Notice is hereby given that an Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) Meeting of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the CA Robertson Council Chambers and via Zoom, 54 York Street, George, on 18 June 2026 at 14:00.
8 June 2026
The Garden Route has experienced some of South Africa’s most damaging climate-related disasters in recent years, from the devastating June 2017 Knysna fires to recurring floods, severe storm damage, and increasing threats to infrastructure and communities.
Most recently, the region endured severe wind, flooding and coastal damage during May and June, once again highlighting the vulnerability of communities, businesses, agriculture, infrastructure and ecosystems to extreme weather events. “As climate risks continue to intensify, the need for coordinated action and improved preparedness has never been greater,” says GREF convener Cobus Meiring.
Against this backdrop, the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF), together with its partners and in collaboration with Nelson Mandela University (NMU), will host the 2026 Extreme Weather Reflection Summit at the NMU George Campus on Thursday 2 July.
The Summit will provide a platform for experts, decision-makers, disaster management agencies and stakeholders to reflect on lessons learned from recent events and identify practical solutions that can strengthen resilience and support sustainable development in a changing climate.
The event will be preceded by training activities for disaster management teams, focusing on chainsaw operation and the clearing of biomass in areas affected by extreme weather events.
Through expert presentations, panel discussions and stakeholder engagement, participants will explore climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, water security, biodiversity conservation, environmental restoration and sustainable economic development. The Summit has received strong support from the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and George Municipality, both committed to strengthening regional resilience and fostering partnerships that address the realities of a changing climate.
Representatives from government, academia, business, agriculture, environmental organisations and civil society will participate in discussions aimed at developing practical recommendations to inform future planning, investment and disaster preparedness initiatives.
GREF believes that collaboration between institutions, communities and the private sector is essential to building a more resilient and sustainable future. Through the Annual Climate Change Indaba, GREF has developed a long-standing partnership with Nelson Mandela University, further strengthening the Summit’s ability to connect research, innovation and practical implementation.
Further details regarding speakers, programme content and registration will be announced shortly.
RSVP essential: louisamare@gmail.com
The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for environmental managers and a climate change think tank dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability, resilience and collaboration throughout the region.(www.grefecsf.co.za)
Issued by:
Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) in collaboration with Nelson Mandela University.
Feature Image: One of the drop-off and chipping sites for storm-damaged tree branches and green waste in George
Issued by GRDM Communications
05 June 2026
Overnight, the district continued to experience isolated heavy showers. However, our major concern remains the significant volume of water moving into the district from the northern areas. The Gamkapoort Dam is currently spilling at around 170%, while the Floriskraal, Stompdrift and Kammanassie dams are also overflowing. Emergency services and SAPS members are actively monitoring river crossings and implementing crowd-control measures to ensure that potentially compromised structures remain clear of people.
Late yesterday, a woman and a man attempted to cross the Klip River at Waboomskraal and were swept away by the strong current. EMS teams successfully rescued the woman, but unfortunately the man could not be saved. Following an extensive search operation, his body was recovered early this morning.
Rescue teams have also been dispatched to an incident in the Oudtshoorn Mountain Resort area, where it has been reported that a man was washed away while attempting to cross a river. Further information will be shared as it becomes available.
In George, municipal technical services teams are currently working to reconnect the water supply between the Uniondale Dam and the town.
The water situation in Knysna remains a concern and requires close monitoring. The main water supply pumps are still not fully operational, and reserve water levels at the Akkerkloof Dam are dropping to critically low levels.
Community members remain accommodated at several halls across the district. Currently, there are 65 people at Toekomsrus, 38 in De Rust, 29 in Ladismith, and eight families at the Lyonville Community Hall in Uniondale.
Requests for humanitarian assistance have been received from Zoar, where 14 people require support; Voorbaat, with 29 people affected; and the Vlakteplaas, Barandas and Snyberg areas, where approximately 110 people may require assistance. This latter request is still being assessed by the Department of Social Development, although colleagues from the Department of Infrastructure have indicated that the area is accessible by 4×4 vehicles.
Finally, 21 schools remain closed today, primarily because they are inaccessible due to poor road conditions.
We continue to monitor conditions closely and will provide further updates as necessary.
