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25 August 2025 Media Release: Wildfire preparedness done through risk mapping

Media Release: Wildfire preparedness done through risk mapping

25 August 2025

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and its stakeholders prioritise risk mapping as part of its Integrated Fire Management (IFM) strategy. Risk mapping helps firefighters to identify potential fire hazards and gives them the necessary time to prioritise, mitigate, and manage such risks.

GRDM Fire Chief, Deon Stoffels explains: “By mapping areas most prone to wildfires, stakeholders are able to allocate resources strategically, improve decision-making, and ensure rapid response to predetermined risks, especially when severe weather alerts are issued”.

“This process is continuously being refined through innovation and improved software applications, like exploring OroraTech’s Wildfire Solutions and the CSIR Meraka Institute’s Advanced Fire Information System (AFIS).”

Historical Perspective: Past Wildfires

The 2017 wildfires that swept through Knysna and parts of Plettenberg Bay, in a way contributed quite significantly to the Garden Route’s current wildfire management strategies. It also paved the way for new collaborative agreements to be drawn up between municipalities, forestry companies, and landowners to share the costs of year-round aerial firefighting services. The Western Cape Provincial Government and the Department Forestry’s Fisheries and the Environment, however, still funds the provision of first hour aerial firefighting deployment for incidents in high-risk areas over the high summer season.

As of now, improvements include:

  • Enhanced early warning systems aligned with known risks;
  • Increased public awareness programmes, particularly in high-risk rural communities and schools;
  • Greater emphasis on prevention and risk reduction;
  • Enhanced Integrated Fire Management, including fire awareness, fire prevention, prescribed burning, resource coordination, fire detection, and fire suppression;
  • Rapid deployment of most suitable resources, including aerial firefighting; and
  • Increased capacity, particularly over the summer period.

 Role Players in Fire Risk Mapping

Several partners contribute to wildfire risk mapping in the Garden Route. They include the GRDM Fire and Rescue Services, Disaster Management, South African National Parks, CapeNature, Forestry companies, Southern Cape Fire Protection Association (SCFPA), Working on Fire, landowners, and communities.

To strengthen this approach, GRDM collaborates with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research’s (CSIR) Advanced Fire Information Systems (AFIS); a satellite-based tool providing near real-time fire data and veld age maps to update local risk profiles.

Academic and Research Partnerships

Although no direct partnerships currently exist with universities or Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) at a district level, Stellenbosch University (SU) regularly participates in provincial platforms. In May 2025, SU contributed to a Western Cape wildfire workshop focusing on evidence-based fire management policies. This workshop highlighted the Five E’s of Fire Services: Education, Engineering, Enforcement, Response, and Economics.

Future workshops are planned, including one in Central Karoo in 2026, building on the inaugural session in Overberg in 2024.

Why Certain Areas Are Riskier

Wildfire risks do increase because of the following:

  • Human negligence (cigarettes, broken glass, uncontrolled burning, unsafe burning practices, illegal burning) and lack of awareness;
  • Lightning strikes in mountainous areas;
  • Extreme weather such as berg winds;
  • Variable climate patterns (heat, droughts and floods);
  • Lack of control over alien invasive plants;
  • Poor land management practices; and
  • Insufficient enforcement of legislation and more.

Addressing these risks requires education, compliance, and preventative measures such as alien invasive plant removal and rehabilitation, fire breaks, and risk planning.

Public’s Role in Reducing Fire Risks

Residents and landowners can play a significant role in lowering their properties’ fire risks by:

  • Clearing alien invasive plants (with guidance from municipalities, Fire Protection Associations, and environmental authorities);
  • Creating and upkeeping fire breaks;
  • Reporting incidents and risks to either the GRDM, local municipalities, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, or the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association;
  • Municipalities monitor compliance, while enforcement is a priority improvement area for the district and relevant environmental departments;
  • Fire Scaping your properties and homes; and
  • Applying for permits to burn and burning in designated places.

Looking Ahead

While measurable district-wide data (such as hectares cleared or number of prescribed burns) is not yet centralised, municipalities and the SCFPA maintain their own records. GRDM is working towards a centralised fire permit system to strengthen data capturing and future reporting.

ENDS

Feature image: A fire break, essential for providing firefighters a place where a back-burn fire can be started. 

