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28 March 2025 Media Release: GRDM adds award to its cap for over-achieving EPWP job targets

Media Release: GRDM adds award to its cap for over-achieving EPWP job targets

For Immediate Release
27 March 2025

The Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) EPWP Section received an award from the Western Cape Department for the outstanding performance of the municipality’s EPWP during the 4th Phase. The achievement of these targets reflects the number of people employed and the economic impact on our region, which amounts to R78 532 000,00 over the past five years (2019–2024).

“I want to convey my heartfelt appreciation and congratulations to the HOD, MMC, our dedicated staff and the management team in achieving this award, collectively,” said Andrew Stroebel, GRDM Executive Mayor.

The two departments within GRDM that made the most significant contributions to meeting EPWP targets are the Corporate Services Department, led by Trix Holtzhausen, and the Roads Services Department, under the leadership of John Godfrey Daniels. Over the past financial year, the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM), which is part of Corporate Services, facilitated 315 EPWP job opportunities, while the Roads Services Department contributed 104 EPWP jobs towards achieving the target.

The overall objective of the EPWP is to provide unemployed individuals with meaningful work opportunities. This is done through the delivery of community assets and services, while also fostering economic inclusion to empower sustainable livelihoods and contribute to the country’s development agenda. Over the past four phases, GRDM provided numerous formal and informal training opportunities and contributed to the capacity building of local municipalities’ EPWP programs.

Within the region, three municipalities were awarded this certification: Garden Route District, Mossel Bay, and Hessequa Municipalities.

Featured image caption:  FLTR, Lusanda Menze – Executive Manager: Planning & Economic Development, Cllr Hilton Stroebel – Portfolio Chairperson: Property and Asset Management , Andrew Stroebel – GRDM Executive Mayor and Richard Dyantyi – EPWP Manager.

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27 March 2025 Public Notice: DRAFT REVIEWED 2025-2026 INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN (IDP), DRAFT 2025/2026 MEDIUM TERM REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE FRAMEWORK AND MULTI-YEAR BUDGET

Notice 30/2025

DRAFT REVIEWED 2025-2026 INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN (IDP), DRAFT 2025/2026 MEDIUM TERM REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE FRAMEWORK AND MULTI-YEAR BUDGET

Notice is hereby given that the Garden Route District Municipal Council’s Draft Integrated Development Plan for the period 2025/2026 and the Medium Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework (MTREF) Draft Multi-Year Budget for the period 2025/2026-2027/2028, were compiled in accordance with the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 2000 (Act 32 of 2000) and Municipal Finance Management Act 2003 (Act 56 of 2003).

These documents were considered by the Garden Route District Council at a District Council meeting held on Tuesday, 25 March 2025.

These documents will be available for public inspection and comments at all main local libraries, satellite offices and the Garden Route District Municipality’s IDP Unit, 54 York Street George and on the GRDM municipal website www.gardenroute.gov.za.

All comments and inputs must be directed to “The Municipal Manager, Garden Route District Municipality, 54 York Street, George 6530”, rekords@gardenroute.gov.za.  Persons who are unable to read or write are encouraged to contact the Garden Route District Municipality during ordinary office hours, where they will be assisted to formulate their written comments or objection.

Written comments and inputs regarding the above documents must reach the Office of the Municipal Manager on or before 30 April 2025.

Please contact the District IDP Manager (Ms Mercy James) or Budget Manager (Ms Louise Hoek) at 044 803 1300, rekords@gardenroute.gov.za with any enquiries.

Click below and download the relevant documents:

2025/26-2027/28 Draft Budget Quality Certificate (25 March 2025)

2025/26-2027/28 Draft Budget Report (25 March 2025)

2025/26-2027/28 Draft Budget Public Notice (25 March 2025)

2025/26-2027/28 Draft Budget Council Resolution (25 March 2025)

2025/26-2027/28 Draft Budget A-Schedules (25 March 2025)

M STRATU
MUNICIPAL MANAGER
GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

24 March 2025 GRDM Hosts Fun Run to Raise Awareness for World TB Day

Media Release: GRDM Hosts Fun Run to Raise Awareness for World TB Day

24 March 2025

In commemoration of World Tuberculosis (TB) Day which is today, 24 March, the Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) from the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Hessequa Office, in collaboration with the local Child Welfare South Africa office in Hessequa, hosted a 5km fun run on Saturday to celebrate and raise awareness about TB.

