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03 December 2024 Save the Date: Notice of Special Council Meeting – 11 December 2024 at 11:00

NOTICE OF A SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING ON 11 DECEMBER 2024 AT 11:00

Notice is hereby given that a SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the CA Robertson Council Chambers, and via Zoom at 54 York Street, George, on 11 December 2024 at 11:00.

Members of the public are invited to following the proceedings through the Municipality YouTube channel at:
https://youtube.com/live/mSQ0Vd-tfXY?feature=share

Click here to download the Official Notice

03 Desember 2024 Persverklaring: Gesondheids- en Higiëne Werkswinkel vir Spaza winkel eienaars en informele kosverkopers gehou in Ladismith

Persverklaring: Gesondheids- en Higiëne Werkswinkel vir Spaza winkel eienaars en informele kosverkopers gehou in Ladismith

3 Desember 2024

Die Omgewingsgesondheidspraktisyns (OGP) van die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM) se Klein Karoo Munisipale Gesondheidkantoor, in samewerking met Kannaland Munisipaliteit, het gister ’n opvoedkundige werkswinkel aangebied om informele voedselhandelaars in die Ladismith omgewing te bemagtig.

Die werkswinkel het gevolg na ’n week van blitsoperasies wat plaasgevind het en  verskeie rolspelers soos die OGP’s van die TDM, die Suid-Afrikaanse Polisiediens (SAPD), Immigrasiedienste, en verskeie departemente binne Kannaland Munisipaliteit, onder andere die  Brandweerdienste, Wetstoepassing, Boubeheer en Stadsbeplanningsdienste ingesluit het.

Op die foto, van links na regs: TDM OGP Desmond Paulse, saam met die Waarnemende Munisipale Bestuurder van Kannaland Munisipaliteit, Hendrik Barnard; Eric Schutte – Kannaland Stadsbeplanning; Marc Rensburg – Kannaland Boubeheer; CC Cornelius Willemse – Kannaland Veiligheid en Wetstoepassing; en Wilmie Viljoen van Kannaland Munisipaliteit.

Gesondheid- en Higiëne Opvoeding deur OGP

Tydens die werkswinkel, het die OGP’s ‘n omvattende gesondheids- en higiëne opvoedingsessie aangebied wat op die volgende aspekte gefokus het:

  • Die Regulasies wat Algemene Higiënevereistes vir Voedselpersele, die Vervoer van Voedsel en Verwante Sake beheer, naamlik Regulasie R638 van 2018, afgekondig kragtens die Wet op Voedsel, Skoonheidsmiddels en Ontsmettingsmiddels, Wet 54 van 1972. Hierdie regulasie vereis dat alle voedselbesigheidsoperateurs by die higiëne- en veiligheidsprotokolle hou en oor ‘n geldige Sertifikaat van Aanvaarbaarheid beskik.
  • Geen voedselperseel mag voedsel aan die publiek verkoop sonder ‘n geldige Sertifikaat van Aanvaarbaarheid nie.
  • ‘n Sertifikaat van Aanvaarbaarheid kan slegs verkry word deur aansoek te doen by die plaaslike munisipale gesondheidsdiensowerheid. Hierdie sertifikaat word slegs uitgereik nadat  die voldoening aan Regulasie R638 van 2018 deur ‘n inspekteur geverifieer is.

Indien ‘n OGP, nadat ‘n inspeksie uitgevoer is, tevrede is dat aan die volgende vereistes voldoen word, sal hulle ‘n Sertifikaat van Aanvaarbaarheid (COA) uitreik:

  1. Strukturele vereistes.
  2. Temperatuurbeheer.
  3. Skei van rou en gaar kos.
  4. Aangewese voedselbergingsareas.
  5. Higiënevereistes.
  6. Plaagbeheer en verbode plaagdoders.
  7. Persoonlike higiëne van voedselhanteerders.
  8. Gereelde handewas.
  9. Beskerming van voedsel.
  10. Identifisering van onveilige kos.
  11. Datumbeheer: Verduideliking van “verkoop teen,” “gebruik teen,” en “beste voor” datums.
  12. Belangrike feite oor etikettering van voorafverpakte voedsel.