25 August 2025 Media Release: GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners Delivered a Fun Lesson with a Serious Message

Media Release: GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners Delivered a Fun Lesson with a Serious Message

25 August 2025

On Tuesday, 19 August 2025, the children of Klein Wonderwerkies Kleuterskool  in Oudtshoorn enjoyed an interactive and educational visit from the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP).  During the visit, the EHPs facilitated a fun, hands-on training session about proper handwashing techniques. The initiative aimed to raise hygiene awareness and help prevent the spread of germs among young learners.

A Fun Lesson with a Serious Message

The training, led by the EHPs transformed a basic health lesson into an exciting learning experience. Through the use of colourful visuals, catchy songs, and interactive activities, the visitors captured the children’s attention while emphasising the importance of clean hands.  The little ones learned not only how to wash their hands properly, but also why it matters, especially before eating, after using the toilet, or coming in from outside.

“We know how important hand hygiene is, especially in early childhood development settings like Klein Wonderwerkies,” said EHP Anelisa Fuzani. “By making it fun and memorable, we are not only teaching them the correct way to wash their hands, but also helping them develop healthy habits that can last a lifetime.”

Children were shown the five key steps of effective handwashing:

  1. Wet your hands with clean water.
  2. Lather with soap, don’t forget between the fingers!
  3. Scrub for at least 20 seconds (they sang “wash your hands” song twice).
  4. Rinse well under running water.
  5. Dry hands using a clean towel.

-END

14 August 2025 Media Release: Garden Route plays host to Fynbos Forum

Media Release: Garden Route plays host to Fynbos Forum

For immediate release
14 August 2025

“The Garden Route played host to the Fynbos Forum from 12 to 14 August at the iconic Wilderness Hotel”, says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF)

Established in 1997 the Fynbos Forum is South Africa’s premier conservation and research group dedicated to the preservation of the South African Fynbos Biome.

Vital to indigenous bio- diversity the Southern Cape is home to a magnificent treasure chest of Fynbos species. Unfortunately much of what remains of our once abundant Fynbos is critically endangered due to intensive agriculture, over development, encroachment of invasive alien plants and animals as well as frequent wild- fire disasters.

The Fynbos Forum is a scientific group of natural scientists, researchers, planners, managers, landowners and key stakeholders. It meets annually to discuss the collaborative production of knowledge that underpins regional conservation efforts in the Fynbos Biome in South Africa.

The good news is that as more land and conservation corridors in the Garden Route are becoming available for conservation and rewilding purposes as well as awareness grows on the incalculable value of Fynbos, there is a real chance that it may prevail despite many challenges.

As a transdisciplinary regional learning network, the Fynbos Forum supports discussions on management issues and research results, prioritizing future research and conservation management actions required to ensure the conservation and sustainability of fynbos ecosystems.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF)- a climate change and environmental management think- tank.(www.grefscli.co.za)

ENDS

12 August 2025 Save the date: Notice of a Special Council Meeting on 22 August 2025 at 12:30

NOTICE OF A SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING ON 22 AUGUST 2025 AT 12:30

Notice Number: 84/2025

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 22 August 2025 at 12:30.

Meeting Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76n5l1dNLWI 

08 August 2025 Media Release: GRDM Empowers Bitou Interns Through Waste Management Training

Media Release: GRDM Empowers Bitou Interns Through Waste Management Training

 8 August 2025

Earlier this week the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Waste Management Section conducted a waste management training session for graduate interns from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, currently placed at the Bitou Local Municipality. This initiative forms part of a broader effort to strengthen waste management practices and the Implementation of GRDM Integrated Waste Management Plan.

Education and awareness are among the priority projects in an Integrated Waste Management Plan Implementation Plan.

The training sessions was presented by Innocentia Sikweyiya, GRDM District Waste Management Officer and focused on critical aspects of waste management legislation, including waste minimization, refuse collection, street cleaning, landfill operations, education and awareness, as well as littering and Illegal dumping. Participants included two officials from the Waste Management Section and eight interns from Bitou Local Municipality.

Through ongoing initiatives like these and collaborating with various other stakeholders, GRDM continues to strengthen its efforts to reduce waste, encourage responsible disposal practices, and support the goals outlined in its Integrated Waste Management Plan.

