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17 August 2026 Media Release: Promoting Sustainable Waste Management Through Education and Awareness – Van Wyksdorp Primary School

Media Release: Promoting Sustainable Waste Management Through Education and Awareness – Van Wyksdorp Primary School

17 August 2026

 The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) continues to promote responsible waste management and environmental protection through education and community awareness. The recent activities in Van Wyksdorp highlighted the importance of teaching learners and educators about responsible waste management and sustainable practices.

On Friday, 24 July 2026, the GRDM Waste Management Section conducted a Green School Recycling Program rollout at Van Wyksdorp Primary School. The initiative focused on increasing environmental awareness among learners and educators while promoting responsible waste management, source separation, recycling and the prevention of littering.

Approximately 123 learners, together with educators and relevant stakeholders, participated in the program. Learners were introduced to the importance of the 3Rs – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle and were encouraged to incorporate these principles into their daily lives.

The learners also received information on different types of recyclable materials and the importance of placing waste in the correct recycling containers. Attention was given to the consequences of littering and illegal dumping, including their negative impact on communities, water resources, animals and the broader environment.

A practical component of the program was a tree-planting activity, which promoted environmental conservation while commemorating World Nature Conservation Day. The activity gave learners an opportunity to translate the environmental principles discussed during the program into practical action.

“The programme was well received by both learners and educators. Learners participated enthusiastically and showed a good understanding of the importance of keeping their school and community clean. The practical activities encouraged participation and reinforced the message that everyone has a role to play in protecting the environment,” said Innocentia Sikweyiya, GRDM District Waste Management Officer.

Educators welcomed the initiative and supported teaching learners about waste management, recycling and environmental protection.

Learners were also encouraged to share what they learned with their families and communities, helping to promote responsible waste management at home.

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17 August 2026 Media Release: Garden Route’s Environmental Crisis: ‘Among the Worst’ in the Country

Media Release: Garden Route’s Environmental Crisis: ‘Among the Worst’ in the Country

For Immediate Release
17 August 2026

The Garden Route is facing an environmental crisis of alarming proportions, according to veteran environmental manager Dr Guy Preston who recently visited the region following the recent extreme weather events.

“After seeing conditions on the ground, Preston expressed deep concern at the extent of invasive alien plants (IAPs), describing their prevalence in the Garden Route as among the worst in the country,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmnetal Forum (GREF).

His warning carries particular weight. Dr Preston is renowned for spearheading South Africa’s ambitious invasive alien plant control programme. As former Director of Natural Resource Management Programmes in the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environmental Affairs, he was instrumental in establishing and driving the Working for Water, Working for Wetlands and Working on Fire Programmes.

These programmes became internationally recognised for combining environmental restoration with job creation and skills development. At its peak the combined budget for these initiatives ran into billions of rand and created thousands of jobs across South Africa.

During his Garden Route tour, Preston highlighted the enormous risks posed by the unchecked spread of invasive vegetation. The problem, he stressed, extends far beyond the loss of indigenous plants and biodiversity.

Dense stands of invasive alien vegetation create large quantities of combustible biomass, significantly increasing the risk of severe and destructive wildfires. At the same time, invasive plants threaten biodiversity by displacing indigenous species and disrupting natural ecosystems.

Water resources are also under pressure. Invasive alien plants can consume substantial amounts of water, particularly in catchments, while their spread can affect streamflow and reduce the availability of water for ecosystems and communities.

Preston also warned of damage to rivers and degradation of natural infrastructure. Healthy catchments, wetlands and river systems are essential to the functioning and resilience of the Garden Route, yet their condition is being compromised by widespread invasions.

For the region, Preston’s assessment is a stark wake-up call. The Garden Route’s forests, rivers, wetlands, mountains and coastal ecosystems represent an invaluable natural asset, but their resilience cannot be taken for granted.

His visit underlined the need for urgent, coordinated and sustained action involving government, municipalities, landowners, conservation organisations and communities.

The success of Working for Water demonstrated what can be achieved when invasive alien plants are treated as a major environmental and economic priority. GREF believes these lessons should inform a renewed effort to protect and restore the Garden Route before the costs of inaction become even greater.

The Garden Route Environmnetal Forum (GREF) is a public platform for environmental managers and serves as a climate change think- tank. (www.grefecsf.co.za)

Feature image: Cobus Mering, Chairperson of the Garden Route Environmental Forum with Dr Guy Preston.

Ends

Save the Date: Notice of a Special Council Meeting on 25 August 2026 at 11:00

NOTICE OF A SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING ON 25 AUGUST 2026 AT 11:00

Notice Number 72/2026

Notice is hereby given that a SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the CA Robertson Council Chambers, 54 York Street, George, and via Zoom on 25 August 2026 at 11:00.

 YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/41abMZQMMkQ?feature=share

N Raisa-Mlandu

Acting Municipal Manager

54 York Street

P O Box 12

GEORGE

6530

Tel:   044 803 1300

Notice Number: 72/2026

17 August 2026

Progress Update 4 on the GRDM Regional Waste Management Facility Construction

Progress Update 4 on the GRDM Regional Waste Management Facility Construction

3 August 2026

“The construction of the Garden Route District Municipality’s Regional Waste Management Facility, located 15km outside Mossel Bay next to PetroSA, remains on schedule,” said Johan Gie, Manager: District Waste Management.

This facility will provide a long-term waste disposal solution for participating municipalities across the Garden Route. With landfill airspace in the region becoming increasingly limited and waste volumes continuing to grow, the need for this project has never been greater.

The facility is being developed to reduce environmental risks, protect our groundwater and ensure waste is managed responsibly for the benefit of future generations.

Construction is progressing well across several key components of the project.

Behind me is Cell 1A, the first engineered landfill cell. It is being lined with specialised lining materials to prevent contamination of the surrounding environment, water courses, and groundwater. Once completed and approval for commencement of waste disposal is received, this will become the facility’s first operational disposal area.

Work is also progressing on the leachate and contaminated water dams, which will safely collect and store leachate and rainwater that has come into contact with waste, preventing any harmful impact on the environment.

The office block will serve as the administrative hub for the facility, while the weighbridge office will accurately record every vehicle entering and leaving the site to support efficient landfill management and waste disposal data management.

Construction of the workshop, perimeter fencing and concrete access roads is also underway, ensuring the facility is secure, well maintained and operates efficiently.

According to Johan Gie, “the project is being constructed by Civils 2000 at a contract value of R109 million, with completion expected towards the end of February 2027”.

While construction continues, every resident can also make a difference by reducing waste, recycling and participating in source separation programmes within their local municipality.

ENDS

31 July 2026 Public Notice: Final Performance Agreements for 2026/2027 Financial Year are Accessible to the public

Public Notice: Final Performance Agreements for 2026/2027 Financial Year are Accessible to the public

Notice  Number 70/2026

The Final Performance Agreements for the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Municipal Manager and Executive Managers are made public in terms of Section 57 (1) (b) of the Municipal Systems Act for the 2026/2027 final year.

The following Final Performance Agreements are available for public notice.

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

For more information, please contact the Executive Manager: Integrated Planning and Economic Development, Lusanda Menze, at: Tel: 044-803 1418 / E-mail: lusanda@gardenroute.gov.za.

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

Click Here to Download the Official Notice

30 July 2026 Garden Route District Municipal Fire and Rescue Services’ new Fire Permit Process – from 1 August 2026

Garden Route District Municipal Fire and Rescue Services’ new Fire Permit Processes – Implementation from 1 August 2026

1. How do I apply for a Fire Permit?

Landowners may apply for a Fire Permit by contacting the Emergency Control Centre:

Telephone: 044 805 5071
WhatsApp: 081 709 5193

All applications will be acknowledged and followed by a physical site inspection, during which an assessment of fire preparedness, firebreaks, available resources, and compliance with applicable legal requirements will be conducted.

2. How long is a Fire Permit valid?

Fire Permits are valid during the period 1 April to 30 November of each year.

  • Special Permits may be considered outside this period, from 1 December to 31 March, subject to special circumstances, adequate motivation, risk assessment, and approval by the Fire and Rescue Services.
  • Landowners are advised that the normal summer fire season generally falls between 1 December and 31 March.
  • During periods of exceptionally dry, hot, or windy conditions, the Fire Permit season may be temporarily suspended, including during the normal permit validity period. Such suspensions may be implemented when fire danger ratings indicate an elevated risk of wildfire occurrence or spread.
  • The issuing of a Fire Permit does not guarantee that burning may proceed on any specific date. Permission to burn remains subject to prevailing weather conditions, fire danger ratings, and any restrictions imposed by the Municipality or other competent authorities.

3. Requirements for Landowners Prior to Conducting a Controlled Burn

All landowners are required to undertake adequate preparations before a Fire Permit will be issued or before any controlled burn may be conducted. Applications will be evaluated in accordance with prevailing weather conditions, fire risks, operational considerations, and applicable legislation.