Drie tipes Sertifikate van Aanvaarbaarheid (COA’s) wat aan voedselhandelaars uitgereik kan word:

  1. Sertifisering vir die verkoop van voedselprodukte: Vir handelaars wat voedselprodukte aan die publiek verkoop.
  2. Voedselvoorbereiding: Vir die voorbereiding van kos op die perseel.
  3. Voedselverwerking: Vir fabrieke wat voedselprodukte vervaardig.

Belangrike Nota:
Voldoening aan Regulasie 638 van 2018 bied nie outomaties goedkeuring om besigheid op voedselpersele te bedryf nie. Alle ander relevante vereistes van die plaaslike owerheid en toepaslike wetgewing moet ook nagekom word.

Vyf sleutels vir veiliger kos:

  1. Hou skoon.
  2. Skei rou en gaar.
  3. Kook deeglik.
  4. Berg kos by veilige temperature.
  5. Gebruik skoon water en rou materiaal.

Higiëne 10-punt plan vir voedselpersele:

  1. Was altyd jou hande voordat jy kos hanteer en nadat jy die toilet gebruik het.
  2. Rapporteer enige vel-, neus-, keel- of diarreeprobleem by jou toesighouer en bedek enige snye met ‘n waterdigte pleister.
  3. Moet nie oor kos of werkoppervlak hoes of nies nie.
  4. Was jou liggaam goed en dra altyd skoon, beskermende klere.
  5. Onthou, rook in die kosbereidingsarea is verbode.
  6. Werk netjies in kosareas, hou altyd die kombuistoerusting en eetgerei skoon.
  7. Hou kos skoon, bedek en op die regte temperatuur (warm of koud) soos benodig. Hou rou en gaar kos apart.
  8. Hou jou kaal hande so ver as moontlik van die kos af.
  9. Hou die deksel op die vullisdrom.
  10. Moet nie die wet oortree nie! Vra die persoon in beheer as jy nie die regulasies verstaan nie.

Vir navrae met betrekking tot COA’s uitgereik deur OGP’s in die Oudtshoorn en Kannaland munisipale gebiede, kontak:

Desmond Paulse, Bestuurder Munisipale Gesondheidsdienste: Klein Karoo – 044 272 2241, desmond@gardenroute.gov.za

Hooffoto:  Spaza Winkel eienaars van Ladismith wie die werkswinkel bygewoon het

-END-

02 December 2024 Media Release: Garden Route Skills Mecca initiative invests millions of Rands in Skills Development opportunities in the Garden Route

Media Release: Garden Route Skills Mecca initiative invests millions of Rands in Skills Development opportunities in the Garden Route

For immediate release
02 December 2024

The Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM), an initiative of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), has invested significantly in training and skills development programs across the district’s local municipal areas over the past three years.

Earlier this year, a group of participants from across the district with representatives of GRDM’s EPWP Unit, BIG Hearts and Oudtshoorn Municipality after the signing of their contracts to gain workplace experience at the GRDM, through the GRSM initiative.

Through these programmes, the GRSM continuously aims to collaborate, cooperate and integrate skills development activities across all GRSM roleplayers, ever-increasing its numbers of partnerships in support of Skills Development, as well as continue expanding its network of industry-based occupationally based programmes designed to meet the region’s needs.

The skills development programs implemented through GRSM include diverse fields such as cellphone repairs, construction, and more. These efforts highlight a steady increase in skills development initiatives within the Garden Route, contributing to noticeable growth in the region.

Since 2022, nearly R124.4 million has been invested across local municipalities, creating opportunities for more than 2191 individuals in the Garden Route district. An additional R114.26 million worth of projects are currently in the implementation phase. These efforts, made possible by the GRSM initiative, have included training in areas such as Training for Skills Mecca Technicians through the Expanded Public Works Programme, Project Management, Tourism and Hospitality, Small & Media Enterprise training and business support, Digital skills, Water and Sanitation, Firefighting and artisan development programmes such as plumbing, electrician training to name a few.