Featured image caption: GRDM District Waste Management Officer, Innocentia Sikweyiya, engages graduate interns during a waste management training session at Bitou Local Municipality.

-END-

07 August 2025 Media Release: GRDM Disaster Management and EHPs teams assist Bitou Municipality in Bossiesgif fire

GRDM Disaster Management and EHPs teams assist Bitou Municipality in Bossiesgif fire

For immediate release
07 August 2025

The last few days have been traumatic for the Bossiesgif residents of the Bitou Municipal area.

A fire broke out in the informal settlement, with flames that raged through structures leaving approximately 500 people, including children, affected by the flames.

The fire destroyed 162 informal structures with 3 structures that burned partially in Bossiesgif, Bitou

Reports from Bitou Municipality confirmed that the fire broke out in the early hours of 4 August 2025.  In a report that was published on 5 August, it was confirmed that 162 informal structures were destroyed and 3 were partially burned, affecting approximately 500 people with a count of 4-6 people per household.

In collaboration with Bitou Municipality, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) acted swiftly to provide the needed assistance to lessen the impact of the fire on affected individuals. GRDM’s Disaster Management team assisted with the activation of key role players in coordinating a rapid and effective response. The GRDM Disaster Management Centre (DMC) also fulfilled their role as an important link between the district and local coordinators when the centre facilitated communication and provided regular situational reports to district and provincial coordinators. These efforts demonstrated the solid working relations between GRDM and Bitou Municipality.

In ensuring that humanitarian relief was provided to all affected residents, the GRDM DMC supplied 59 mattresses and 71 blankets to the families. This was part of a larger relief effort that included donations received from the Gift of the Givers, meals from Dignity Fund and the Shoprite Act For Change soup kitchen, and ongoing municipal efforts.

GRDM, Bitou Municipality and stakeholders assessing the damages and providing humanitarian aid to residents affected by the fire.

GRDM’s EHPs also played a critical role at the identified sites when they conducted an assessment of all health processes related to food handling and waste disposal thereof at the hall. These processes were well coordinated and the assessment confirmed that all the necessary protocols were followed.

Executive Mayor of GRDM, Andrew Stroebel, commended GRDM, Bitou teams, as well as other stakeholders involved, for their swift response to rescue the residential structures in Bossiesgif, but most importantly the lives of the residents of the settlement. Mayor Stroebel said: “As a district, we applaud the swift reaction of both Bitou and GRDM Emergency and Disaster Management teams and we are thankful that no lives were lost in this devastating fire”.

ENDS

07 August 2025 Media Release: GRDM Air Quality Unit Delivers Perfect Score in National Emissions Reporting

Media Release: GRDM Air Quality Unit Delivers Perfect Score in National Emissions Reporting

For immediate release
07 August 2025

The “National Atmospheric Emission Inventory System” (NAEIS) is an internet-based emissions reporting system which is a component of the South African Atmospheric Emission Licencing and Inventory System (SAAELIP) portal. NAEIS allows for regulated industries, as well as authorities to report atmospheric emissions from all sectors, for the purpose of compiling a national atmospheric emission inventory profile.

The system is legislated through the National Emission Reporting regulations that prescribe NAEIS reporting. Emission inventory means an accounting of the number of pollutants discharged into the atmosphere and it contains the total emissions for one or more specific greenhouse gases and air pollutants originating from all sources in a certain geographical area and within a specified time span.

Furthermore, the system is a web-based atmospheric emissions monitoring and reporting system that is aimed at providing accurate, current and complete information on all significant sources of identified atmospheric emissions, including greenhouse gas emissions from South Africa. NAEIS introduces a single national reporting system of atmospheric emissions, which will be used:

  1. To inform policy formulation;
  2. For the Republic of South Africa to meet its obligations under the United Framework Convention on Climate Change and any other international treaties to which it is bound; and
  3. To establish and maintain a National Emission Inventory Profile.

To comply with the reporting regulations, Facilities must report emissions from the preceding year.  The NAEIS system is open for reporting from 1 January to 30 June each year.

Since the start of NAEIS reporting in 2015, the GRDM Air Quality Unit, under leadership of Dr Johann Schoeman, District Manager for Air Quality, arranged training sessions for its industries to assist them with their NAEIS reporting. Since the start, the Garden Route had a 100% submission of NAEIS reports.

