Media Release: Fire danger place Invasive Alien Plants in the spotlight
For immediate release 22 May 2025
Approaching winter fronts have the Garden Route on edge as fears of a repeat of the 2017 mega fire disaster looms as a clear and present danger”, says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).
Regional environmental and disaster management agencies are in agreement that the 2017 conditions conducive to the worst fire disaster in South African history are again ready for the perfect storm.
Despite best efforts and collaboration between landowners affected by the 2017 fire disaster, Invasive Alien Plants (IAP’s) have made a comeback on the Knysna as well as the 2018 Outeniqua burn scars providing more fuel for a wild fire than ever before. Not only is Knysna and surrounds again in the path of danger, but many other areas including George, Wilderness, Sedgefield and Great Brak.
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), George Municipality the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association and many other entities involved with – fighting has ramped up their collective strength to deal with an increasingly number of wild fires, but the core problem remains: Invasive Alien Plants on the Southern Cape landscape.
Garden Route landowners in the urban edge are especially exposed as they can only do so much in terms of safeguarding their properties by creating defendable zones, cleaning their gutters and prepare escape routes. All river systems, mountains and river corridors in the garden Route are infested with high density IAP plant growth.
Landowners are not unaware of the danger invasive plants pose, but more often than not lack the resources to do anything meaningful about it. Still, fire- proofing the Garden Route is important, and a collective effort u
Government efforts (e.g. The DFFE Working for Water Programme) to eradicate IAP growth has collapsed as a result of a lack of funding, no further investment in bio- control and limited capacity to enforce legislation.
GREF will be focusing on climate change and Invasive alien plant implications at the Annual Climate Change and Environmental Indaba in partnership with Nelson Mandela University on 27 June. At stake is not only fire risk, but hard hitting drought is looming in coming years and loss of critical bio diversity is negative for the region’s appeal as a world class destination.
The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for environmental managers and landowners, and a climate change think tank. (www.grefscli.co.za).
Public Notice in terms of Section 116(3) of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (Act 56 of 2003) for the Proposed Amendment of Existing Contract
Notice is hereby given in terms of Section 116 (3) (a) and (b) of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (Act 56 of 2003) that it is the intention of the Garden Route District Municipality to amend the following existing contract:
Tender No.
Description
Supplier Name
Amendment
GRDM/29/20-21
Provision of professional services for the design, drafting of tender documentation and contracts supervision for the new Regional Waste Management Facility and associated infrastructure to be established for the Garden Route District Municipality
Zutari (PTY) LTD
As per Council item F.3 which served at the Council meeting held on 23 April 2025.
The agenda is accessible here: https://tinyurl.com/8mzra9ek
Notice is hereby further given in terms of Section 21 and 21A of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act 32 nof 2000) that the local community and affected parties are invited to submit comments or representations on the proposed amendment and extension of the existing contract with Zutari (Pty) Ltd.
The reasons for the amendment and extension of the existing contract have been considered by the Municipal Council at its Council meeting held on 23 April 2025 under item F.3 of which a copy will be made available to all interested parties on request via the e-mail address indicated below.
Such comments or representations must be submitted by not later than 06 June 2025 at 12h00. Comments or representations must be submitted in a sealed envelope clearly endorsed “COMMENTS ON NOTICE OF AMENDMENT OF EXISTING CONTRACT” and be physically submitted at the Garden Route District Municipality Reception located at 54 York Street, George, or e-mailed to johang@gardenroute.gov.za.
Persons who are physically disabled or unable to write but need to participate in the process may present themselves during office hours at the offices of the Municipality listed above where a staff member will assist them to transcribe the relevant comments or representations.
For any information about the above, please contact Mr. Johan Gie via e-mail: johang@gardenroute.gov.za or at telephone number 044 693 0006.
MG Stratu Municipal Manager Closing date: 06 June 2025
Media Release: Reinforcing the Garden Route & Klein Karoo’s place in Domestic & International Tourism
20 May 2025
The Garden Route and Klein Karoo Tourism (GR&KK) Regional Tourism Office (RTO) exhibited at Africa’s Travel Indaba (ATI), last week from 13 – 15 May. This year’s ATI was hosted at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban.
The RTO secured space alongside the Cape Town and Western Cape platform – a space provided by the official Tourism, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency for the Western Cape (Wesgro). GR&KK was joined by three Local Tourism Offices (LTO); George, Wilderness & Uniondale, Iconic Mossel Bay and Visit Knysna.