The fun run took place in Riversdale, starting at the Town Sports Stadium (“Steg”). Approximately 120 community members, including councillors, and local rugby players, participated in the event.

The event was officially opened by Councillor Jobieth Hoogbaard, the Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services. During a brief speech, Hoogbaard welcomed everyone and mentioned that it is always enjoyable to participate in community initiatives—not only for the fun of it but because there is always an important purpose behind them.

“The purpose of this fun run is, first and foremost, to raise awareness about TB and to convey the message that TB can be prevented and is easily treatable. Too many people in our communities die from TB every year, and enough is enough,” said Hoogbaard.

The theme for the 2025 World TB Day is ‘YES! WE CAN END TB: COMMIT, INVEST AND DELIVER.

Among the participants were several dedicated young athletes who took the fun run very seriously.

The GRDM Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel, who is also a local resident, attended the celebrations. Stroebel used the opportunity to engage with residents and handed out water and cool “ysies” to participants at the water point, encouraging them along the way. Towards the end of the festivities, Mayor Stroebel conducted the lucky draw and handed over the power bank prize, to the lucky winner. He delivered the closing remarks, thanking the participants and everyone present, especially the children, for their support.

The Riversdale Municipal Health Office wants to use this opportunity to thank all individuals and shop owners for the donations received. “We were quite surprised with the turnout this morning as well as with the support we received from both our superiors and our local community,” said Bronwen Moolman, one of the organising members from the Riversdale office.

A special word of gratitude to:

Sponsors:

  • GRDM Communications
  • Child Welfare SA – Riversdale
  • Riversdale Superspar
  • JC Butchery
  • Era Soda
  • Klein Begin Ice
  • Bubble Boys Space
  • The staff of the local FNB branch
  • Engen One Stop – Riversdale
  • Riversdale Hospital
  • EMS
  • Droom
  • CPF Riversdale
  • DJ – Ethan du Preez
  • Sandra Daries
  • Hessequa Municipality

Acknowledgments:

Riversdale Blues Rugby Club – for assisting with the setup and cleanup of the stadium.

Riversdale Town Rugby Club – for allowing the use of their home field.

Caption: Exciting Activities from This Morning’s Fun Walk/Run!

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24 March 2025 Media Release: 8th Climate Change Indaba to be hosted in June 2025

Media Release: 8th Climate Change Indaba to be hosted in June 2025

24 March 2025

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) Annual Climate Change and Environmental Management Indaba will be co- hosted by the Garden Route District Municipality and the Nelson Mandela University on 27 June 2025,” says GREF Convener Cobus Meiring.

The Climate Change Indaba was introduced to the GREF bouquet of deliverables in 2018 following the devastating Knysna and Outeniqua wildfire disasters which coincided with severe drought affecting large areas of the Garden Route and the unfolding Day Zero scenario in the Western Cape.

Through the years the Climate Change Indaba succeeded in attracting environmental experts and high level delegations from all over South Africa and abroad to share their knowledge and input on climate change and environmental management issues with local practitioners and all levels of government.

Perhaps not as hard- hit as KZN in the recent past, the Garden Route is no stranger to environmental disasters and regularly suffers from drought, heavy rain and floods, strong wind and storm surges, loss of bio- diversity and infrastructure and regular wild fire disasters. Keeping track of the impact of a changing climate and how best to mitigate its impact is vital to regional environmental stability and disaster management.

Through entities such as the Nelson Mandela University, SANParks, Cape Nature and many others the Garden Route is blessed with some of South Africa’s leading experts in environmental management and the Indaba is a showcase of regional collaboration and cooperation.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for environmental managers and a climate change think- tank.