The breakdown of investment and programme rollout in local municipal areas includes:

  • Bitou: Programmes implemented in the area amounts to more than R12 million.
  • Knysna: An investment of nearly R35.5 million was made.
  • George: Approximately R23 million was invested in skills and training initiatives in the area.
  • Mossel Bay: Almost R13 million was allocated for the implementation of programmes.
  • Oudtshoorn: Received close to R14 million for the roll-out programmes.
  • Hessequa: Benefited from R8 million for skills development and training programmes.
  • Kannaland: Skills development investment amounted to almost R5.9 million.
  • Additionally, the GRSM furthermore invested approximately R5.3 million in the developing interns placed at various departments of the GRDM. These interns are placed at various departments of the municipality.

More Skills Development Programmes are in the pipeline to be implemented which include: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Skills, Maritime Training, Rural Development, cell phone repairs training etc. The establishment of training academies are also in the process to the completed and established.

The success of the GRSM can be attributed to key milestones achieved since its inception, including:

  • The hosting of three Skills Summits in various areas within the district.
  • Local skills Indabas also took place across all local municipal areas during this period.
  • A website was furthermore developed that serves as central information hub for training providers and stakeholders;
  • The municipality established an online recruitment system for all projects and programmes.
  • R36 million received from the National Skills Fund to the GRSM.
  • Skills Mecca technicians placed at each municipality to coordinate activities of the GRSM at local level thus ensuring a more coordinated approach that contributes towards the smooth operations of the broader GRSM initiative.

Although the GRSM continues to create possibilities for both employed and unemployed persons within the Garden Route to drive its vision which is the “the preferred destination for developing and honing specific skills and expertise that leads to employability,” it cannot exist without valued partnerships that involves local municipalities, the various SETAs, training providers and the private sector.

Feature Image: Fire Services participants who graduated after completing an Occupational Firefighting training programme through the GRSM, with their families at the event earlier this year.

ENDS

29 November 2024 Media Release: Marine Protected Areas – an ecosystem treasure chest

Media Release: Marine Protected Areas – an ecosystem treasure chest

29 November 2024

“The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and a team of specialist consultants responsible for drawing up the management plans for the Garden Route Marine Protected Areas (MPA’s) wrapped up their public participation effort on 27 November and will be collating the input received into a final report going forward”, says Chairperson of the Garden Route Marine and Coastal Committee Cobus Meiring.

Besides the demarcated Marine Protected Areas along the scenic Garden Route coastline, there are two seamounts located some four hundred kilometres offshore of Mossel Bay and two more east of Cape Agulhas. The seamounts are large submarine landforms that rises from the ocean floor without reaching the water surface and sustain invaluable marine ecosystems.

Because of their elevated position in the water interaction between seamounts and underwater currents attract plankton, corals , fish and marine animals alike. Seamounts are fish factories and their sustained survival is vital to South Africa’s commercial fisheries and future ocean economy.

Coastal Marine Protected Areas along the Garden Route coast are well controlled and monitored by the powers that be and serve as vital breeding ground for all marine life and eco- systems.

The seamounts deep in the Indian Ocean is, however, in a perilous position as South Africa no longer has the human capacity, littoral patrol and navy vessels nor aircraft capable of  monitoring and safeguarding the country’s natural infrastructural assets in the open ocean from plundering.

As the 2024/25 festive season is approaching recreational fishermen are encouraged to make sure they have their relevant permits in place, stay clear of Marine Protected Areas and stick to the rules that apply when practicing their sport. This is needed to ensure that our South African marine life has a sustainable future.

Happy fishing!

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is an environmental and climate change think- tank (www.grefscli.co.za).

29 November 2024 Media Release: Blitz Operations Continue with More Spaza Shops Visited

Media Release: Blitz Operations Continue with More Spaza Shops Visited

29 November 2023

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), through its Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs), continues to prioritise public health and safety by conducting inspections and monitoring food facilities, businesses, and other premises to ensure compliance with health regulations.

This past week, the following interventions took place in the different municipal areas:

Plettenberg Bay Municipal Health Office

Kurland – Plettenberg Bay

An operation in Kurland, Plettenberg Bay, was conducted in collaboration with the GRDM Municipal Health Office of Plettenberg Bay, the South African Police Service (SAPS), and Bitou Municipality Law Enforcement Officers. The operation aimed to ensure compliance with food safety regulations, promote health and hygiene education, and improve food safety standards across 10 spaza shops.

As a result of the intervention:

  • 4 spaza shops were closed due to structural issues,
  • 1 spaza shop was closed due to ownership concerns, and
  • 1 spaza shop was closed due to unhygienic conditions.