Lindi Harley (Tourism Officer George Wilderness & Uniondale Tourism) engages one of the visitors at the ATI
Visit Knysna Tourism Officers, Keagon Borchards and Thozeka Sikali also marketed their area to domestic and international role players
Monique Le Fleur (Tourism Officer Iconic Mossel Bay Tourism) with a tour operator
Africa’s Travel Indaba is one of the largest tourism marketing platforms on the annual African calendar and one of the top three ‘must visit’ events of its kind on the global calendar. The platform provided representatives from the region the opportunity to engage with domestic and international tour operators, travel agents and travel media. In time, more visits would therefore be directed to the Garden Route & Klein Karoo.
Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel highlighted: “This region is one of the top destinations in South Africa, attracting tourists and holidaymakers from our continent and the six others. It is therefore critical that, as part of our mandate as the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), we continue to actively market our region on both national and international platforms”.
“Our presence at the ATI shows our commitment to supporting tourism businesses, including guesthouses, hotels, golf courses, shark cage diving operators, and more to excel, create jobs, and contribute to economic growth. That is why, as a Mayor, I consider it a priority to strengthen our region’s visibility and appeal through every available platform.”
Exhibitors included, above and beyond the travel trade and media partners, also provincial authorities and products and African countries, accommodation, game lodges, transport providers, online travel, luxury products, hidden gems, publications and industry associations. Outdoor exhibitors focused primarily on transport, camping and safari companies.
Denver Johnson (GR&KK Tourism Officer), Richard Dyantyi (GR&KK Tourism Manager), and Zama Mcambi (Assistant Director National Department of Tourism)
Throughout each day, panel discussions and networking sessions for tourism industry practitioners took place where experts exchanged insights, explored emerging trends, shared best practices
To date, the GR&KK RTO has participated in ATI since 2004. However, it is important to note that several global events have disrupted the consistent hosting of ATI, of which the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a three-year suspension. The event resumed virtually in 2022 and made its full physical return in 2023.
For further enquiries contact the GR&KK Tourism Officer, Denver Johnson.
Feature image: Western Cape Provincial Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, with GRDM Tourism Officer, Denver Johnson at the GR&KK exhibition space.
Media Release: GRDM Municipal Health Services awarded a ‘Gold Certificate of Recognition’
20 May 2025
The Western Cape Provincial Government (WCG) held an award ceremony earlier today, 19 May 2025, at the Lentegeur Hospital in Cape Town, for several categories relating to Health and Wellness. The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM)’s Municipal Health Unit received a Gold Certificate for its performance coined “the technological advancement of environmental health and outstanding performance and adherence to Municipal Health Norms and Standards”. The Central Karoo District landed 3rd position with the City of Cape Town in 2nd position.
In his congratulatory message, GRDM Mayor Andrew Stroebel said: “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) on this remarkable achievement. Receiving a Gold Certificate of Recognition reflects every EHPs dedication, innovation, and excellence that define the GRDM’s approach to environmental health.”
Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, who is the MMC for Community Services also shared a word by mentioning: “As the MMC for Community Services, I am excited and I want to congratulate the team on the excellent work they keep doing. I’m pleased that the residents of the greater Garden Route remain safe through the services delivered, especially in terms of food safety and water quality. We will continue to prioritise these efforts and put the safety of residents first.”
GRDM Municipal Manager Monde Stratu also shared a word on behalf of the GRDM administration to the Municipal Health Unit by saying: “Your hard work sets a benchmark for service delivery across the province. Well done!”
Nthabeleng Raisa-Mlandu, the Executive Manager for Community Services, said: “During the audit done by WCG, we achieved a compliance rate of 96.7%. For me, it is evident that we are making substantial progress and that my team of 32 EHPs are moving in a positive direction. I am proud of every EHP in my Department”.
Johan Compion, Senior Manager of Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management and Air Quality Control at GRDM, who received the award on behalf of all the EHPs, has been heading the Unit since 2006 and is one of the longest-serving employees of the GRDM.
The following municipal health-related key performance indicators and administration processes were audited:
client rights;
operational management;
facility and infrastructure;
leadership;
corporate governance;
vector control;
environment pollution control;
waste management;
water quality monitoring;
law enforcement;
health surveillance of premises.
Image caption: Simon Kaye, Deputy Director: Corporate Services; Johan Compion, Senior Manager of Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management and Air Quality Control at GRDM; Stanley Nomelo, Program Manager: Environmental Health Services, WCG Health and Wellness; and Laura Angeletti-du Toit, Chief Director: Integrated Facilities Management.