Those interested to attend the Indaba can contact Louise Mare at louisemare@gmail.com

(www.grefscli.co.za)

Feature image: Climate change has an impact on Garden Route environmental sustainability and bio- diversity

ENDS

24 March 2025 Media Release: District Leadership Discusses rehabilitation of Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe Railway line, Budget Pressures, Water Security, and Waste Management at DCF and MMF Forum

Media Release: District Leadership Discusses rehabilitation of Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe Railway line, Budget Pressures, Water Security, and Waste Management at DCF and MMF Forum

For Immediate Release
24 March 2025

The District Coordinating and Municipal Managers’ Forums took place on 19 March in Knysna. These engagements drew several stakeholders from the private sector, as well as mayors from all municipalities in the Garden Route and their respective municipal managers and support staff. There were many items discussed, with some including a review of the Garden Route Bulk Water Master Plan, enacting a District Firefighting Services Bylaw, Licensed Drone Operations for Municipalities, Mossel Bay Courts, and the rehabilitation of the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe Railway Line, to name a few.

According to GRDM Mayor, Andrew Stroebel, the engagements were insightful. Solutions to possible cross-cutting risks and solutions, collaboration, and educational content were on the table for discussion.

Some extracts of discussions, include the following:

Rehabilitation of the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe Railway line

A tender was advertised by Transnet on 6 April 2023 to invite interested respondents to submit bids to rehabilitate the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe railway line. An award letter was issued on 28 August 2024. At the moment contract negotiations are underway. The branch line between George and Knysna is 67km long and it is also envisaged to attract rail cargo like waste and timber.

Water and Sanitation: A Critical Priority

During these forums, participants reaffirmed the need for a long-term strategy to address water security. While past drought measures were somewhat effective, sustainable solutions for a future that caters for all towns, are essential. The Garden Route District Municipality has formally requested information from sub-regions, including Oudtshoorn, Kannaland, Mossel Bay, Hessequa, Bitou, and Knysna, to develop bulk infrastructure funding proposals. Water shortages not only impact households but also threaten business sustainability, particularly industries reliant on water and energy.

Regional Waste Management and Energy Solutions

Progress on the Regional Waste Management Facility was discussed, with a call for Hessequa to consider participation and Knysna to finalise them joining the initiative. Waste transfer stations must be relocated, and municipalities are encouraged to explore energy solutions, such as gas-to-energy projects. The importance of power purchase agreements to ensure project viability was emphasized, along with the need for cost-reflective tariffs across the district.

Collaboration in Fire Prevention and Governance Challenges

The forum acknowledged collaborative efforts in fire prevention and the challenges posed by conflicting legislation between fire and environmental acts. The review of the White Paper on Local Government and municipal demarcation was noted as critical, given that many municipalities face sustainability issues due to financial constraints.

Municipal Support and Economic Impacts

Kannaland Municipality expressed appreciation for GRDM’s support, particularly with water tankers. However, concerns were raised over infrastructure collapse and the decline in population, which affects economic growth and service delivery. Over-extraction of boreholes and industrial water demands continue to pose significant risks.

As the region navigates these challenges, the GRDM remains committed to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure a resilient governance.

Feature image: GRDM Executive Manager for Integrated Planning and Economic Development, Lusanda Menze, GRDM MM, Monde Stratu, GRDM Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel and Cllr Beauty Charlie, representing the Mayor of Knysna

More images captured during the DCF and MMF. Presentations were done via MS Teams and in-person.

ENDS

20 March 2025 Media Release: GRDM Waste Management take hands in celebrating Global Recycling Day

Media Release: GRDM Waste Management take hands in celebrating Global Recycling Day

20 March 2025

Earlier today, the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Waste Management Section who have an office in Mossel Bay, in collaboration with the Mossel Bay Municipality and Henque Waste, celebrated Global Recycling Day with Denneprag Primary School.

Global Recycling Day was officially celebrated for the first time on 18 March 2018 and has since been held annually on 18 March to acknowledge and promote recycling as a vital tool for environmental preservation and sustainability.

“As the Garden Route Municipality, we believe that initiatives like these are essential in shaping environmentally responsible future generations. Educating our youth about the importance of recycling empowers them to make a positive difference in preserving our planet. I applaud and fully support our Waste Management Section, Mossel Bay Municipality, Henque Waste, and Denneprag Primary School for their commitment to fostering a culture of sustainability,” said the Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel.

During the celebration, the excited group of learners was tasked with creating an object or product from recyclable materials. The main objective of this activity was to educate learners that waste can be reused or recycled into another product.