Schoeman highlighted: “This 100% submission rate was achieved through relentless assistance to our Industry”. In addition, Schoeman explained GRDM’s role and said: “We guide the industry through special NAEIS completion target-group sessions, appointments and personal assistance”. He further stated that most of the larger industries also have the capacity to appoint consultants to assist them with NAEIS reporting. “We therefore focus on the smaller industries that do not have the capacity to do the reporting, he added.

“Within the Garden Route, we have 25 Facilities that must report on NAEIS and for 2025 we again achieved a 100% submission rate with all of them reporting within the deadline”.

After the NAEIS reporting cycle, Authorities will audit the NAEIS report after which the National Department will do the National verifications.

ENDS

06 August 2025 Media Release: Indian Consul Visits GRDM to Explore Potential Collaborations

Media Release: Indian Consul Visits GRDM to Explore Potential Collaborations

6 August 2025

This week Tuesday, the Consulate General of India in Cape Town, led by Consul Ruby Jaspreet, along with the Vice Consul General Mr Prince Kumar and their Marketing Officer Ms Mkize, officially visited the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM). This marked the Consul General’s first official visit to the region since her appointment in January 2025, a first-ever visit by the Consulate General of India.

The Garden Route District Municipality delegation led by Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel opened the meeting signalling it a ‘historical event’ by welcoming the guests to the beautiful Garden Route.  He gave a brief overview of the district, the major towns that constitute the region, and highlighted several picturesque features that the region is endowered with in which any visitor can enjoy.

In response to the Executive Mayor, the Consul General thanked him and his delegation for the warm and sincere welcome and further expressed that they were ‘very grateful’ to be in the Garden Route District. She noted that the Consulate has had a 30-year presence in Cape Town and emphasised their interest to expand their footprint to other parts of the province. In outlining the purpose of their visit, she began by referring to the historic trade relationships that this region, province and country share with India. She reduced her submission to India’s strengths; priority sectors; and potential areas of collaboration that could serve to further enhance the already existing relations.

Jaspreet further highlighted the following key areas during her address:

  • Exploring potential areas of cooperation between India and municipalities in the Garden Route District.
  • Providing an update on various capacity building initiatives led by the Government of India.
  • Identifying opportunities for educational collaboration.
  • Tourism and creating programmes for Tour Operators to increase the Indian market.
  • Energy with specific focus on Renewable Energy.
  • IT Sector with specific focus of Digitalisation.
  • Discussing strategies to enhance two-way trade and investment.

The Executive Mayor responded with a few remarks, highlighting on current opportunities in the Garden Route that aligns with some of the key areas touched on by the Consult General.  He briefly elaborated on several developments and opportunities in the region, including the public-private partnership between GRDM and Solar Energy Africa for the establishment of a new Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station in George, one of the first of its kind in the region.  “This initiative serves as an opportunity to promote the Garden Route as a green energy route,” said Stoebel. He further highlighted some of the agricultural products exported from the region to Dubai and other European countries.

Lusanda Menze, Executive Manager of Integrated Planning and Economic Development delivered a presentation on behalf of the GRDM.  He emphasis the importance of creating and enabling an environment that is attractive to investment. He unpacked the Growth and Development Strategy of the GRDM that serves as a 20-year roadmap for development in the region, supported by a strong implementation structure and offering opportunities for collaboration and joint decision-making.  It includes, amongst others, various investment opportunities in the region, as well as the current catalytic projects assisting in economic growth.  These include the Garden Route Regional Landfill Facility in Mossel Bay, the Agro-processing Facility in Oudtshoorn, and the GRDM Skills Mecca initiatives which was established to identify skills gaps and demands across all sectors and to ensure the supply of relevant skills to meet those demands.

Menze concluded with some of the proposed infrastructure and energy investment opportunities, including the planned Solar PV Plant in Dysselsdorp, and the Digital Transformation Connectivity and Data Centre project, which aim to ensure consistent access to information across region.  He also mentioned other proposed projects related to Urban & Economic Development as well as Transport and Logistic Enhancement, which include the development of the Port of Mossel Bay, the Expansion of the George Airport, and the establishment of a Fresh Produce Market in the region.