Disaster-related updates are published by Local Government here:
Garden Route District Municipality
– https://www.facebook.com/gardenroutedm
Hessequa Municipality
– www.facebook.com/hessequamunicipality
Mossel Bay Municipality
– www.facebook.com/mosselbaymun
– https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaObfDbBadmjaxmERb0d
George Municipality
– www.facebook.com/george.municipality
– https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaRHVS9HAdNXTJPKis3k
Knysna Municipality
– www.facebook.com/knysnamunicipality
– https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaddGzkKwqSX9z7fPm2V
Bitou Municipality
– www.facebook.com/bitoulocalmunicipality
– https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb5xx5wGE56kaY90693M
Greater Oudtshoorn Municipality
– www.facebook.com/oudtmun
– https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VagZwTjHgZWmFke9An2N
Kannaland Municipality
– www.facebook.com/kannaland.munisipaliteit.5
Report Provincial Road Issues via Download the Roads4U app
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=za.gov.westerncape.roadsforyou
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/za/app/roads4u/id6752285666
Garden Route District Municipality encourages the public to report flood-related incidents to the regional 24/7 Emergency Call Centre on 044 805 5071 or WhatsApp 081 709 5193
Image: Gamka Wes Calitzdorp, 05 June 2026.
For immediate release:
05 June 2026
The Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) conducted a comprehensive Food Safety Day Awareness campaign across the towns of Ladismith and Oudtshoorn on 5 June 2026, to enforce compliance with norms and standards of food handling and raise awareness about foodborne risks.
In observation of World Food Safety Day, the EHPs of the Klein Karoo area, are supporting the theme: Food Safety: From Burden to Solutions – safe food everywhere” by promoting cleanliness and food safety at spaza shops in the Oudtshoorn and Ladismith areas. “Through inspections, education, and engagement with shop owners, EHPs encourage proper hygiene practices, safe food handling and regular cleaning of premises,” said GRMD’s Municipal Health Chief: Klein Karoo, Desmond Paulse.
“This year’s theme aims to inspire action to help prevent and manage foodborne risks to safeguard food security and healthy communities.”
GRDM’s highly competent team of EHPs regularly conducts inspections not only to spaza shops, but also to manufacturers, restaurants and supermarkets, to name a few. This is done to monitor compliance with hygienic and preparation standards. Paulse added that these actions help reduce foodborne health risks, improve compliance with food safety standards, and contribute to healthier communities.
The EHPs placed particular emphasis on cleaning and proper disinfection as these are effective methods to ensure safer food for human consumption. “Clean and hygienic shops play an important role in food safety. A clean shop helps prevent contamination, reduces the spread of harmful bacteria, viruses, and protects customers from a range of foodborne illnesses,” said Paulse.
The EHPs encourage spaza shop owners to adhere to good hygiene practices, such as regular cleaning, proper food storage, and safe handling of food, to ensure that food remains safe and of high quality.
On World Food Safety Day, as GRDM, we recognise that maintaining clean shops remains essential for protecting public health.
ENDS
For immediate release
05 June 2026
Theme: “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future”
As Azerbaijan hosts World Environment Day 2026 (5 June 2026) under the global theme climate change, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) echoes the urgent call: Our Climate. Our Future.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) states that 2026 is about “the urgent signals the Earth is sending and the signals we choose to send back”. In the Garden Route district, those signals include, but are not limited to, the severe floods of 2023 and 2024, and more recently, the floods and gale-force winds of the cut off low storm system in May 2026. Prolonged droughts, sea level rise, storm surges, coastal and soil erosion, invasive alien vegetation infestations, and escalating wildfire risks are challenging how we live, farm, and work.
What is the environment?
It’s not just faraway forests. It’s the air we breathe in George, the water in the Knysna Estuary, the soil our Outeniqua farmers use, and the fynbos that protects our mountains from erosion. It’s the beaches in Plettenberg Bay, the rivers in Wilderness, and the wetlands in Sedgefield that soak up floodwater. Our environment is everything around us that keeps us alive, safe, and able to work.
President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed this directly at the Presidential Climate Commission in February 2026: “Climate change is an existential threat to the future of humanity and the planet. We must act with others across the globe to ensure that we do not breach the 1.5-degree warning above pre-industrial levels”.
Why does this matter to you?
Climate change is not only about melting ice caps. It affects water in our taps, food on our tables, and safety in our communities. When rivers are in flood, roads are being closed and homes and infrastructure are being damaged. When dams like the Garden Route Dam run low, farmers struggle, food prices rise, and we all face water restrictions. When alien plants and trees spread, fires burn hotter and longer. Protecting the environment means protecting our daily lives.