Firebreaks and Control Lines

  • Adequate firebreaks and/or control lines must be established around the proposed burn area, and at a minimum of 5 meters. Size requirements may be adjusted where terrain, vegetation type, fuel load, or operational considerations justify such deviation and where the associated risks can be effectively managed.
  • Such firebreaks must be constructed and maintained along the perimeter of the intended burn area to minimise the risk of fire escape and spread.
  • Firebreaks must comply with the requirements of applicable legislation and must be sufficient to prevent the spread of fire to adjoining properties.

Fences and Protective Fire Strips

  • Fencelines must be adequately prepared and cleared prior to any burning operation.
  • Protective fire strips on the inside of fence lines, and around infrastructure are required to reduce the risk of damage to fencing, infrastructure, neighbouring properties, and other assets.

Large Burn Areas

  • Where large areas are proposed for burning, additional internal firebreaks or control lanes may be required.
  • This measure assists in reducing fuel loads, improving operational control, and enhancing overall safety during burning operations.
  • The extent and configuration of internal firebreaks will be determined based on site-specific risk assessments.

Brush Piles (stacked material), Windrows, and Burn Piles (stacked material)

Where brush piles, windrows, or burn piles are established, the following guidelines shall apply:

  • Stack burning should be considered if the area from which the invasive alien vegetation is to be cleared is small or where the position of the vegetation is such that a prescribed burn would present too high a risk of uncontrolled fire spread.
  • Burn piles (stacked material) should preferably not exceed 3 metres in circumference, unless otherwise approved following a site-specific assessment. Stacked material is also sorted as not to include logs/branches of more the 15 cm diameter.
  • See also: The basal diameter of stacks should not be more than 2.5 m, must not be greater than 1.5m high and the distance between the stacks should be at least 5 times the basal diameter, especially for the wildland urban interface.
  • Size requirements may be adjusted where terrain, vegetation type, fuel load, or operational considerations justify such deviation and where the associated risks can be effectively managed.
  • Perimeter firebreak of at least 5 m needs to be prepared before any cutting of the material to be stacked takes place to prevent the possibility of runaway fires.
  • Do not make stacks under trees, power and telephone lines, within 30 m of a firebreak or near water courses, houses and other infrastructure.
  • In terms of the current burning permit stacks should not be positioned closer than 100 m from the urban edge.
  • Tracer belts down to mineral soil of a minimum one-meter width must be placed around each stack. This belt can be raked and the combustibles placed on the stack.
  • As a general guideline, windrows should not exceed 100 cm in width and should be adequately spaced to allow access for firefighting vehicles, water tankers, spray units, and other emergency equipment.
  • Variations from these guidelines may be permitted where operational conditions necessitate such deviations and where appropriate risk mitigation measures are in place.

4. What is the cost of a Fire Permit inspection?

The prescribed fee for a Fire Permit Inspection is:

  • R984.61 per permit for an individual landowner.
  • Applicable fees are amended annually in accordance with the approved municipal tariff schedule.

Issued by:
Garden Route District Municipality Fire and Rescue Services

Implementation Date: 01 August 2026

Fire Permit Contact Details:
Telephone: 044 805 5071
WhatsApp: 081 709 5193

Also read: https://tinyurl.com/3rudrp52

29 July 2026 FIRST ADJUSTMENTS BUDGET 2026/2027

FIRST ADJUSTMENTS BUDGET 2026/2027

Notice Number: 69/2026

Notice is hereby given that the Garden Route District Municipal Council’s First Adjustments Budget for the period 2026/2027-2028/2029, 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 Tuesday, 28 July 2026.

This document will be available for public inspection and comments on the GRDM municipal website www.gardenroute.gov.za from
29 July 2026.

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 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.

Click on the links below to download the documents: 
2026/27 First Adjustment Budget Public Notice (28 July 2026)
2026/27 First Adjustment Budget B-Schedules (28 July 2026)
2026/27 First Adjustment Budget Report (28 July 2026)

M G Stratu
Municipal Manager
54 York Street
PO Box 12
GEORGE
6530

Tel: 044 803 1300
Notice number: 69/2026

28 July 2026: Media Statement: GRDM Council and Municipal Manager Part Ways by Mutual Agreement

Media Statement: GRDM Council and Municipal Manager Part Ways by Mutual Agreement

For Immediate Release
28 July 2026

During an In-Committee Council meeting held today, 28 July 2026, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Council and Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, mutually agreed to terminate his employment contract. Mr Stratu served as the Municipal Manager since March 2017, leading the municipality for almost two full consecutive terms over a period of more than nine years.