Editors’ Note:
Municipal Health Services is defined in the National Health Act of 2003 and include the following Key Performance Areas: Water Quality Monitoring, Food Control, Solid Waste Management, Health Surveillance of Premises, Supervision and Prevention of Communicable Diseases, Vector Control, Environmental Pollution Control, the Disposal of Human Remains and the Safe handling of Chemical substances. The primary aims of Municipal Health Services are to promote health and to ensure a healthy environment for the community.
Mediaverklaring: Die Son sal weer Skyn oor Calitzdorp Warmbron
19 Mei 2025
Die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM) beplan om nuwe lewe in die ikoniese Calitzdorp Warmbron oord te blaas, geleë sowat 25 km buite Calitzdorp. Al het die fasiliteit onlangs sy deure vir die publiek gesluit, beteken dié besluit geensins die einde van die oord nie; inteendeel, dit dui die begin aan van ’n opwindende nuwe hoofstuk deur middel van ’n voorgestelde langtermyn-huurooreenkoms.
Volgens Dzivhuluwani Mashila, Bestuurder: Projekte, Eiendomme, Fasiliteite en Oordbestuur by TDM:
“Die TDM het verskeie interne werkswinkels gereël om die kwessie aan te spreek voordat die Oord se deure gesluit is. Dit is gedoen om ’n volhoubare plan vir die oord se toekoms te ontwikkel. Die voorlopige plan behels die bewaring en instandhouding van die terrein terwyl die grondslag gelê word vir die Raad om ’n potensiële langtermyn-huurooreenkoms met ’n vennoot te oorweeg (die proses sal na afloop van die TDM-Raad se finale besluit, kan afskop). Hierdie benadering sal verseker dat die oord beskerm word en strategies geposisioneer is vir toekomstige ontwikkeling. Daar word beoog om Calitzdorp Wamrbon se volle ekonomiese, omgewings- en toerismepotensiaal te ontsluit. Dit hou groot voordele in vir Calitzdorp, sy inwoners en die breër streek.”
’n Juweel wat wag om te skyn
Calitzdorp Warmbron kan beskryf word as ’n ongeslypte diamant wat, met die regte belegging en visie, in ’n ware toerismejuweel omskep kan word.
Met moontlikhede vir spa en welstand-behandelings, eko-toerisme en kulturele ervarings, het hierdie natuurlike warmbron die potensiaal om veel meer te bied as slegs akkommodasie en kleiner ontspanningsaktiwiteite soos reuse-skaak, vlugbal en staproetes. Die realiteit is egter dat die munisipaliteit, weens huidige begrotingsbeperkings, nie in staat is om alleen aan die vereistes vir formele stergradering of grootskaalse opgraderings te voldoen nie.
Grondeise en ontwikkeling
Die eiendom is tans onderhewig aan ’n grondeis, wat reeds die aandag van die Grond-eise Kommissie geniet. Verskeie onderhandelinge is reeds gevoer, en die TDM benader die proses op ’n billike en inklusiewe wyse. Enige voorgestelde oplossings sal aan die TDM-Raad voorgelê word vir oorweging voordat daar met enige tender- en verhuurprosesse voortgegaan word.
Terwyl langtermynplanne oorweeg word, gaan die munisipaliteit voort om die oord se infrastruktuur in stand te hou – met een duidelike boodskap:
Die son sal weer skyn oor Calitzdorp Warmbron – helderder en mooier as ooit tevore.
Notice is hereby given that an 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 21 May 2025 at 14:00.
NOTICE OF A SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING ON 27 MAY 2025 AT 11:00
Notice is hereby given that a SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the CA Robertson Council Chambers, and via Zoom, 54 York Street, George, on 27 May 2025 at 11:00.
Media Release: GRDM to host the 10th Toughest Firefighter Alive South Africa Competition in George this year
16 May 2025
It is with great pleasure that the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is announcing that it will partner with the Firefighters for Excellence NPO and the Garden Route Mall to host the 10th annual Toughest Firefighter Alive South Africa (TFA-SA) competition in George. The date is set – Thursday, 9 October to Saturday, 11 October 2025. The announcement was made by GRDM Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel on 16 May at the Garden Route Mall.
The Garden Route Mall is the heart of retail in the region. It is the largest shopping centre along the Garden Route. Set strategically next to the N2 and close to other attractions in George, spectators and competitors will enjoy a safe space with the Outeniqua Mountains in the backdrop.