The Climate Change Act 22 of 2024 now requires all municipalities to plan for these risks.
This World Environment Day, GRDM is:
How can you help:
Everyone has a role to play. Save water by fixing leaks and using less. Keep stormwater drains clear – never dump waste or building rubble in them. Report illegal dumping, blocked rivers, or fire risks to your relevant local Municipal offices.
World Environment Day reminds us: the Garden Route’s forests, rivers, and coastline are not just scenery. They are our life support. The earth is sending signals, and it is time we send a strong one back.
ENDS
For immediate release:
05 June 2026
World Food Safety Day is commemorated annually on 7 June, and in 2026 the global theme, “Safer Food, Better Health,” reinforces the importance of protecting consumers from foodborne risks. One of the most critical, yet often underestimated, components of food safety is effective pest control.
Pests such as rodents, flies, cockroaches, and ants pose a serious threat to food safety across the entire food supply chain, from farms and food processing plants to retail outlets, restaurants, schools, and households. These pests are known carriers of harmful pathogens that contaminate food, equipment, and preparation surfaces, increasing the risk of foodborne diseases.
Disease causing pathogens such as salmonella, E. coli, listeriosis, and Norovirus can result from poor pest management practices. Vulnerable groups, including young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals, are particularly at risk. Preventing pest infestations is therefore not only a hygiene issue, but a public health priority.
In South Africa, food premises are legally required to implement pest control measures. The Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, 1972 (Act 54 of 1972) mandates that food sold or handled must be safe and free from contamination. In addition, Regulation R.638 of the Health Act, 1977 (General Hygiene Requirements for Food Premises and the Transport of Food) clearly states that food premises must be kept free of pests, and that adequate measures must be in place to prevent their access and harbourage.
Furthermore, the National Health Act, 2003 (Act 61 of 2003) places a responsibility on food business operators to ensure that conditions do not pose a risk to human health. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in fines, closure of premises, or legal action.
Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) emphasise that pest control is a non-negotiable element of food safety.
“Effective pest control is one of the first indicators of a well-managed food premises. Where pests are present, the risk of food contamination and disease transmission increases significantly. Preventing infestations protects not only consumers, but also the reputation and sustainability of food businesses,”
An effective approach to pest control is Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which prioritises prevention through good housekeeping, proper waste disposal, regular cleaning, sealing of entry points, and safe food storage. Where chemical control is necessary, it must be conducted by trained and registered pest control operators using approved products in a manner that does not compromise food safety.
World Food Safety Day serves as a reminder that food safety is everyone’s responsibility. Business owners, food handlers, regulators, and consumers all play a role in preventing contamination and safeguarding public health.
By maintaining strict pest control measures, we protect food from contamination, reduce the spread of disease, and support healthier communities. As we observe World Food Safety Day under the theme “Safer Food, Better Health,” it is clear that effective pest control is not optional — it is essential.
Here’s how you can maintain hygiene when handling food:
ENDS
4 June 2026
The rendering of Municipal Health Services by Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP’s) within the district remains the responsibility of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM). Food control includes the regular inspection of food premises, sampling of foodstuffs offered to the public, and the monitoring of compliance with legislation.
EHPs must ensure that food sold and distributed within the district are fit for human consumption. Food is sold at both formal and informal establishments, such as supermarkets, restaurants, food stalls, spaza shops, street vendors, and other informal food outlets operating within the municipality’s area of jurisdiction. These facilities are routinely monitored and inspected to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
In recent years, social media has become a significant platform for the sharing of information and opinions, including matters related to food safety. While these platforms can play an important role in raising awareness, they can also contribute to the rapid spread of misinformation and unverified allegations.
The GRDM is therefore making a serious appeal to members of the public to refrain from circulating unverified information, rumours, or allegations regarding the distribution of food and, more specifically, claims that foodstuffs are being deliberately poisoned by foreign nationals operating within our communities. Such statements are not only irresponsible but can also create unnecessary fear that can lead to xenophobia.
EHP’s are actively present in communities and conduct ongoing inspections and investigations throughout the district. Any concerns regarding food safety, food-related illnesses, or suspected non-compliance should be reported directly to the to the Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management and Air Quality on 082 803 5161or e-mail jcompion@gardenroute.gov.za. Reports received through official channels are investigated thoroughly and objectively in accordance with established procedures.