Kranshoek – Plettenberg Bay

A joint operation was conducted in Kranshoek, a settlement located approximately 15 kilometres outside Plettenberg Bay, on 18 November 2024. All 14 spaza shops in the area were visited.

Qolweni and Bossiesgif – Plettenberg Bay

Role players conducted a joint operation at spaza shops in the Qolweni and Bossiesgif areas of Plettenberg Bay on Thursday, 21 November 2024.

A total of 14 spaza shops were inspected, with health and hygiene education and training provided. Five shops were closed due to non-compliance.

Kwanokuthula – Plettenberg Bay

A total of 19 spaza shops in Kwanokuthula were inspected. One shop was closed due to non-compliance.

The final blitz operation is scheduled for next week (2-6 December 2024) in Green Valley, New Horizons, and Pine Trees. Bitou Municipality’s Town Planning and Economic Development and Planning commenced the Consent Use Applications in September 2024, allowing spaza shop owners to apply for consent use rights in terms of the Land Use Planning By-Law. All spaza shops in the targeted areas will be surveyed and mapped.

The application process for business licenses is active, with application documents available at Town Planning and the LED office of Bitou Municipality.

Mossel Bay Municipal Health Office

On Tuesday, 26 November 2024, the EHPs from the Mossel Bay office visited two shops in Klein-Brak River. On Wednesday, they continued their operation, inspecting five shops in the Kwanonqaba area and closing two due to noncompliance. On Thursday, four shops were inspected in Great-Brak River.

George Municipal Health Office

On Tuesday, 26 November 2024, the George office (both regions combined) conducted a blitz operation in the industrial area of George, focusing on wholesalers. This operation targeted wholesalers because spaza shops source their stock from these suppliers, and the aim was to ensure the safety of the stock being distributed.

A total of eight shops were visited, and three were closed due to poor hygiene and the absence of a valid Certificate of Acceptability (COA). The Department of Agriculture seized illegal insecticides and insecticides labelled in a foreign language.

Klein-Karoo Municipal Health Office

On Thursday, 28 November 2024, the GRDM Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel, and Portfolio Chairperson of Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, joined the EHPs from the Oudtshoorn Municipal Health Office to conduct inspections of spaza shops in the Dysselsdorp area.

Three shops were inspected, with two having had to be closed immediately, because they did not comply with health and safety standards.

Calitzdorp and Ladismith

On Wednesday, 27 November 2024, the EHP from the Klein Karoo Office conducted a spaza shop inspection in Calitzdorp, covering the Bergsig and Royal Heights areas. Nine shops were inspected. The EHP extended their inspection the following day, Thursday, to Ladismith, where 12 spaza shops were inspected in the Nissenville area.

For the past week, 109 door-to-door educational sessions have been conducted in the Klein Karoo area.

The public is urged to report any incidents of suspected counterfeit or tampered foodstuff. Contact SAPS or reach out directly to the following GRDM EHPs:

Johan Compion – Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management & Air Quality Control

 Desmond Paulse – Manager: Municipal Health Klein Karoo

 Rinay Cloete – Acting Chief: Municipal Health Mossel Bay

  • E-mail: rinay@gardenroute.gov.za
  • Tel: 044 693 0006 /Cell: 083 630 6108
  • C/O Sampson & Marling Street, Ext 23, Mossel Bay

 Emmy Douglas – Chief: Municipal Health George (Outeniqua)

 Jessica Erasmus – Acting Chief: Municipal Health George (Wilderness)

 James McCarthy – Chief: Municipal Health Knysna (Lakes)

 Gawie Vos – Chief: Municipal Health Bitou (Lakes)

 Haemish Herwels – Chief: Municipal Health Hessequa (Langeberg)

Editors’ note:

Following the directive issued earlier this month by the President of the Republic of South Africa, spaza shops and food-handling facilities were required to register with their respective municipalities within 21 days. This mandate aims to strengthen compliance with health and safety standards.

GRDM EHPs, in collaboration with local municipality Law Enforcement Officers, Waste Management officials, Firefighters, SAPS, the National Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Home Affairs, have been conducting ongoing inspections of both formal and informal food traders across the region.