A MESSAGE FROM EXECUTIVE MAYOR, ALD. MARAIS KRUGER

Executive Mayor, Ald. Marais Kruger said the following after the Council meeting took place: “I want to thank MM Stratu for approaching me and the way our conversations and consultations was handled. In my nearly 15 months of working with the MM, he has always treated me, council, and the officials with respect. I know his decision was not one he takes lightly, but I do want to wish him all the best. We are proud to have obtained 5 consecutive clean audits under his tenure and will continue to build on his work.

I want to thank him for his work, his knowledge, and his professionalism that he added to the Garden Route District Municipality. I wish him and his family all the best in health, love, and well-deserved rest. Thank you, MM, for the past 9 years at GRDM we appreciate it”.

STRATU’S TENURE

Highlights during Stratu’s tenure was ensuring the GRDM attained five (5) consecutive Clean Audits from the Auditor General of South Africa. The GRDM saw its first municipal-owned regional fire station.

The Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) was also established during Mr Stratu’s tenure, creating a regional platform that brings together government, industry, academia and communities to address skills development, employment and economic growth across the district. The Garden Route Skills Mecca is the first-of-its-kind in Africa.

Under his leadership, the GRDM’s Municipal Health Services also received multiple provincial accolades, including Gold Certificates of Recognition from the Western Cape Government, while maintaining a Municipal Health Compliance Rate of 88% and achieving an exceptional 97.8% score for technological advancement in Environmental Health Norms and Standards during 2025/26. The municipality’s Communication, Marketing and Brand Management Unit  earned national recognition as South Africa’s most proactive and innovative district communications team, as well as a SALGA award for the country’s most updated social media platforms.

GRDM also pioneered South Africa’s first Municipal Health Dashboard, presented nationally on SALGA TV. The GRDM was also  recognised for developing one of the Western Cape’s most simplified Integrated Development Plans. Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), recognised the GRDM’s One Plan as one of the best countrywide.

The GRDM’s name was also changed from Eden to Garden Route in 2018. This was done to better align the district municipality’s brand name with one of South Africa’s best-known tourism identities, recognised worldwide, whereas “Eden” was far less familiar to visitors and investors.

Lastly, Stratu also oversaw the development to date of the Regional Waste Management Facility, a landmark infrastructure project that will provide a long-term, environmentally sustainable waste disposal solution for the Garden Route while strengthening regional cooperation in waste management.

STRATU’S FINAL ADDRESS TO COUNCIL

During his farewell address to Council, outgoing Municipal Manager Monde Stratu expressed gratitude for the opportunity to have served the people of the Garden Route, reflecting on both the rewards and challenges of his tenure. He described his time at the GRDM as a period of significant personal and professional growth, saying, “I leave this municipality a changed man. I have learned a lot in terms of the actual work, made wonderful friends, met good comrades, brothers and sisters.”

He acknowledged that while his first term had been fulfilling, his second term had been more challenging, noting that difficult experiences had given him a greater appreciation for “the small things in life”. Stratu thanked colleagues for their support throughout his tenure and said he was proud to leave behind an institution that remained one of the country’s top-performing districts.

Stratu also paid tribute to his family, thanking his wife and children for standing by him through what he described as “really painful periods” during his tenure. Quoting from Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s Ulysses, he concluded with the words, “To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield,” before thanking the Executive Mayor, councillors, municipal leadership and staff for their support and expressing his hope that he would leave the Garden Route without any hard feelings.

Caption: The GRDM Executive Management seated in front during a Council meeting on 28 July 2026 from left to right: Lusanda Menze (Executive Manager: Integrated Planning and Economic Development), John Daniels (Executive Manager: Roads and Transport Planning Services), Rian Boshoff (Executive Manager: Corporate-/and Financial Services), Monde Stratu (Municipal Manager), Nthabeleng Raisa-Mlandu (Executive Manager: Community Services) next to the Speaker, Ald. Georlene Wolamarans (behind the screen). 
ENDS

27 July 2026 Media Release: Climate Resilience Tops the Garden Route Agenda

Media Release: Climate Resilience Tops the Garden Route Agenda

27 July 2026

The Garden Route can no longer prepare for yesterday’s climate. Building resilience is now essential for protecting communities, the economy and the environment.

This was the overriding message from the recent Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) Extreme Weather Summit hosted in collaboration with NMU and GRDM, where renowned climate, environmental and disaster management experts shared the latest science and practical solutions for adapting to a changing climate.

Presentations suggested that a strong El Niño event may develop towards 2027, potentially bringing drought conditions to parts of the region. At the same time, experts warned that climate change is driving more frequent and intense extreme weather events, including severe storms, floods and wildfires.

GREF Convener, Cobus Meiring, said the Garden Route has already experienced the enormous social and economic costs of climate-related disasters.

“Climate resilience is no longer an option but a necessity. Every investment in protecting our natural environment and strengthening community preparedness will reduce future disaster risks and economic losses”, said Meiring.

Delegates heard that local communities are increasingly adapting through rooftop solar energy, rainwater harvesting, improved water management and the clearing of invasive alien plants that reduce water availability and increase wildfire risks.

One of the Summit’s strongest conclusions was that protecting and restoring natural infrastructure—including mountain catchments, wetlands, rivers and estuaries—is among the most effective ways to improve water security and reduce flood impacts.

Recent disasters illustrated the urgency. The extensive damage to Meiringspoort disrupted transport and tourism, while increasingly frequent heavy truck accidents on the Swartberg Pass highlight the growing challenges posed by difficult weather conditions and climate-related risks.

The Summit demonstrated that building climate resilience requires collaboration between government, business, scientists and communities to prepare for an increasingly uncertain future.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for environmental managers and serves as a climate change think tank. Visit grefecsf.co.za for more information.

Caption 1: A panel discussion about preparing for a changing climate in the Garden Route and beyond.

Caption 2: Nelson Mandela University’s George Campus Principal, Dr Kaluke Mawila, engaging with one of the attendees.

Caption 3: Garden Route District Municipality’s Head of Disaster Management, Mr Gerhard Otto, giving an overview of disaster management in the Garden Route.

– END –

23 July 2026 Media Release: Garden Route Skills Mecca Explores Partnership with David Tlale Academy

Media Release: Garden Route Skills Mecca Explores Partnership with David Tlale Academy

 23 July 2026

The Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM), which forms part of Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) flagship programmes, is set to expand skills development opportunities for unemployed youth following a strategic engagement with the David Tlale Academy to explore a collaborative partnership focused on the textile and fashion industry.

On Wednesday, 22 July 2026, a meeting, led by the Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, brought together renowned South African fashion designer David Tlale, representatives from the David Tlale Academy, ABSA, and Member of the National Assembly, Major Sokopo, who coordinated the engagement.

The discussions focused on establishing a partnership that will provide unemployed young people in the Garden Route District with access to specialised training, industry exposure, entrepreneurship opportunities, and career pathways within the textile and fashion value chain, including fashion design, garment manufacturing, and artisan-related occupations.  The objectives of the partnership are aligned to the GRDM Growth and Development Strategy and anchored through the implementation clusters. The programme will lead to innovation, enterprise development and employment opportunities within the textile industry.

ABSA, an existing partner of the David Tlale Academy, currently supports approximately 120 beneficiaries through its skills development initiatives. “The proposed partnership with the Garden Route Skills Mecca will build on this success by uniting government, the private sector, and industry leaders to address youth unemployment through skills development and economic empowerment,” said Thembani Loliwe, GRDM Strategic Manager.

During the meeting, David Tlale presented the Academy’s vision and outlined opportunities for collaboration with the Garden Route Skills Mecca, Economic Development and Tourism Section. Tlale highlighted the important link between agriculture and the textile industry, explaining how agricultural products such as natural fibres provide the foundation for textile manufacturing and fashion production. He encouraged the partners to explore opportunities across the entire value chain, enabling young people to build careers in fashion, manufacturing, design, production, and entrepreneurship. The proposal was welcomed in principle by GRDM, as it aligns with the goals of the Garden Route Growth and Development Strategy and the Garden Route Skills Mecca to develop skills, promote entrepreneurship, and create sustainable employment opportunities across the district.

Caption fltr:  Major Sokopo – Member of the National Assembly, Phumla Hobe-Yabo – Absa Citizenship Project Specialist and David Tlale – South African fashion designer.

The GRDM Tourism Section also took part in the discussions, recognising the close connection between tourism and the fashion and textile industry. A vibrant local fashion sector enhances the visitor experience through cultural events, fashion shows, locally produced apparel, and authentic craft products, while creating opportunities for designers, manufacturers, artisans, and entrepreneurs. The proposed partnership therefore has the potential to support both skills development and tourism-led economic growth by promoting locally designed and manufactured products as part of the Garden Route’s unique visitor offering.

The parties agreed to work towards the conclusion of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), which will formalise the partnership and provide a framework for its implementation. “This partnership represents an exciting opportunity to harness the expertise of the David Tlale Academy, the financial and developmental support of ABSA, and the coordinating role of the Garden Route Skills Mecca and Economic Development and Tourism to equip unemployed youth with industry-relevant skills. It also reinforces the Garden Route District Municipality’s commitment to building strategic partnerships that drive inclusive economic growth, support local industries, and create sustainable livelihoods for the people of the Garden Route,” Loliwe conclude.

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