The learners proudly showcased their final projects, which were judged based on the following categories:

  • Design
  • Materials used
  • Purpose and functionality
  • Importance of recycling

Each category had four winners, and participants were awarded medals and goodies to reward their enthusiastic participation.

“We were very surprised and impressed with the creative learning experience and the imaginative and innovative ideas the learners came up with. They created various products such as pencil holders, clothing, shoes, pot plants, and clutch bags,” said Innocentia Sikweyiya, GRDM Waste Management Officer.

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20 March 2025 Media Release: Regulation 638 Training  for employees of Watsons Butchery 

20 March 2025

Enshrined in the National Health Act of 2003, food control is one of the nine key performance areas of Municipal Health Services. The training of food handlers is a crucial aspect of food control which Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) perform.

On Thursday, 13 March 2025, EHPs from the Wilderness Region Municipal Health Section conducted training at the Watsons Butchery relating to requirements set out in REGULATION 638 OF 22 JUNE 2018:  REGULATIONS GOVERNING GENERAL HYGIENE REQUIREMENTS FOR FOOD PREMISES, THE TRANSPORT OF FOOD AND RELATED MATTERS, PROMULGATED IN TERMS OF THE FOODSTUFFS, COSMETICS AND DISINFECTANTS ACT, 1972 (ACT 54 OF 1972).

Health and hygiene training at food premises is essential to ensure that all food handlers are properly educated on hygiene and to protect the public from foodborne illnesses.  The theme of the training entails:  5 keys to safer foods, importance of personal hygiene and hygiene requirements.

“Overall, premises that receive this training show improved compliance during routine inspections conducted by Environmental Health Practitioners. Our goal is to educate and train as many food handlers across the region as possible to increase the compliance rate of premises,” said Ivy Mamegwa, an EHP from the GRDM in George.

During the training, 58 employees of Watson’s Butchery participated. The sessions were conducted in groups, with each group consisting of over 20 participants.

For more information on food safety and health surveillance, please contact

Johan Compion
Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Air Quality and Waste Management
E-mail: info@gardenroute.gov.za
Cell: 082 803 5161

Feature Image Caption: EHP Jessica Erasmus busy presenting to the food handlers and employees of Watson’s Butchery

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19 March 2025 MEDIA RELEASE: Paediatric Surge Season: Protecting Young Children from Diarrhoea and Respiratory Illnesses

MEDIA RELEASE: Paediatric Surge Season: Protecting Young Children from Diarrhoea and Respiratory Illnesses

19 March 2025

As the period between November and May marks the paediatric surge season, healthcare professionals are urging parents and caregivers to remain vigilant in preventing and managing diarrheal and respiratory related disease in young children. Both diarrhoea and pneumonia remain one of the leading health risks for infants and young children, yet it is both treatable and preventable with prompt action.

November 2024 to 3 March 2025 stats shows that 1585 children in the Garden Route district were hospitalised at public hospitals with pneumonia. The First 1000 Days of a child’s life presents a crucial window of opportunity to ensure optimal growth and development. One of the most effective ways to safeguard children’s health during this season is ensuring they are vaccinated on time according to the recommended schedule, which significantly reduces the risk of severe symptoms associated with common paediatric illnesses.

Know the Danger Signs – The Road to Health booklet provides vital information on warning signs that requires urgent medical care. If a child exhibits any of the following, immediate medical attention should be sought:

  • Persistent coughing and rapid breathing
  • Inability to feed and presence of fever
  • Vomiting everything consumed
  • Diarrhoea( loose ,watery stools ) accompanied by sunken eyes and a swollen fontanelle (soft spot on an infant’s head,18 months and younger )
  • Shaking or convulsions
  • Signs of malnutrition such as swollen feet and hands
  • Inability to breastfeed
  • Lack of movement or response

From November 2024 to 3 March 2025, 1266 children in the Garden Route district under the age of 5 presented with diarrhoea. Of those, 559 children were hospitalised. If a child develops loose stools, immediate administration of an oral rehydration solution or Sugar Salt Solution is advised. This can be prepared by adding half a level teaspoon of salt and eight level teaspoons of sugar to one litre of cooled, boiled water. If breastfeeding, give more frequent and longer breastfeeds at a time.