Over the years, the municipality has received several complaints relating to alleged foreign objects found in packaged food products, including chips, biscuits, and similar food items. Each complaint was subjected to a comprehensive investigation, including inspections of premises and the sampling and examination of the products concerned. To date, no evidence has been found to substantiate claims that foreign objects were intentionally placed in food products at the locations where complaints were reported.
Public cooperation is essential in maintaining community trust, promoting social cohesion, and safeguarding the health and well-being of all residents.
ENDS
Issued by GRDM Communications
04 June 2026
The Garden Route has experienced moderate but persistent rainfall over the past 24 hours, with periods of intense showers reported overnight. While no major weather-related incidents have been reported to the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Emergency Call Centre, several impacts are being experienced across the district. The GRDM Multi-Agency Command Centre (MACC) remains activated, with municipal and emergency services personnel on standby and actively monitoring conditions throughout the district.
Dozens of low-lying bridges and river crossings are currently flooded, making it dangerous for motorists to attempt crossings. As a result, a number of roads remain closed due to flooding, rockfalls, landslides and other weather-related hazards.
A total of 93 community members who were precautionarily evacuated from De Rust and Welgeluk remain accommodated at the Toekomsrus Community Hall, where support continues to be provided by the Western Cape Provincial Government Department of Social Development.
* Water is pooling in several urban areas, causing some manhole covers to lift due to pressure from stormwater systems.
* Most road closures are due to flooding of low-lying bridges and river crossings.
* Rockfalls have been reported on the N12 near Chandelier Game Lodge, Nature’s Valley, Wittedrift (road closed), and the Kaaimans area.
* Water pooling has also been reported on the N2 between Sedgefield and George, shortly after the Waves Garage.
* Several trees that fell along Saasveld Road have been cleared by George Municipality, but more is expected to fall and this area is extremely dangerous to travel through.
Garden Routers and tourists are advised to avoid flooded roads, low-water crossings and riverbanks, and to remain alert to official weather and safety updates published by the GRDM and Local Municipalities.
River levels remain under close observation. Water levels in the Keurbooms, Knysna, Great Brak, Kandelaars and Olifants river systems have increased significantly, while higher inflows from the Gamka Dam and increased releases from Stompdrift Dam are also being monitored. Emergency services are conducting regular assessments of communities and low-lying areas adjacent to these river systems. The Garden Route Dam is overflowing, the first time this year.
Localised flooding has been reported in Nature’s Valley, while emergency teams continue to monitor vulnerable areas throughout the district.
Roads authorities will continue to assess the road network and provide updates as conditions change.
SCHOOLS REMAIN CLOSED FOR TODAY, 4 JUNE
Disaster-related updates are published by Local Government here:
Garden Route District Municipality
– https://www.facebook.com/gardenroutedm
Hessequa Municipality
– www.facebook.com/hessequamunicipality
Mossel Bay Municipality
– www.facebook.com/mosselbaymun
– https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaObfDbBadmjaxmERb0d
George Municipality
– www.facebook.com/george.municipality
– https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaRHVS9HAdNXTJPKis3k
Knysna Municipality
– www.facebook.com/knysnamunicipality
– https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaddGzkKwqSX9z7fPm2V
Bitou Municipality
– www.facebook.com/bitoulocalmunicipality
– https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb5xx5wGE56kaY90693M
Greater Oudtshoorn Municipality
– www.facebook.com/oudtmun
– https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VagZwTjHgZWmFke9An2N
Kannaland Municipality
– www.facebook.com/kannaland.munisipaliteit.5
Report Provincial Road Issues via Download the Roads4U app
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=za.gov.westerncape.roadsforyou
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/za/app/roads4u/id6752285666
Garden Route District Municipality encourages the public to report flood-related incidents to the regional 24/7 Emergency Call Centre on 044 805 5071 or WhatsApp 081 709 5193
For immediate release
03 June 2026
Today, 3 June 2026, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and the MSC Shosholoza Ocean Academy hosted a highly anticipated career roadshow in George. Designed to create life-changing opportunities, the event connected potential candidates with exciting vacancies for those looking to start their careers at sea with MSC Cruises.
This second public awareness session successfully hosted residents from the Garden Route in the George Civic Hall, to inform locals about these job opportunities that will continuously become available across the globe on MSC cruise ships.
A completely packed hall with eager individuals gathered for presentation that were delivered by officials from both organisations. This initiative highlights the massive variety of careers available at sea, offering exciting pathways in areas like hospitality, culinary arts, and guest services, to name a few.
