination Development for a Period of Three Years

INITIAL NON-COMPULSORY BRIEFING SESSION
An Open Session Via Microsoft Teams.
Use link below to join the meeting.
Meeting ID: 384 273 643 253 1
Passcode: CM3vW7Hc
Date: Thursday, 30 October 2025 10:00-11:00.

NEW NON-COMPULSORY BRIEFING SESSION
An Open Session Via Microsoft Teams.
Join the meeting here: https://shorturl.at/SeK1z
Meeting ID: 315 017 549 795 9
Passcode: yN9Bo9Sd
Date: Thursday, 06 November 2025 10:00 – 11:00.

Tender documents for GRDM/12/25-26 are obtainable from Norman October during office hours (Mondays to Thursday 08:00 – 16:30 and Fridays 08:00 – 13:30) Tel: (044) 803 1338;
E-mail: normano@gardenroute.gov.za.

Tenders will be evaluated and adjudicated in terms of the Preferential Procurement Policy of Council based on the Preferential Procurement Regulations of 2022 and the Garden Route District Municipality Supply Chain Management Policy, where 80 points will be allocated in respect of price and 10/10 points in respect of B-BBEE level contributor status and Locality.

CLARITY ON BIDDING PROCEDURES MAY BE DIRECTED TO:
Norman October; Tel: (044) 803 1337; E-Mail: normano@gardenroute.gov.za

CLARITY ON TECHNICAL INFORMATION MAY BE DIRECTED TO:
Denver Johnson Tel: (044) 803 1427 / Cell: 067 037 0352.
E-Mail: denver@gardenroute.gov.za / Ms Raynechia Goliath. Tel: (044) 803 1420
Email: raynechia@gardenroute.gov.za.

Closing Date: 18 November 2025

Notice Number: 117/2025

Click here to download the Official Notice

31 October 2025 Update 11 – Gwaiing Road Construction Works, George

Update 11 – Gwaiing Road Construction Works, George

Upgrading of the Gwaiing Road between the R404 and the R102 remains the focus of the Garden Route District Municipality Roads Construction Team.

During the month of October, a triple seal has been completed in full on the right hand side (RHS) lane of the project, which brings the construction of the RHS to completion. Traffic has since been redirected to the completed RHS lane as the construction operations are now directed to the left hand side (LHS) lane. The next phase in construction on the LHS lane is the cement stabilisation of the subbase layer, which will commence at the beginning of November.

The concrete team remains focused on the completion of the concrete lined side-drains, as well as constructing of the 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 87%.

ENDS