Recognising Dehydration Symptoms

Parents and caregivers should be aware of the symptoms of dehydration, which include:

  • Reduced urination
  • Dry mouth
  • Few tears when crying
  • Sunken eyes
  • Weakness

Severe dehydration is a medical emergency and presents with symptoms such as:

  • Drowsiness
  • Pale or mottled skin
  • Cold hands or feet
  • Dry nappies
  • Rapid and shallow breathing

Althea Adams, clinical programme coordinator in the Garden Route: “Our healthcare facilities provide diagnosis and treatment for a range of childhood illnesses. Especially during surge season, our healthcare staff offer valuable guidance on nutrition and encourage families and caregivers to seek medical care as promptly of showing any of the danger signs”.

Parents and caregivers play a vital role in protecting children from the dangers of diarrheal disease and dehydration. Early intervention can save lives and ensuring that children receive the necessary medical attention in time is crucial.

Featured Image Caption: Staff Nurse Jacqueline Howley-January from Plett Town Clinic discussing the sugar-salt solution with patients.

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Nadia Ferreira
Communication Officer
Western Cape Government Health and Wellness
Tel: 044 813 1831
Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za
Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

18 March 2025 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Commends Progress on Montagu Pass (DR1640) Repair Project

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Commends Progress on Montagu Pass (DR1640) Repair Project

For Immediate Release
18 March 2025

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) commends the Western Cape Government (WCG) and particularly its Department of Infrastructure (DoI) for their significant progress in repairing efforts of the Montagu Pass (DR1640). The GRDM is responsible for performing a Roads Agency Function (maintenance and upgrades) on behalf of the WCG DoI, receiving allocations annually from them.

GRDM Mayor Andrew Stroebel said: “Through collaboration, the WCG DoI has successfully navigated complex legislative and environmental processes to bring this critical project back on track with the backing of the private sector”.

“It is no secret that the Montagu Pass sustained severe flood damage, which required a comprehensive repair strategy to ensure its long-term resilience. The Pass is of vital importance to the residents of George and surrounds as it is also a tourism asset and an agricultural corridor that supports jobs,” said Stroebel.

George Executive Mayor, Jackie Von Brandis also added: “I am pleased about the clear way forward to restore this historical pass to its former glory. The Montagu Pass remains one of our country’s oldest unaltered mountain passes, completed in 1847. Beyond its historical significance, the pass has for long been a weekend favourite for adventure seekers, motorcyclists, cyclists, and hikers who enjoy its rugged beauty and nostalgic charm. I look forward to seeing domestic and international tourists using it again.”

The CEO of Agri Western Cape (AWC), Jannie Strydom, also added: “Fully functional and well-maintained infrastructure is vital for the agricultural sector to function optimally, because this without a doubt supports the sustainability and operational efficiency of the sector”. Strydom has been instrumental in coordinating engagements between AWC, GRDM, WCG Department Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, as well as the George Business Chamber, Afrikaanse Handelsinstituut (AHI), Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) and the WCG DoI.

Willie-John van Niekerk, the Chairman of the George Heritage Trust, extended his thank yous to all relevant authorities, organisations and support groups too, who have contributed to the traction of the project. “We trust that the work on the Pass will be carried out in accordance with heritage principles, ensuring that it does not lead to further degradation of the road due to a lack of understanding of its structure or through well-intentioned but misinformed alterations to the natural environment.”

Following the aforementioned comments, Mayor Stroebel thanks to all stakeholders for their collaborative spirit during this process to date.

The reality on the ground, which will be addressed soon as per the timeline provided below by WCG DoI. 

The timeline provided by the DoI for the project is as follows:

Project Initiation & Assessment

  • October 2024: Western Cape Government receives additional funding through the National Disaster Management Grant to address flood damage and repairs.
  • November 2024: Zutari engineering firm appointed to provide professional engineering services.
  • November 2024 – February 2025: On-site assessments conducted, with stakeholder consultations (business representatives, heritage agencies) to align objectives and mitigate delays.

Design & Environmental Processes

  • End of February 2025: Design scope approved, allowing the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) application process to commence.
  • Early March 2025: Survey results received and processed to inform detailed engineering design.
  • By End of March 2025: NEMA application submission target.
  • March – late September 2025: NEMA and other environmental authorisations expected (subject to public participation and appeals process).