Some of the slides presented by GRDM

Richard Dyantyi, Manager: District Economic Development, Tourism and EPWP, during his remarks re-emphasised the existing Indian market in the region, highlighting the Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn as one of the main ‘drawcards’ and key attractions for Indian tourism market.

From a Tourism perspective, GRDM Regional Tourism Officer, Denver Johnson, highlighted the fact that there is currently no direct flight between India and South Africa, and that the cost and safety perception remain key challenges for the Indian market.  He also noted the limitations in accommodation offerings across the region particularly in meeting the Indian market’s dietary requirements, which often include the need for separate kitchen facility.  However, he pointed out that there are already certain establishments and restaurants in the Garden Route & Klein Karoo that offer such facilities, presenting opportunities for future expansion to better service this growing market.

Following the GRDM delegation’s presentation along with inputs from the two Members of the Mayoral Committee, Ald. Rosina Ruiters and Councillor Dave Swarts, and the Acting Municipal Manager, Raisa-Mlandu, the Consul General of India posed a few questions to gain clarity on specific projects and their value propositions. She thanked the GRDM for a well-delivered presentation and reassured the Executive Mayor and delegation that they have identified several projects highlighted during the presentation where the Government of India would consider collaborating with GRDM and expressed her interest in further discussions and engagement.

Featured image and above: The Consulate General of India’s delegation with the Garden Route District Municipality delegation during the meeting.

In conclusion, and in closing a very fruitful deliberation, the GRDM Executive Mayor thanked the Indian delegation for choosing the GRDM for their visit.  He expressed that as the Garden Route Municipality, they look forward to future collaborations that will yield mutual benefit for both parties.

04 August 2025 Public Notice: Micro-, Small, Medium, Enterprise (MSME) Support and Development Programme

Public Notice: Micro-, Small, Medium, Enterprise (MSME) Support and Development

Garden Route District Municipality – Call for Business Proposals

Notice in English | Notice in Afrikaans | Notice in Xhosa

Garden Route District Municipality is embarking on a programme to help dynamic and committed entrepreneurs to grow
their own businesses. A broad scope of non-financial assistance will be provided, which will include compulsory business
development interventions and training. Only viable applicants with a credible business profile must apply.

IMPORTANT

Applicants MUST complete an application form (obtained from either the District Economic Development Office, 54 York Street, George, 6530, our satellite offices or per email smme@grdm.gov.za). Completed forms must have the following IMPORTANT supporting documents attached:

  • Company Profile or Business Plan.
  • 6 months recent bank statements.
  • Business registration document with certified ID copies of the owner.
  • Latest certified SARS/Tax certificate.

CRITERIA

  • Must be a registered business operating for 1 year and/or more.
  • Must have a viable business with clear directions/deliverables.
  • Must be available to do a presentation to a selected panel and to attend the compulsory business development interventions and training identified by the panel.
  • Must be SARS registered.
  • 100% South African-owned.
  • Formally registered for 1 year or incorporated e.g., with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC); and must be in operation for the mentioned period.
  • Operating and residing within the Garden Route.
  • Classified as a MSME in terms of the National Small Enterprise Amendment Act 21 of 2024.

All applications must be in an envelope, stating “2025/2026 MSME Support and Development Programme – Garden Route District Municipality” and be delivered at 54 York Street, George, 6530 or at any Garden Route District Municipality offices for attention Johannes Jafta or emailed to smme@grdm.gov.za. Enterprises that benefitted from the previous programme from 2019 to 2025 will not be considered.

  • Please provide us with a detailed outline of your business profile, together with all the required proof. I
  • f you don’t adhere to the set criteria, consider your application as unsuccessful.
  • Only shortlisted enterprises will be contacted to present their business to an adjudication panel in person.
  • Only the top businesses with reference to the set criteria will be selected/considered.

CLOSING DATE

Friday, 29 August 2025 by 13h00.

NO LATE APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED.

All enquiries can be directed to the Garden Route District Municipality Economic Development Office at smme@grdm.gov.za or at 044 – 803 1401.

If you do not receive feedback from us within 3 months after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful. The Garden Route District Municipality also reserves the right not to make a selection for the abovementioned programme.

N Raisa-Mlandu (Ms)
Acting Municipal Manager
54 York Street
PO Box 12
GEORGE
6530
Notice number: 71/2025

Download the .jpg notices below: