NOTICE NO 26/2026
Notice is hereby given that a SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the CA Robertson Council Chambers, and via Zoom, 54 York Street, George, on 31 March 2026 at 16:00.
31 March 2026
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) formally concluded the work of its Human Settlements Unit today, 31 March 2026.
According to Lusanda Menze, the GRDM Executive Manager for Integrated Planning and Economic Development: “The Unit was established in 2021 through a Memorandum of Agreement with the provincial government to strengthen the delivery of affordable housing programmes across the Garden Route district. Over its operational period, the GRDM was able to strategically coordinate and support seven local municipalities, focusing on long-term planning, partnerships, and unlocking housing opportunities.”
Over the past five years, the Human Settlements Unit achieved several important milestones that will continue to benefit the region:
“The Human Settlements Sector Plan and Incentives Policy Framework will be handed over to the WCG DOI to ensure continued implementation. The Spatial Development Framework will remain with GRDM as part of its ongoing planning mandate,” said Menze.
According to Mayor Marais Kruger, the establishment of the Human Settlements Unit marked an important step in positioning the Garden Route as a proactive partner in addressing housing challenges, particularly within the affordable housing market segment, which has historically been under-served.”
“The conclusion of the Unit’s operational phase does not mark an end, but rather a transition,” he said. “The solid foundation built by the GRDM with regards to strategic planning, strong partnerships, and progressive policy development, will continue to guide and support housing delivery across the Garden Route.”
Kruger added that GRDM remains committed to working hand-in-hand with provincial and local stakeholders to expand access to housing opportunities and build more inclusive communities for all residents.
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30 March 2026
During a recent workshop hosted by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), South Africa has once again highlighted the importance of the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma Mountains as critical water-producing landscapes for the Southern Cape.
These mountain catchments form part of South Africa’s Strategic Water Source Areas (SWAs) often called the country’s “natural water factories”. Although these areas cover less than 10% of the country’s land surface, they generate around half of the water that ends up in rivers and dams.
“For farmers, the message is clear: without healthy mountain catchments, there is no long-term water security,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).
According to GREF, almost every catchment in the Garden Route is negatively impacted by invasive alien plants. These invasives reduce streamflow, damage soil health and weaken the ability of rivers to recover after drought.
The situation is made more challenging because of geography. Most coastal catchments in the Garden Route are short and flow quickly from the mountains to the Indian Ocean. This means there are very few opportunities to build large dams, making the protection of natural catchments even more important for agriculture.
South Africa is already a water-scarce country, and climate change is expected to bring hotter and drier conditions to many farming regions. However, the country still has a major advantage: a well-defined network of SWSAs that, if protected, can secure water supply for the future.
Over decades, South African engineers built world-class dams and inter-basin transfer schemes. But infrastructure alone cannot solve the problem. Without healthy mountain ecosystems, the system simply cannot function optimally.
The focus now is on cooperation between farmers, municipalities, conservation organisations and landowners to protect these vital catchments before further damage is done.
For the Garden Route and the wider agricultural sector, the message from the workshop was simple: protecting water source areas is not only an environmental priority – it is an economic one.
The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for environmental managers and a climate change think- tank – www.grefecf.co.za
Picture Caption: A view of the Outeniqua Mountains (Photo: Herman Pieters)
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25 March 2026
A coordinated joint operation between Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Municipal Health Services, Hessequa Municipality’s Municipal Police and the South African Police Service (SAPS) resulted in the inspection of 38 spaza shops over a two-day period, on 19 and 20 March 2026.
The operation formed part of ongoing efforts to ensure public health, enforce applicable by-laws, and address any illegal activities. Officials conducted thorough inspections focusing on food safety standards, including the monitoring of expired goods, hygiene practices, storage conditions, and the verification of valid Certificates of Acceptability.
Compliance issues were identified and addressed during the operation. Unsafe food products were confiscated while certain establishments may face further enforcement action. Hessequa Municipality’s Municipal Police also addressed matters relating to fire safety and relevant bylaws, with SAPS providing support to ensure the safety and security of all officials involved.
Officials carrying out inspection activities during the operation.
Cllr Hoogbaard, MMC for Community Services at GRDM, during the session reiterated that the operation demonstrated the commitment from all role players to protect public health and ensuring that all businesses operate within the legal framework and that similar operations will be conducted to promote compliance.
Residents are encouraged to report any concerns related to food safety or non-compliant issues to this department businesses to the municipality.
Johan Compion
jcompion@gardenroute.gov.za
044 803 1550 / 082 803 5161
Haemish Herwels – Chief: Municipal Health Hessequa (Langeberg)
haemish@gardenroute.gov.za
028 713 2438 / Cell: 083 678 6545
23 Mitchell Street, Riversdale
Opsomming in Afrikaans
’n Gekoördineerde gesamentlike operasie tussen die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM) se Omgewingsgesondheidspraktisyns, Hessequa Munisipaliteit se Munisipale Polisiediens en die Suid-Afrikaanse Polisiediens (SAPS) het gelei tot die inspeksie van 38 spaza-winkels oor ’n twee-dag tydperk, op 19 en 20 Maart 2026.
Die operasie vorm deel van TDM se voortdurende pogings om openbare gesondheid te beskerm, toepaslike verordeninge se implimentering te verseker, en enige onwettige aktiwiteite aan te spreek. Amptenare het deeglike inspeksies uitgevoer wat gefokus het op voedselveiligheidsstandaarde, insluitend die monitering van vervalde produkte, higiënepraktyke, bergingstoestande en die verifikasie van geldige Aanvaarbaarheidssertifikate.
Oortredings is geïdentifiseer en aangespreek, onveilige voedselprodukte is gekonfiskeer, en sekere besighede kan verdere afdwingingsaksie verwag. Hessequa Munisipaliteit se Munisipale Polisiediens het ook brandveiligheid en toepaslike verordeninge aangespreek, terwyl SAPS die veiligheid van alle betrokke amptenare verseker het.
Soortgelyke operasies sal in die toekoms voortgaan om voldoening aan verordeninge te bevorder. Inwoners word aangemoedig om enige bekommernisse rakende voedselveiligheid of nie-nakoming aan die munisipaliteit te rapporteer.
-Einde-
24 March 2026
In a proactive move to support community health and support local businesses, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) planned targeted education sessions for spaza shop owners and their managers in the Hessequa area.
On 17 March 2026, EHPs from the GRDM Hessequa sub-office, provided essential training on food safety, hygiene standards, and regulatory compliance to spaza shop owners from Riversdale, Albertinia and Melkhoutfontein. The session was well attended by 36 owners and/or managers, who collectively oversee the operations of close to 60 spaza shops across these areas.
The training session was also attended by Cllrs Hoogbaard and Jansen. During his opening remarks, Cllr Hoogbaard, also the MMC for Community Services, reiterated that spaza shops are the heartbeat of local communities, often serving as the primary source of daily essentials. He emphasised that maintaining clean and safe environments is not only a legal obligation, but also critical for protecting community health and building customer trust.
This initiative highlights the EHPs’ commitment to ensuring that even the smallest retail outlets meet the high health standards required to protect the public.
The training focused on several critical pillars of environmental health:
GRDM Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services, Cllr Hoogbaard, was one of the speakers during the spaza shop owners’ education session.
Participants were encouraged to actively engage, ask questions, and share their day-to-day challenges. This interactive approach ensured that the training was practical, relevant, and directly applicable to their business operations.
The GRDM will continue to monitor compliance through routine inspections, while also providing ongoing support and guidance to shop owners. This ensures that the high standards introduced during the training are consistently maintained.
This session forms part of a broader, ongoing initiative by EHPS from Hessequa to reinforce the importance of food safety and strengthen the local food supply chain at grassroots level.
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23 March 2026
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in collaboration with Mossel Bay Local Municipality, celebrated Global Recycling Day on 18 March 2026 at Herbertsdale Primary School, embracing the theme “Don’t Waste, Think Opportunity.”
