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27 June 2025 Public Notice: Garden Route & Klein Karoo (GR&KK) Tourism Strategy is open for public perusal and comment

Public Notice: Garden Route & Klein Karoo (GR&KK) Tourism Strategy is open for public perusal and comment

Notice Number: 65/2025

Notice is hereby given that the Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism Strategy is available for public perusal and comments for 14 days closing on 10 July 2025.

All questions and recommendations can be directed to Raylene Meyer at tel: 044-803 1405 / E-mail: raylene@edendm.co.za.

Click here to download the Official Notice.

Click here to download the Tourism Strategy

Nthabeleng Raisa-Mlandu
Acting Municipal Manager
54 York Street
PO Box 12
GEORGE
6530
Tel: 044 803 1300
Notice number: 65/2025

26 June 2025 Public Notice: Third Adjustment Budget 2024/2025 Approved

Third Adjustment Budget 2024/2025 Approved

Notice 66/2025

Notice is hereby given that the Garden Route District Municipal Council’s Third Adjustments Budget for the period 2024/2025-2026/2027, was compiled in accordance with the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act 2003 (Act 56 of 2003).

This document was approved by the Garden Route District Municipality at a District Council meeting held on Thursday, 26 June 2025.

This document will be available for public inspection and comments on the GRDM municipal website www.gardenroute.gov.za from 27 June 2025.

Members of the public are invited to submit written comments or representations to the municipality in respect of this document. All comments and inputs must be directed to:
The Acting The Municipal Manager
Garden Route District Municipality
54 York Street
George
6530

Please contact the Budget Manager (Ms Louise Hoek) at 044 803 1300 with any enquiries.

N Raisa-Mlandu
Acting Municipal Manager
Garden Route District Municipality

Click here to download the Official Notice

Click here to download/view all documents

24 June 2025 PUBLIC NOTICE: APPROVED SERVICE DELIVERY AND BUDGET IMPLEMENTATION PLAN (SDBIP) 2025/2026

APPROVED SERVICE DELIVERY AND BUDGET IMPLEMENTATION PLAN (SDBIP) 2025/2026

NOTICE NR 64/2025

Notice is hereby given in terms of the Municipal Finance Management Act (56 of 2003), Section 69(3) and 53(1)(c)(ii), (iii) and MFMA Circular  No.13 that the Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plan (SDBIP) for 2025/26 was approved by the Garden Route District Municipality’s Executive Mayor on 22 June 2025.

Full details regarding the approved SDBIP is available on the municipal website www.gardenroute.gov.za under the heading: Documents/Performance Management.

For more information, please contact the GRDM Manager: Performance Management, Ms Ilse Saaiman, at: Tel: 044-803 1300 / E-mail: pms@gardenroute.gov.za.

Nthabeleng Raisa-Mlandu
Acting Municipal Manager
54 York Street
PO Box 12
GEORGE
6530

Tel: 044 803 1300
Notice number: 64/2025

24 June 2025 PUBLIC NOTICE: DRAFT PERFORMANCE AGREEMENTS FOR 2025/2026 FINANCIAL YEAR ARE ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC

DRAFT PERFORMANCE AGREEMENTS FOR 2025/2026 FINANCIAL YEAR ARE ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC

NOTICE NR 63/2025

The Draft Performance Agreements for the GRDM Municipal Manager and Executive Managers are made public in terms of Section 57 (1) (b) of the Municipal Systems Act for the 2025/2026 final year.

The following Draft Performance Agreements are available for public perusal and due for signature by 31 July 2025.

Municipal Manager

Chief Financial Officer

Executive Manager: Community Services

Executive Manager: Planning and Economic Development

Executive manager: Roads and Transport Planning Services

The documents are available for viewing on the municipal website www.gardenroute.gov.za under the heading: Documents / Performance Management.

For more information, please contact the GRDM Manager: Performance Management, Ms Ilse Saaiman, at: Tel: 044-803 1300 / E-mail: pms@gardenroute.gov.za.

Click here to access and download the agreements.