Activities during the announcement launch of the upcoming Toughest Firefighter Alive Competition. Attendees included GRDM Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel, GRDM Fire Chief Deon Stoffels, Emile Conrad (Senior Firefighter and defending champion), Rion Olivier (General Manager of Garden Route Mall), Tumi Masango (Marketing Manager), Sonja Anderson (Sales & Event Coordinator), as well as media representatives Peter Jaftha from Heartbeat FM and Alida de Beer from the George Herald.
𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥’𝗦 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡
Among those set to compete again this year are two of the previous category winners: Baigum Abrahams and Emile Conrad. Baigum has won the TFA female category three times, while Emile has the men’s overall category eight times. Emile is also a Senior Firefighter for the GRDM.
“The TFA-SA is a platform where the physical endurance and professional skill of firefighters are tested and where the public can see these firefighters in action,” said the Executive Mayor of the GRDM, Andrew Stroebel.
Beyond the main competition, a Mini Toughest Firefighter Challenge will also be hosted to ensure that youngsters are able to also feel the rush and excitement of the TFA competition. Members of the public are encouraged to watch for announcements regarding registrations and spectator opportunities on the Toughest Firefighter Alive South Africa Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/104703576298608
“Hosting this competition is also an opportunity to reflect on our region’s resilience in the face of disaster; from the 2017 Knysna wildfires to the 2024 George Building Collapse.”
The GRDM requests the public to mark your calendars and join us as the country’s bravest and fittest converge in George for an unforgettable display of endurance, agility, and courage.
ORIGINS OF THE TFA-SA
In 2024, the event exceeded expectations with a record 400 individual competitors attending it. This October, all eyes are on the goal – to raise the bar even higher to get closer to 500.
According to Mark Smith, the Chairperson and founder of TFA-SA, “the event has been primarily hosted in Cape Town, then in George in 2016 and with Mossel Bay hosting the event from 2022 until 2024. The 9th Edition of the event held in Mossel Bay 2024 attracted a 240 individuals and 58 relay teams making the South African TFA one of the biggest events of its kind in the world”.
The TFA-SA is linked to the World Firefighter Games, which was launched in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1990. It has since become the flagship competition for firefighters globally, with South Africa hosting its first TFA event in 2011 at the Good Hope centre in Cape Town. Nowadays, the competition draws competitors from municipalities, private companies, volunteer organisations, airport fire and rescue services and the military, as well as international firefighters.
To compete, information will be available on the official website: https://www.frimedia.org/tfa.html
Contact the GRDM Fire Department if interested in volunteering – deon@gardenroute.gov.za
Companies interested in sponsoring/exhibiting may contact the official media partner, Fire and Rescue International’s Lee Raath-Brownie at lee@fireandrescue.co or mobile 082 371 0190.
Update: GRDM continues to support Knysna Municipality during water infrastructure repairs
15 May 2025
Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Disaster Management has had a busy week assisting Knysna Municipality (KM). This, after the GRDM received a formal request to assist KM with water tankering to communities in Rheenendal.
KM activated a Joint Operations Centre (JOC) yesterday after the main domestic water pump broke. The response to the service delivery challenges will be coordinated from their JOC. Role players in the JOC include the Western Cape Provincial Government, GRDM Disaster Management, Knysna SAPS, Knysna Infrastructure Group, The Greater Knysna Business Chamber, KM Law Enforcement, Traffic Services, and KM Fire & Rescue Services.
“Only one 6000-litre water tanker was dispatched initially to assist Knysna, but it soon became evident that additional tankers would be required. The tankering service was beefed-up to two units, which now includes an additional 10 000-litre unit. The GRDM has been assisting since last weekend and continues to provide its support the Knysna and its communities,” said Andrew Stroebel, GRDM Executive Mayor.
“We will continue to assist local municipalities within our resource capacity. Previously we assisted Kannaland and Oudtshoorn Municipalities when they also experienced challenges with their water infrastructure.”
According the GRDM Head of Disaster Management, Gerhard Otto, the “coordination of the water tankering is done by the Knysna Technical Services Section. Up to yesterday, 14 May, the focus was to provide water to the Rheenendal community but due to the water situation deteriorating, the tankering of water had to be extended to other areas in Knysna like Dam-se-Bos and Nekkies”.
Media Release: Western Cape Provincial Government and GRDM address the water needs of Oudtshoorn and Kannaland with the provision of 35 water tanks
For immediate release 14 May 2025
The Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel, handed over 35 water tanks on 13 May 2025 to the communities of Kannaland and Oudtshoorn. Of the total, 20 are for Kannaland and 15 for Oudtshoorn.