This celebration brought creativity and environmental awareness together as learners participated in a unique activity where they designed garments using recyclable materials. Others transformed waste into imaginative fashion statements, demonstrating that recycling can be both innovative and inspiring.
In a show of inclusivity and encouragement, every learner was recognised as a winner, while the top five participants were highlighted for their exceptional creativity and innovative use of recyclable materials. This approach not only celebrated excellence but also motivated broader participation among learners.
The initiative successfully linked recycling to real-world creativity, spreading the message that waste can be transformed into opportunity. To ensure the sustainability of these lessons, the school was also equipped with four colour-coded recycling bins, promoting proper waste separation as part of daily school activities.
Highlights of activities from the Global Recycling Day celebration held on 20 March 2026 at Herbertsdale Primary School.
GRDM further acknowledged the valuable support of its partners, including POLYCO, Aquelle, and the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning. Their collaboration played a key role in making the event impactful and sustainable.
This initiative forms part of GRDM’s ongoing commitment to environmental education and community awareness, empowering young people to adopt responsible waste management practices and to see opportunity in what is often discarded.
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For immediate release
19 March 2026
Garden Route District Municipality and ETDP SETA Continue Skills Training to ensure Youth are Future-ready
The Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM), a programme of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) has continued its strategic collaboration with the Education Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP SETA) to roll out 230 specialised training opportunities for youth across the Western Cape.
This initiative focuses on equipping young people with critical-future skills through two key programmes: Cyber Security Training (115 participants) and Technopreneur Training (115 participants).
The GRDM allocated 115 of these opportunities to the Hessequa area, while a further 115 are dedicated to the Overberg district. In a show of inter-district cooperation, the GRSM team will be providing direct implementation assistance to the Overberg district to the west of the region, for this rollout.
This launch follows the successful implementation of the same programme in the Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, and Bitou municipal areas in the past. By expanding into Hessequa and the Overberg district, the partnership continues to bridge the digital divide and foster economic independence among the province’s youth.
Induction and Implementation Schedule
The programme is already gaining significant momentum with high levels of engagement during the induction phase:
Comprehensive training for all participants is scheduled to officially commence during the first week of April 2026.
Programme Duration and Support
The training program is designed as a six-month intensive course, running from April to September 2026. To ensure participants can fully commit to their professional development, all learners enrolled in the programme will receive a monthly stipend for the duration of the training.
Through this partnership, the ETDP SETA and GRSM remain committed to transforming the Garden Route into a hub of digital excellence and entrepreneurial innovation.
Feature Image: Reginald Salmons, Training and Skills Development Coordinator at GRDM addressing the youth in Hessequa during the induction sessions.
ENDS
Notice is hereby given that a COUNCIL MEETING of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the CA Robertson Council Chambers and via Zoom, 54 York Street, George, on 31 March 2026 at 11:00.
YouTube link: https://youtube.com/live/hF4HRsQRhmM?feature=share
For immediate release
16 March 2026
“Given the rising temperatures across the region, serious consideration should be given to greening townships, schools and crèches where people have little protection from the blazing sun,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).
“Shade provided by trees can bring much-needed relief, and greening projects should become a budgeted priority for municipalities as part of long-term climate change adaptation and planning.” In many communities there is little escape from extreme heat, particularly for children and the elderly, making urban greening an important public health intervention.
Heatwaves and extremely hot, dry conditions are currently affecting communities across the Garden Route interior. From Uniondale to Ladismith in Kannaland, drought conditions persist and residents are increasingly feeling the pressure of limited water supplies.
According to residents in De Rust, the town’s water supply is presently not suitable for drinking, highlighting the vulnerability of smaller towns during prolonged dry periods. While the Garden Route interior is accustomed to hot summers, many residents say this season has been particularly severe, with sustained high temperatures and little rainfall.
Weather forecasts indicate there is little prospect of substantial rainfall before April, and possibly even later. In recent weeks parts of the Western Cape have recorded temperatures approaching 50°C, reinforcing concerns that predicted climate change impacts and shifting rainfall patterns are becoming a reality.
Water shortages remain a grave concern not only for households but also for agriculture and the broader regional economy. Farming communities depend heavily on seasonal rainfall, and prolonged drought threatens both livelihoods and food production.
A high quality of life is not feasible without reliable potable water supplies. While communities wait for seasonal change, residents are urged to heed water-use restrictions and to use water responsibly wherever possible. Long-term climate adaptation measures will become increasingly important as temperatures rise and water scarcity becomes more common.
GREF is a public platform for environmental managers and a climate change think- tank (www.grefecsf.co.za)
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For immediate release
12 March 2026
During the 2024/2025 financial year, through the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise) programme, Natural African Queen, applied for a Pistol Filling Machine to grow her Oudtshoorn based business that specialises in skin and haircare products.
Two days ago on 10 March 2026, the machine was officially handed over to brand owners, Nirvana and Henricus Gysman in Oudtshoorn, to improve product output and speed up the overall production operations of their business.
Ms Gysman received a proof of purchase envelop at the 2024/2025 MSME Support and Development Programmes’ hand-over ceremony that took place in August 2025. The machine took 120 working days to be manufactured, excluding the December 2025 shutdown period, resulting in approximately six months of manufacturing.
The Pistol Filling Machine worth R30 000, is a specialised machine procured through the service provider, Casidra, and handed over by the GRDM Executive Mayor, Marais Kruger, on behalf of GRDM, in collaboration with representatives from the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA) and Casidra.
In addition, GRDM Portfolio Chairperson: District Economic Development and Tourism, Ald. Rosina Ruiters, shared congratulatory words to the Gysman couple saying: “We as a District Municipality through this project helps the MSMEs of the Garden Route to give them a boost and with that we extend words of appreciation to our partners SEDFA and Casidra”. In closing her remarks, Ruiters highlighted that “when all stakeholders leave this premises here today, all the efforts of the partners to procure and hand over the machine to Natural African Queen, will be worth it”.
Branch Manager of SEDFA serving the Garden Route and Central Karoo District, Quinton Coetzee emphasised that a business is about partnerships – we should build strong relationships with partners and stakeholders – a community, almost as if you go back to school. “Of the contribution that we plan to make, we have already invested 5% into the initiative and now we want to witness it grow,” Coetzee added. Warren Marcus, Senior Project Manager at Casidra, extended a congratulatory message with the Gysman couple and highlighted that “we are excited that the machine is now handed over African Natural Queen and we believe it will contribute significantly to the growth of the business”.
Mayor Kruger in the presence of Ald. Rosina Ruiters, stakeholders and officials, handed over the machine to Ms Gysman, to increase the business’s productivity contributing to the overall economic growth of Oudtshoorn and the Garden Route district. During his address, Mayor Kruger highlighted that it is heartwarming for the GRDM to know that “we could contribute to a business that knows what they are doing, what they want and how they want to grow and see the future of the brand”. In addition, Mayor Kruger stated that for GRDM to invest in your brand, “will not only make your production more efficient, but will also expand opportunities for the business and enlarge your world, ensuring that your production move forward”. In addition, Mayor Kruger expressed his excitement on behalf of GRDM to walk the journey with African Natural Queen.
Gysman admitted that it is an emotional moment for her when she explained how it all started in her mother’s kitchen with only 10 small bottles and at the time. In conclusion she said: “When we discovered that the business had the potential to grow as it changed the lives of people, especially people with health/skin challenges such as alopecia, we moved forward and expanded our brand”. For these reasons, Gysman expressed her gratitude to all stakeholders involved in providing the machine to African Natural Queen.
GRDM continuously prioritises small businesses in the district and, through the MSME Programme, envisages, with partners, to reach more businesses to improve the lives of people in the district while contributing to the growth of the Garden Route economy.
Gallery
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