Nthabeleng Raisa-Mlandu
Acting Municipal Manager
54 York Street
PO Box 12
GEORGE
6530

Tel: 044 803 1300
Notice number: 63/2025

Floods in the Garden Route

23 June 2025 Media Release: Another intense cold front is expected to hit the Namakwa District of the Northern Cape and the Western Cape from Wednesday to Friday, 25 to 27 June 2025

Media Release: Another intense cold front is expected to hit the Namakwa District of the Northern Cape and the Western Cape from Wednesday to Friday, 25 to 27 June 2025

For immediate release
23 June 2025

An intense cold front is expected to make landfall on Wednesday, 25 June 2025, over the south-western parts of South Africa, bringing a significant shift in weather conditions across the region. The system is expected to result in the following impacts:

For the public:

  • Heavy rainfall with a risk of localised flooding over the western parts of the Western Cape, especially in low-lying and poorly drained areas on Wednesday into Thursday (25-26 June 2025).
    Wet and slippery roads may result in dangerous driving conditions. Motorists should exercise caution and adhere to safety measures.
  • Strong and gusty winds over the interior may cause localised damage to structures and uproot trees.
  • Cold to very cold conditions can be expected, along with possible snowfall over the western mountain ranges of the Western Cape, spreading into the south-western interior of the Northern Cape.

For Maritime:

  • Gale force winds and very rough seas, with wave heights between 5,5 to 7,5 metres, along the coastlines of the Northern Cape and Western Cape, will lead to disruptions to fishing and port operations, an increased risk of vessels capsizing, accidents at sea, and hazardous shoreline conditions. Coastal residents and beachgoers are urged to exercise caution.
  • As the system progresses eastwards, it will affect the Eastern Cape, a region already vulnerable to weather-related impacts. The key concern is the strong damaging winds expected across most parts of the province on Thursday, 26 June 2025.
  • Interior winds are expected to pick up and spread over the remainder of eastern provinces on Thursday and Friday, 26 and 27 June 2025, with daytime temperatures dropping to the cold category.

The South African Weather Service will continue to monitor any further developments relating to the weather systems and will issue subsequent updates as required. Furthermore, intermediate updates may be followed on X (@SAWeatherServic), Facebook (South African Weather Service) or other SAWS-supported social media platforms.

Compiled by: Tokelo Chiloane, Henning Grobler and Wayne Venter
Edited by: Jacqueline Modika
Approved by: Mr Rudzani Malala
For technical and weather enquiries:
National Forecasting Centre: Tel: 012 367 6041

Media enquiries: Mr Oupa Segalwe, Senior Manager: Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Cell: 0722643273; e-mail oupa.segalwe@weathersa.co.za /or
Ms Hannelee Doubell: Manager, Communications
Tel: (012) 367 6104; Cell: 072 222 6305; e-mail: hannelee.doubell@weathersa.co.za
USSD: Dial *120*7297# 

23 June 2025 Media Release: Garden Route estuaries monitored

Media Release: Garden Route estuaries monitored

23 June 2025

“From Witsand to Nature’s Valley, the Garden Route is custodian to some of the most unique estuarine and marine eco-systems on the African continent, and their well-being is closely monitored”, says Chairperson of the Garden Route Marine and Coastal Committee, Cobus Meiring.

Estuaries are known for the vital ecological functions they perform in terms of nurturing marine and riverine ecology. Serving as barometers to measure overarching environmental matters, the waters estuaries contain and release into the ocean closely reflect what is happening in upper catchments. Negative factors would typically include reduced fresh water flow as a result of upper catchments and rivers infested by invasive alien plants as well as urban and agricultural extraction .

The water quality of sensitive estuarine systems is further affected by pesticides and fertilizer flowing from commercial agriculture, as well as bad quality water emanating from surrounding human settlements.

Algae blooms which recently detrimentally affected Island Lake near Wilderness led to the poisoning of water fowl and fish, and the event was a direct result of an overload of chemicals used in agricultural practices in the upper catchments of the rivers and streams all feeding into Island Lake. Similarly, water quality in the Knysna Lagoon, flood plains and estuary are markedly deteriorating as a direct result of untreated sewage and run- off from illegal dumping sites and countless informal settlements.

The Department of Environmental Affairs and Forestry (DFFE), Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), regional local municipalities, SANParks, CapeNature and numerous conservancies all play a vital role in monitoring the state of all regional estuaries. All these entities provide quarterly feed- back the Garden Route Estuaries Forum and the Marine and Coastal Committee.