GRDM Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel.
Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, MMC for Community Services at GRDM.
Gerhard Otto, Manager for Disaster Management at GRDM.
Adv. Dillo Sereo, Acting Municipal Manager of Kannaland Municipality.
This initiative that forms part of the GRDM’s water security programme for local municipalities in the Garden Route, supported by the Western Cape Provincial Government (WCG) Department of Local Government (DLG), ensures that municipalities affected by limited water resources, have access to clean drinking water and water for household use.
During his address to all present, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, MMC for Community Services at GRDM, shared the municipality’s commitment to serve communities experiencing challenges in terms of access to basic services, such clean drinking water. Hoogbaard shared his gratitude to Mayor Stroebel and the Disaster Management team under the leadership of Gerhard Otto, at GRDM for all their efforts in ensuring the successful outcome of the programme.
Mayor Stroebel highlighted the importance of water and expressed his gratitude to the WCG DLG for the funding provided for this initiative. To the Kannaland Municipality, Mayor Stroebel said: “Thank you for allowing the GRDM to assist Kannaland with their water needs”.
Twenty water tanks handed over to the Kannaland Municipality. GRDM Executive Mayor, councillors and officials from GRDM and Kannaland were present.
Reflecting on the impact of climate change, Mayor Stroebel noted: “Twenty years ago we all wondered what climate change is, as it was only something seen on the news. Today we all witness the effects of climate change – seen in the number of fires, as well as floods and it has a direct impact on the amount of water resources”. Regarding the prioritisation of community needs, he concluded:
“Please be sure, GRDM will put the residents of the Garden Route first and the municipality will always be there to support local municipalities in respect of the needs within communities”.
Sharing his remarks at the event, Adv. Dillo Sereo, Municipal Manager of Kannaland Municipality, expressed his deepest appreciation to the GRDM, stating that “this initiative is testimony of the joint district development model and sound intergovernmental relations between GRDM and Kannaland. He further noted that the initiative forms part of the broader support plan from the District Municipality for which Kannaland is sincerely grateful.
Fifteen water tanks handed over to Oudtshoorn Municipality. In the picture (bottom right) are: Mayor Andrew Stroebel (GRDM), Cllr Ashwill October (GRDM & Oudtshoorn), Jacques Le Kay (Oudtshoorn), Chris Swart (Oudtshoorn), Gerhard Otto (GRDM) and Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard (GRDM).
Sereo emphasized that this support demonstrates that Kannaland Municipality is not standing alone but is backed by the GRDM.
Speaker of Kannaland Municipality, Cllr Peter-George Rooi explained that Kannaland has severely been affected by drought over the past years and he noted that many of the challenges faced by the community will be addressed through this initiative.
On behalf of the Kannaland, Rooi expressed his gratitude towards the GRDM for their valuable contribution to the residents of Kannaland while restoring their dignity.
The tanks will be placed at following areas within Kannaland, including:
4 x Van Wyksdorp
4 x Calitsdorp (split between Bergsig and Royal Heights)
4 x Zoar (Split between Amalienstein and Zoar)
4 x Hoeko (Split between the school and collective points)
4 x Ladismith (Split between Sakkies Bay, Le Grange Dam and Varkieskloof)
During the next visit to Oudtshoorn Waterworks in Dysselsdorp, Gerhard Otto, also shared a word of thanks to the WC DLG for the funding of the 15 water tanks and to Oudtshoorn Municipality that will place the tanks at all the identified areas.
Chris Swart, Senior Manager for Water and Sanitation at Oudtshoorn expressed his gratitude to the WC DLG and GRDM for the provision of these thanks to address the water needs of the people of Oudtshoorn, especially in times when there are pipe bursts and power outages.
The tanks will be placed at the following areas within Oudtshoorn, including:
10 x Split between Dysselsdorp and De Rust
2 x Stolsvlakte
3 x Klipdrift School
As part of this initiative, Otto further explained that Environmental Health Practitioners from GRDM will additionally provide water monitoring services whereby they will regularly draw samples for testing to ensure that it remains adequate for human consumption.
The events were also attended by councillors and officials from GRDM, including councillors Werner Meshoa and Koos Malooi (Kannaland), as well as Cllr Ashwill October (Oudtshoorn).
Feature Image: Mayor Andrew Stroebel (right) handing over 20 water tanks to Speaker of Kannaland, Cllr Peter-George Rooi for distribution in the Kannaland municipal area.