Operations focus on assessing local spaza shop owners’ adherence to health guidelines, including proper food handling, cleanliness, and safe food storage practices. Additionally, education is provided on maintaining hygienic conditions, managing waste, and preventing foodborne diseases. The overall goal is to ensure safer food practices and ultimately safeguard public health within the community.

-END-

28 November 2024 Media Release: Accurate Waste Data – The Key to Managing Our Region’s Waste Effectively

Media Release: Accurate Waste Data – The Key to Managing Our Region’s Waste Effectively

28 November 2024

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is committed to improving waste management in the region by constructing a Regional Waste Management Facility (RWMF). The facility will be operational by March 2025. This will, amongst others, ensure the accurate collection of data, better reporting practices, and infrastructure that supports sustainable waste practices.

Registered Waste Facilities in the Region

Currently, all waste disposal, recycling, and export facilities in the region are required to register with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment’s (DFFE) Waste Information System. Local municipalities submit monthly reports to the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP)’s Integrated Pollutant and Waste Information System, feeding into the national South African Waste Information System (SAWIS). From data collected over the past few years, it is clear that accurate and consistent reporting remains a challenge, particularly due to the lack of weighbridges in most municipalities (this is noted countrywide).

According to Johan Gie, the GRDM Manager: Waste Management: “The RWMF will have two weighbridges installed for the weighing of incoming and outgoing waste collection and transport vehicles”.

GRDM’s strategic planning is committed to the regionalisation of integrated waste management and minimisation services as advocated by the Western Cape Provincial Department of Environmental Affairs & Development Planning (DEA&DP) and the National Waste Management Strategy, 2020. The DEA&DP, who is the licensing authority for domestic waste facilities, is committed to only licensing regional landfill sites and will therefore not issue waste management licenses to individual local municipalities going forward. “This is largely due to the economies of scale which reduces the capital and operational costs and improved overall compliance,” says Gie.

A recent picture of domestic waste cells under construction at the GRDM RWMF.

Regionalisation of landfill sites reduce potential detrimental environmental impacts because they avoid the spread of sources of pollution and reduce the socio-economic risks associated with local municipal landfills. A regional site is required, also because there is an exponential influx of people to the Garden Route District and subsequently increases the demand for refuse disposal services. The RWMF will allow the participating municipalities to meet this increased demand associated with the envisaged population growth in a cost-effective manner.

Regional Waste Statistics

The GRDM has access to waste disposal data for each town in the region. This data is critical for understanding waste generation patterns and for publishing statistics that help inform future waste management strategies and future planning. Although the compilation of detailed data, including recycling rates by material type, is ongoing, the GRDM is committed to improving data accuracy and availability.

The information currently reported by municipalities is mainly an estimate due to a shortage of weighbridges. These estimates are calculated by tools developed by DEA&DP and private industry to determine waste tonnages based on the type of vehicle (load capacity); type of waste e.g. builders’ rubble, garden waste, mixed waste etc., which each have an average uncompacted weight per cubic metre, and the percentage of load capacity filled with waste, amongst other things.

The RWMF weighbridges will be calibrated, and accurate waste disposal data will be available for the municipalities utilising the regional site which will be reported on the required information systems accordingly.

In the past, the GRDM assisted the seven local municipalities in the district by facilitating waste characterisation studies. “The aim of the waste characterisation exercise was to address an information gap in terms of the composition of waste stream in the local municipalities,” said Gie.  

The following were noted from the results of the waste characterisation exercises:

  • 3% of the waste stream by mass is composed of mainstream recyclables (paper, plastic, cardboard, glass and metal)
  • 6% of the waste stream by mass is organics, the majority of the organics (73.5%) is kitchen waste
  • Nappies composed 7.8% of the waste stream by mass.

The results of the waste characterisation exercise indicate that a reduction in domestic waste to landfill of 75.9% is achievable if all the recyclable material and organic waste were separated at source by households. In practice a 100% diversion rate is not possible as not all households will participate in a separation at the source. However, there still remains potential to significantly reduce domestic waste that goes landfill.

Recycling Figures and Future Reporting

GRDM is currently updating its data on the types and volumes of recycled materials, which will provide valuable insights into the region’s recycling efforts. These figures, once finalized, will help demonstrate the impact of recycling initiatives and identify areas for improvement.

The GRDM urges the public to make use of the at-source recycling programmes and facilities throughout the region. Households can further reduce their waste by composting organic wastes where possible. The following recycling facilities are registered with GRDM:

Baleng Redira Tyre Recyclers (District) 076 455 9544
Henque Waste (George) 082 552 5373
Henque Waste (Riversdale) 072 626 6249
Henque Waste (Mossel Bay) 067 406 2489
LG E-Waste (George) 061 434 5814
Maiqhame Trading (Plett) 083 650 5620
Retain Recycle Re-Use (Oudtshoorn) 044 279 2081
Southern Cape Waste & Recycling (Mossel Bay) 044 693 5005
DM Recycling Waste Management (Knysna) 072 281 7231

GRDM recognises that waste management is a collective responsibility and calls on businesses and residents to ensure a cleaner, healthier environment for the region.

For any inquiries relating to District Waste Management, please contact Johan Gie on 084 404 3515, or e-mail johang@gardenroute.gov.za

Feature image caption: Weigh bridges form part of the critical path of the RWMF and they are currently being installed.

ENDS

 

25 November 2024 Media Release: Great turn-out during Educational Workshop for Informal Food Traders hosted in Thembalethu, George

Media Release: Great turn-out during Educational Workshop for Informal Food Traders in Thembalethu, George

25 November 2024

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP), in collaboration George Municipality, the National Department of Agriculture and the South African Police Services (SAPS), hosted an educational workshop aimed at empowering informal food traders in Thembalethu, George.

According to Acting Chief for Environmental Health Practitioners from the George, Jessica Erasmus, “approximately 200 informal food traders attended the session”. “We started at 09h30 and finished after 12h00. Initially about 50-odd people were present but the numbers quickly increased as more information was being shared.”

“The workshop featured presentations from our EHPs and several critical stakeholders who have a role to play in regulating informal food traders.”

National Department of Agriculture focused on pesticides and poison

Presented on prohibited pesticides and rat poisons that businesses are not allowed to sell. Emphasis was placed on ensuring the safety of products offered to the public. Additionally, guidelines were provided on the proper storage of hazardous materials, stressing the importance of secure and compliant storage practices.

GRDM EHPs focus on health and hygiene

Conducted an interactive session using an educational video to outline hygiene and structural requirements for spaza shops. Practical demonstrations were included to enhance understanding. EHPs also discussed the three types of Certificates of Acceptability (CoAs) available for traders:

  • Selling Products: Certification for selling food products.
  • Food Preparation: For preparing food on-site.
  • Food Processing: For factory-based food production.

Spaza shop owners were reminded about strict quality control measures. Items such as dented, rusted, or improperly labeled cans, as well as unlabelled coffees and oils sold in small packets, must be removed from their shelves.

For queries relating to CoAs issued by EHPs in the George municipal area, contact:

  • Emmy Douglas – 044 803 1537, emmy@gardenroute.gov.za
  • Jessica Erasmus – 044 803 1522, jessica@gardenroute.gov.za

George Municipality Fire Department focused on fire safety

Delivered a presentation on fire safety, highlighting the necessity of having fire extinguishers on-site. They also provided important contact details for reporting structural fires and other emergencies.

Key contact numbers relating to fire and rescue services at George Municipality:

  • For fire emergencies contact 044 801 6311, after-hours emergencies 044 801 6311 and for general enquiries, 044 801 6300

George Municipality Planning Department shared insights into business licenses and zoning

Shared insights on zoning requirements and building plan requirements for businesses and detailed the process for obtaining business licenses. Informal traders were reminded to register their businesses with the George Municipality.

Key contacts for business licenses at George Municipality:
  • Tanja Botha – 044 802 2900, tabotha@george.gov.za
  • Anelisa Yani – 044 802 2900, ayani@george.gov.za
  • Abongile Nontshikiza – 044 802 2900, anontshikiza@george.gov.za

South African Police Service (SAPS) focused on operating hours

Provided clarity on the operating hours for spaza shops, ensuring compliance with regulations to maintain orderly trading practices and safety.

As part of their oversight, the GRDM MMC for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, also attended the educational session. He also took a moment to welcome everyone present, while he was joined by Cllr Jacobus Gertse (GRDM Councillor).

“More workshops will be rolled out in other parts of the region to enhance safety and compliance of other informal food traders,” said Erasmus.

Feature: Imam Saaid providing closing remarks

 

26 November 2024 Media Release: Blitz operations continued this week with more spaza shops closed

Media Release: Blitz operations continued this week with more spaza shops closed

26 November 2023

Garden Route District Municipality Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) play a vital role in inspecting and monitoring food facilities, businesses, and other premises to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations—one of their many responsibilities.

Earlier this month, the President of the Republic of South Africa issued a directive mandating all spaza shops and food-handling facilities to register with their respective municipalities within 21 days to ensure compliance with regulations. The EHPs of GRDM have been continuously on the ground to check in at informal and formal food traders in collaboration with local municipality Law Enforcement Officers, Waste Management officials, Firefighters, the South African Police Service, National Department of Agriculture and the Department of Home Affairs.

It is important to note that only businesses that meet the required standards for a Certificate of Acceptability can obtain one. Unfortunately, over time, some businesses fail to maintain these standards, which necessitates their closure. There are also various other reasons why businesses are closed by other role players like SAPS, Law Enforcement Officers, Firefighters and even Waste Management Officials. In some instances undocumented foreign nationals are found operating shops, although the CoAs were issued to a South African or a legal foreign national. This is because shop owners can change quite frequently, but then Local Municipalities and the GRDM are not informed about it.

The EHPs generally focus on the following key areas:

  • Validity of Certificates of Acceptability, as required under Regulation 638 of the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, 1972 (Act 54 of 1972);
  • If businesses still maintain overall hygiene standards, stock food that is properly labelled, and monitor if shops are selling legal products

Mossel Bay Municipal Health Office

On Tuesday, 19 November 2024, the Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) from the Mossel Bay Municipal Health Office conducted a joint operation in the settlements of Brandwag and Ruiterbos, located outside Mossel Bay. During the operation, they inspected eight shops, four were closed due to non-compliance.

On Thursday, the EHPs continued their joint operations in the Mossel Bay CBD, Da Nova, Heiderand, and New Sunny Side areas. They inspected seven shops, three of which received Prohibition Notices due to non-compliance, including unhygienic conditions and poor ventilation. Officials from the Mossel Bay Municipality’s Waste Section, Law Enforcement, and SAPS joined the operation.

George Municipal Health Office

On Monday, 18 November 2024, the George EHPs conducted a Blitz Operation in Thembalethu, focusing on Zones 6 and 8. During the operation, seventeen spaza shops were inspected, with four of them closed for operating without a Certificate of Acceptability. This operation was carried out in collaboration with SAPS.

Yesterday, 25 November 2024, the Garden Route District Municipality Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs), in collaboration with George Municipality, the National Department of Agriculture, and the South African Police Services (SAPS), hosted an educational workshop aimed at empowering informal food traders in Thembalethu, George.

Approximately 200 informal food traders attended the session. The workshop included presentations by our EHPs and several key stakeholders involved in regulating informal food trading.

Oudtshoorn Municipal Health Office

GRDM EHPs, in collaboration with SAPS, Oudtshoorn Municipality’s Law Enforcement, and Immigration officials from the Department of Home Affairs, conducted inspections at four spaza shops in the Bongolethu area in Oudtshoorn. Three of the inspected premises were found to be in an acceptable condition, while one shop was temporarily closed due to hygiene issues. A follow-up inspection will be conducted to ensure compliance.

Knysna Municipal Health Office

A Workshop was convened on Wednesday, 20 November 2024, bringing together GRDM EHPs, SAPS and Knysna Municipality (all relevant Directorates). During this engagement, key issues related to the spaza shop and informal food trader business sector were discussed. The primary objective of the meeting was to ensure clarity on the different internal processes within each governmental role player. The goal was to develop a Standard Operating Procedure for business owners to follow when applying for licenses, permits and certificates.

Interactive Spaza Workshop in Knysna

A very successful collaborative workshop was held on Thursday, 21 November 2024, with participation from the following:

  • Owners of individual food warehouses/wholesalers located within the Knysna area
  • Individual spaza shop owners from the Greater Knysna area
  • Management of the Knysna Spaza Shop Committee
  • Garden Route District Municipal Health Services
  • Knysna SAPS
  • Knysna Municipality (all relevant Directorates)

During this event, all governmental stakeholders presented informational sessions to educate the business sector about their respective legislative mandates.

The Municipal Health section emphasized the importance of food safety through a presentation to participants, covering the following key aspects:

  • Health certification
  • The 5 Keys to Food Safety
  • Expired foodstuffs
  • Labelling

The spaza shop business owners were very well represented, with a total of 62 participants attending the information session.

The attendees were equipped with valuable information and knowledge to assist them in applying for the necessary documentation to achieve legislative compliance. However, it was emphasized that, as per the national directive from the President, all spaza shops must comply with the relevant legislation within the prescribed time frame.

Conclusion

A district task team has been established to strengthen enforcement in the district. The team consists of representatives from the Garden Route District Municipality, local municipalities in the district, the Department of Home Affairs, and SAPS. This team will conduct regular, unannounced compliance blitzes across the district. Businesses found violating regulations will face immediate action, including closure and prosecution. The Communication Unit from GRDM is also coordinating content and awareness material relating to food safety to the media, local municipalities, provincial health and GCIS, to name a few.

The public is urged to report any incidents of suspected counterfeit or tampered foodstuff. Contact SAPS or reach out directly to the following GRDM EHPs:

Johan Compion – Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management & Air Quality Control

 Desmond Paulse – Manager: Municipal Health Klein Karoo

 Rinay Cloete – Acting Chief: Municipal Health Mossel Bay

  • E-mail: rinay@gardenroute.gov.za
  • Tel: 044 693 0006 /Cell: 083 630 6108
  • C/O Sampson & Marling Street, Ext 23, Mossel Bay

 Emmy Douglas – Chief: Municipal Health George (Outeniqua)

 Jessica Erasmus – Acting Chief: Municipal Health George (Wilderness)

 James McCarthy – Chief: Municipal Health Knysna (Lakes)

 Gawie Vos – Chief: Municipal Health Bitou (Lakes)

 Haemish Herwels – Chief: Municipal Health Hessequa (Langeberg)

-END-

22 November 2024 Opportunities: International Scholarship Opportunity in China for Unemployed Beneficiaries 2024/2025

Opportunities: International Scholarship Opportunity in China for Unemployed Beneficiaries 2024/2025

Opening Date of Funding Window: 14 November 2024
Closing Date of Funding Window: 14 December 2024

Are you a South African matric graduate seeking international study opportunities?
The Chinese Culture and International Education Exchange Centre (CCIEEC), in partnership with the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) and the Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority (INSETA), invites matric graduates who completed matric prior to 2024 to apply for an exciting opportunity to study towards a Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in China.

This initiative aligns with the LGSETA and INSETA Annual Performance Plan targets, contributing to South African youth skills development and employability.

Who can apply?

To qualify for this incredible opportunity, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. South African citizens.
  2. Must have completed matric prior to 2024 (no restrictions on the number of years post-matric).
  3. Unemployed at the time of application.
  4. Aged 18 to 25 years.
  5. Willingness to commit to the full programme duration in China.
  6. Ability to adapt to a new cultural and academic environment.
  7. No criminal record.
  8. Medically fit for international travel (HIV, TB and Syphilis negative) according to the rules of the People’s
    Republic of China. A medical exam will take place before departure to China.

Click here to download the Official Advert

You are invited to an Informal Food Traders Workshop in George

You are invited to an Informal Food Traders Workshop in George

Date: 25 November
Time: 09:00 – 11:00
Venue: Thembalethu Thusong centre, Jeriko Street, Thembalethu, George

The Garden Route District Municipality is pleased to host an Informal Food Traders Workshop in collaboration with George Municipality. This educational session is designed to empower individuals who own, operate, or work in informal food premises.

The workshop will provide essential information on the legal requirements for running a spaza shop, along with insights from expert speakers on key topics such as:

  • Health and Hygiene
  • Fire Safety
  • Building Plan Compliance
  • Waste Management
  • And other important aspects related to operating informal food trading businesses

This interactive and engaging session is a great opportunity to refresh your knowledge and gain valuable guidance to enhance your operations.

If you have any questions about this upcoming event, please contact Jessica Erasmus on 044 803 1522 or WhatsApp 081 346 3118, e-mail jessica@gardenroute.gov.za