Coastal communities are encouraged to report sewage spills and illegal dumping in estuarine areas to their local authorities, SANParks or CapeNature.

ENDS

Photo: Knysna sea horse: The critically endangered Knysna sea horse is endemic to the Knysna and Sedgefield estuaries

 

20 June 2025 What You Need to Know About Emission Licensing and the GRDM

What You Need to Know About Emission Licensing and the GRDM

20 June 2025

“GRDM’s Air Quality Management Unit regulates, amongst others, industrial emissions to maintain a healthy environment. Atmospheric Emission Licences (AEL) are issued by the GRDM team to industries operating on the Garden Route (Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Bitou, Oudtshoorn and Kannaland), said Dr Johann Schoeman, GRDM Manager: District Air Quality Control.

“Local municipalities have a role to play by enforcing air quality laws, regulating small pollution sources (like fuel-burning appliances), and managing air quality nuisances outside their jurisdictions.”

Industries that require an AEL are referred to as ‘Listed Activities’, classified under Government Notice 893 of November 2013 (as amended). The law recognises industrial activities that could harm the air you breathe, impact public health, disrupt environmental and cultural heritage, and possibly impact social and economic conditions.

To make sure air quality is managed sustainably, the GRDM has an Air Quality Management Plan. It was recently unanimously adopted by the GRDM Council after extensive consultations. The document is available at tinyurl.com/4vpskzy7 or via the municipal website at www.gardenroute.gov.za.

Which activities are listed on the Garden Route?

There are 10 broad categories of listed activities, each with subcategories of industries that need licensing. GRDM has 24 Section 21 Listed Activities and three Controlled Emitters, regulated under Section 23 of the Air Quality Act. Here’s what they include:

  • Combustion installations (Power stations and industrial boilers that burn fossil fuels for energy)
  • Petrochemical Industry where fuels are produced and stored by refining and processing crude oil, coal, gas, and biomass.
  • Coal gasification and carbonization (the process of converting coal into gas or solid carbon-based products) or tar processes in which creosote or tar is heated or distilled in any manufacturing process.
  • Metallurgy (Processing and refining metals like steel, aluminium, and iron)
  • Handling, storing, and processing minerals (crushing, screening, and transporting mined materials) The clay brick making process is also part of this category.
  • Organic chemical industry which covers the manufacturing of organic chemicals and compounds.
  • Inorganic chemical industry where specific inorganic chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, hydrogen cyanide, etc., are manufactured or used.
  • Treatment of Hazardous and General Waste (incineration of waste materials, including hazardous and medical waste; crematoria, etc.)
  • Pulp and paper manufacturing activities including by-product recovery such as lime recovery kilns, chemical recovery furnaces, etc.
  • Animal matter processing plants such as bone or fishmeal processing plants and tanneries.

A couple of fixed and mobile air quality monitoring stations keep an eye on these activities:

  • George – Located at the Roads Depot (Mission Street)
  • Mossel Bay – Located at the MHS offices

The Earthsense mobile analyser of the GRDM is moved around in the district to check specific potential air quality hot spots.

Data from these stations goes to the South African Air Quality Information System (SAAQIS), accessible at saaqis.environment.gov.za.

Global air pollution poses risks to both human health and the environment, so the GRDM Air Quality Management Unit, Local Municipalities and the National Government remain committed to regulating industrial emissions.

Feature image: The Earthsense mobile analyser of the GRDM is moved around in the district to check specific potential air quality hot spots.

Ends

18 June 2025 Media Release: Garden Route’s Smoke Alarm Initiative Shields Vulnerable Communities from Fires

Media Release: Garden Route’s Smoke Alarm Initiative Shields Vulnerable Communities from Fires

18 June 2025

With winter currently here and many Garden Routers  using indoor fires to keep warm, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) in partnership with the Knysna Local Municipality, extended the Smoke Alarm Installation Project further in Knysna, reaching Smutsville in Sedgefield from 09 – 17 June 2025.

This initiative, spearheaded by the GRDM Disaster Management Section, has already been rolled out in other municipal areas across the district. According to Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel, “This initiative, funded by the Western Cape Provincial Government, and primarily aims to proactively identify high fire-risk areas within vulnerable communities in our district, and then install smoke alarm devices in these informal settlements”.

“Vulnerable communities remain a top priority for the GRDM and its partners,” said Stroebel

According to Lee-Ann Joubert, GRDM Disaster Management Coordinator, “Knysna Municipality’s Fire Services identified hotspot areas within their local municipality, after which GRDM firefighters installed the detectors and educate homeowners about the benefits and proper use of the device”.

GRDM Fire Services Station Commander Hein Leslie acted as co-project leader, explained: “I must say that the community is very glad and supportive of this initiative.  We did experience some challenges in the beginning when a few community members were under the impression that we installed cameras, but after engaging with them,  the community became more supportive of the initiative.”

Activities underway during the Smoke Alarm Installation Project in Smutsville, Sedgefield

During a brief gathering between officials from GRDM, Cllr Levael Davis, ward Councillor as well as member of the Asivikelane Development Action Group, which partnered with Knysna Municipality to monitor the status of ‘basic services’, GRDM Cllr Hoogbaard, Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services addressed the group.

”We know that fires can strike at any moment – often with little to no warning, and these impacts can be deadly. In communities, where many homes are constructed from highly flammable materials and are densely placed, a single spark can become a disaster within minutes. Imagine losing crucial documents like ID documents, birth certificates, and other important records in a fire? This is why early detection is not just important, but lifesaving as well,” Hoogbaard said.

To date, installations have been completed in the following communities within Smutsville: Skoolgaatjie, Lankgewag and Beverly Hills.

All partners involved in the Smoke Alarm Installation Project.

Firefighters are currently working in the Makhaphela area and will continue to roll out installations in additional high-risk zones in the area, including Slange Park, Sakhumzamo and surrounding areas

Part of this proactive project includes community education and awareness, empowering residents with knowledge to prevent fires, respond effectively, and improve early detection, which ultimately aimed at saving lives and protecting property.

-END-

19 June 2025 Understanding the Governance Structure of the Garden Route District Municipality

Understanding the Governance Structure of the Garden Route District Municipality

19 June 2025

Section 1(a) of the Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000 states that the council of a municipality has the right to-

(a) govern on its own initiative the Local Government affairs of the local community. The Garden Route District Municipality is therefore governed by an elected Municipal Council. These Councillors are either direct representatives from local municipalities, or proportionally elected through their political parties.

Led by an Executive Mayor, the GRDM Council is responsible for decision making and setting policies, the Speaker leads and presides over meetings of the full Council, ensuring order and adherence to rules during Council sittings, while a Municipal Manager is the administrative head, responsible for implementing Council’s policies and managing staff.

The policies are developed by the administration but discussed and workshopped with Councillors by the administration. In some instances, policies are approved while there is a possibility for a Council to reject policies too. Politicians often request policies to be developed in response to concerns raised by members of the public.

What are the legal mandates that define the powers of the GRDM?

The municipality’s functions and powers are defined by various pieces of legislation. Firstly Section 151(2) of the Constitution of South Africa, states that the executive and legislative authority of a municipality is vested in its Municipal Council. Secondly the Municipal Structures Act (Act 117 of 1998) clarifies the powers of district and local municipalities.  Section 84(1) specifically outlines the functions of district municipalities while, Section 26 of the Municipal Systems Act guides the municipality’s role in integrated development planning.

Lastly the Municipal Financial Management Act (Act 56 of 2003), designates the Municipal Manager as the Accounting Officer, responsible to guide the financial management processes of the municipality in accordance with this Act. There are many more pieces of legislation, but the above-mentioned are the key ones that provide a framework for Local Government.

Where does the GRDM fit into the three spheres of government (National, Provincial and Local)?

According to Section 40(1) of the Constitution, government in the Republic is constituted as national, provincial, and local spheres of government which are distinctive, interdependent, and interrelated. The district municipality forms part of the local sphere of government.  Section 155 of the Constitution explains the establishment of municipalities and categorises them as Category-a are metro municipalities; category-b are local municipalities; and category-c  are district municipalities. In the Western Cape there are 5 district municipalities.

It is also important to note that a b-or-c municipality cannot exist in the jurisdiction of an a-municipality (metro). An a-municipality is a merger of a b-and-c municipality.

Why were district municipalities created?

The White Paper of Local Government 1998 under the heading “the need for district government explains the rationale of district municipalities in great detail.  District governments were created to address regional challenges that individual local municipalities couldn’t manage alone, such as infrastructure planning and economic development. District municipalities also play a role in supporting and building the capacity of local municipalities that lack resources and administrative capabilities. Section 84 of the Local Government Municipal Structures Act unpacks exactly what services district should be performing. In the year 2000, many district municipalities requested for some of their functions to be given to local municipalities to perform. The structure of municipalities was introduced in 1998 with the Municipal Structures Act (Act 117 of 1998) and was implemented in the year 2000.

How does the GRDM interact with local municipalities?

The district interacts with local municipalities and other spheres of government through 21 Inter Governmental Relations Forums. It further supports local municipalities by coordinating shared services such as:

  • Geospatial Information System;
  • Job evaluation (Shared services with 12 local municipalities);
  • Municipal Minimum Competency (5 local municipalities form part of the SLA);

More shared services will be rolled out in the near future.

This collaborative approach helps to ensure that district-wide services and joint planning efforts are coordinated across the district. This is also in line with the Joint District-Metro Approach (JDMA), a governance framework used in the Western Cape, South Africa, to improve coordination between different levels of government. The JDMA aims to align national, provincial, and local priorities through co-planning, co-budgeting, and co-implementation to enhance service delivery.

Feature image: A GRDM Council meeting underway with Mayor Andrew Stroebel in the foreground.

17 June 2025 Media Release: GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners Gearing Up for Upcoming Oyster Festival

Media Release: GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners Gearing Up for Upcoming Oyster Festival

17 June 2025

Annually, Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) of the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Knysna Municipal Health office act proactively in planning and implementing mitigation measures and monitoring work schedules before, during and after the Oyster Festival.  This is done to minimize and address public health issues that might arise during the festival.

The 42nd Knysna Oyster Festival will take place this year from 4 – 13 July 2025 under the theme – “It’s time to come out of your shell” – setting the tone for a flavour-packed festival where culinary creativity takes centre stage. Based on attendance in previous years, more than
50 000 visitors are expected this year.

As always, the EHPs will focus on ensuring that the oysters sold to the public, as well as all culinary activities, are safe and fit for human consumption.

FOOD CONTROL

Inspections of informal food premises will include the following:

  • Daily inspections at the Oyster Festival “hot spots” and various food premises within the Greater Knysna area.
  • Inspections at the central festival grounds, which will host more food stalls and other activities than the year before.

This year, the oyster cooking competition is also back by popular demand.  Special attention will be given by the EHPs (both locally and within the District) to ensure that all oysters used during the event are sampled and monitored for compliance.

  • Several batches of oyster samples will be dispatched to the Merieux NutriSciences Laboratory in Cape Town for bacteriological analysis prior to the start of the festival, to establish the bacteriological quality status of the oysters.
  • Drinking water (sachets) to be provided to athletes participating in the Forest Marathon will be analysed to ensure compliance with the Bottled Water Regulations: “Regulation 692 of 1997, promulgated under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectant Act (Act 54 of 1972)”.

WATER QUALITY MONITORING

  • Bacteriological water monitoring of the Knysna Estuary will be conducted by sampling water at 14 identified sites in and around the estuary.
  • Bacteriological water monitoring will also be carried out at sites where recreational water sport events will take place.

HEALTH SURVEILANCE OF PREMISES

Regular inspections and health surveillance of premises of all related public amenities will be conducted during the festival, including:
•    Public toilet facilities;
•    Accommodation establishments;
•    Festival grounds;
•    Food markets; and
•    Tobacco control at premises.

COMMUNICABLE DISEASE OUTBREAK

A strict communication protocol for reporting any communicable disease outbreak to the local District Municipal Health Authority has been established with all relevant medical healthcare providers, included private and provincial hospitals, general practitioners and pharmacies.

A glimpse of the usual festivities at the Knysna Oyster Festival.

For any additional information regarding the festival, please contact:

James McCarthy
Knysna Region Office
26A Queen Street, Knysna
james@gardenroute.gov.za / 044 382 7214 / 082 805 9417

Johan Compion
Senior Manager: Municipal Health & Environmental Services
info@gardenroute.gov.za / 044 803 1300 / 082 803 5161

– END –