Reginald Salmons, Training and Skills Development Coordinator at GRDM, as well as Coordinator of the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) initiative, welcomed everyone to the event and explained the significance of the GRSM in creating opportunities for the youth of the Garden Route. His address specifically focused on the opportunities of the MSC cruise ships created through the GRSM.
“Through this initiative, young people are exposed to recruitment processes, required documentation, and industry standards, while also receiving career guidance and access to both local and international opportunities,” Executive Mayor of GRDM, Ald. Marais Kruger, highlighted. Referring to the success of these roadshows, Mayor Kruger further added: “Approximately 60 young people from the Garden Route district have already benefited through opportunities linked to this programme”.
Allister Joubert and Nicole Niewenhuis from the MSC Shosholoza Ocean Academy, have proudly shared their humble beginnings and journeys from when they started entry-level roles at the Shosholoza Ocean Academy and climbing the ranks within MSC Cruises. Their inspiring stories highlight incredible career growth and serve as a powerful motivation for aspiring interested candidates looking to apply and transform their futures at sea.
MMC for Corporate Services at GRDM, Cllr Nompumelelo Ndayi, delivered the vote of thanks and expressed her gratitude on behalf of GRDM to the representatives of the MSC Shosholoza for their valued partnership with the GRDM. “As a Municipality, we remain committed to supporting these initiatives. Together, we can continue to create pathways that empower our youth and contribute to a more prosperous future for the Garden Route district, ” Ndayi said.
Members of the public or prospective cruiser, specifically the youth that were unable to attend the roadshow, are invited to visit the following website or join the webinar for information on opportunities and processes to apply for vacancies in the MSC cruise ships:
Discover the World with MSC Cruises Webinar.
Career opportunities can be accessed at:
https://careers.msccruises.com/gb/en
Feature Image: Reginald Salmons (GRDM), Nicole Niewenhuis (MSC Shosholoza Ocean Academy), Ald. Marais Kruger (Executive Mayor, GRDM), Allister Joubert (MSC Shosholoza Ocean Academy) and Dineo Ramasesane (GRDM) during the MSC Shosholoza Ocean Academy & Garden Route District Municipality Roadshow.
ENDS
Issued by GRDM Communications
03 June 2026
The Garden Route has experienced light to moderate consistent rainfall. At this stage, local municipal stormwater systems are mostly coping and no major life-threatening weather-related incidents have been reported.
We are, however, closely monitoring low-lying areas across the district. In the Oudtshoorn municipal area, for instance, some residents from Welgeluk and De Rust were evacuated as a precautionary measure due to rising river levels. Monitoring of these areas remains ongoing.
The South African Weather Service has reported that certain mountainous areas have already received more than 60 mm of rainfall between last night and the early hours of this morning. Additional rainfall is expected, and we will continue to work proactively with local municipalities to address any issues that may arise.
We are also aware of electricity outages affecting some areas. These incidents are being assessed and will be attended to by Eskom and/or the relevant local municipalities as conditions allow.
Schools within the Garden Route region remain closed until 4 June 2026.
Disaster-related updates are published by Local Government here:
Garden Route District Municipality
– https://www.facebook.com/gardenroutedm
Hessequa Municipality
– www.facebook.com/hessequamunicipality
Mossel Bay Municipality
– www.facebook.com/mosselbaymun
– https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaObfDbBadmjaxmERb0d
George Municipality
– www.facebook.com/george.municipality
– https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaRHVS9HAdNXTJPKis3k
Knysna Municipality
– www.facebook.com/knysnamunicipality
– https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaddGzkKwqSX9z7fPm2V
Bitou Municipality
– www.facebook.com/bitoulocalmunicipality
– https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb5xx5wGE56kaY90693M
Greater Oudtshoorn Municipality
– www.facebook.com/oudtmun
– https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VagZwTjHgZWmFke9An2N
Kannaland Municipality
– www.facebook.com/kannaland.munisipaliteit.5
Report Provincial Road Issues via Download the Roads4U app
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=za.gov.westerncape.roadsforyou
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/za/app/roads4u/id6752285666
Garden Route District Municipality encourages the public to report flood-related incidents to the regional 24/7 Emergency Call Centre on 044 805 5071 or WhatsApp 081 709 5193
Picture caption: A low-lying area in Nature’s Valley (Bitou Municipal Area) showing how the water has risen since last night.