Construction Phase

  • Late October 2025: Anticipated construction commencement (if authorisations are secured on time).
  • October 2025 – August 2026: Estimated construction period (8-10 months) at a projected cost of R80 million.

Project Completion and Maintenance

  • August 2026: Expected full reopening of Montagu Pass (subject to all conditions being met).

Beyond August 2026

  • Routine maintenance to align with heritage practices.
  • Maintenance overseen by the District Roads Engineer: Garden Route and Central Karoo.
  • Continued efforts to enhance road resilience against future flood damage.

Read the full WCG DoI statement here: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/infrastructure/article/good-progress-being-made-montagu-pass-repair-project

Issued by Garden Route District Municipality and endorsed by the Western Cape Provincial WCG Department Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, George Municipality, Agri Western Cape, George Business Chamber, AHI and ACSA.

Feature image: A scenic image of the Montagu Pass, showcasing its natural beauty as it is nestled within the Outeniqua Mountains.

ENDS

20 March 2025 Media Release: GRDM Attends the Shared Services Summit 2025

Media Release: GRDM Attends the Shared Services Summit 2025

For Immediate Release
20 March 2025

A Shared Services Summit, arranged by the Western Cape Provincial Department of Local Government, was held a week ago in Cape Town. The primary objectives of the event were to share best practices relating to services; to enhance the current capacity of those responsible for shared services; and to strategise the efficient implementation of shared services across municipalities.

The GRDM Executive Manager of Corporate Services, Trix Holtzhausen represented the GRDM at the Summit, accompanied by her Human Resources Manager: Michelle Smit.

Holtzhausen presented several current shared services offered by GRDM to delegates. These include: the GRDM Emergency Call Centre, Job Evaluation Coordination (TASK) and the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM).

GRDM Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel, who is in full support of the Shared Services Model of GRDM, said: “The GRDM remains committed to sustaining the Shared Services Model and expanding its reach wherever possible. This progress would not have been achievable without the solid foundation carefully laid down by Trix with the support of current and previous employees. I would like to thank her for spearheading this programme to the level that it is at today.”

Call Centre

“The Call Centre was established in 2008 and is still in operation today. This project proved to be the most successful and longstanding project delivered on a Shared Services basis with Provincial Departments (EMS, Traffic sections) Western Cape, GRDM sand private partners (ER 24) sharing resources to enhance service delivery,” said Holtzhausen.

TASK

She also shared that: “The TASK project revolves around job evaluations within the region and for municipalities from the Central Karoo. It includes twelve (12) municipalities sharing the cost of the service and has been in operation since 2012”.

GRSM

Her presentation concluded with the GRSM. “This Skills Mecca program with various projects was established in 2018 because of the devastating Knysna and Plettenberg wildfires. The GRSM is a socio-economic programme aimed at coordinating all training initiatives across the entire district with the aim of providing opportunities to unemployed and employed youth. Outcomes increase the chances of each learner’s employability based on occupationally based training programmes and work-related experiences. To date, we at the GRDM have attracted R122 million of investment into the district with more than 2000 people already benefited from it. The costs are shared amongst all municipalities within the district in terms of human resources and operational costs. Funding sources for the training programmes are from public as well as private funders nationally and internationally.”

Trix also explained that GRDM also provides shared services relating to Air Quality, Coordination of Minimum Competency Training programme (5 Municipalities sharing costs), and the control of back-up ICT Servers between GRDM, Beaufort-West and Swellendam.

During the Summit, global and national perspectives of successful models and best practices were shared, not only focusing on the good, but the challenges faced too.

The outcome of the Summit for GRDM, is to actively pursue Shared Services as a vehicle for service delivery in the district given the financial constraints that municipalities in South Africa are facing amidst increased community demands and needs. The GRDM is relied on to take leadership in the district by creating an awareness of the benefits of Shared Services or Inter-municipal Cooperation.

The Shared Services Summit 2025 was a much needed step towards fostering collaboration and improving municipal services in the Western Cape.

Feature image caption: Executive Manager for Corporate Services, Trix Holtzhausen is seated (wearing coral/red), with her HR Manager, Michelle Smit, seated left).

ENDS