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.
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.
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”.
ENDS
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.
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:
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:
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.
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14 May 2025
Local Personal Trainer, Michela Perdichizzi offered training to assist GRDM’s Firefighters recently. Fitness is one of the most important parts of being a firefighter, above and beyond skills to fight fires and making life-saving decision.
Carrying equipment, rescuing victims, and navigating hazardous and challenging environments – especially wildfires, can be quite a challenge for firefighters. Additional to the intensity and conditions of fires, the challenging topography of the district, including mountainous, and most often tricky sandy coastal terrain, firefighters need to remain calm during incidents. Dedication to fitness and conditioning are vital components that help firefighters to perform tasks more efficiently and effectively, leading to quicker reaction times, situational awareness, and better outcomes.
Exercise has natural positive effects on mental health, reduces stress, improves mood, and improves resilience, which are important to face challenging situations and emotional stressors. A good fitness level is also linked to the ability to work safely and effectively in high-stress and quick decision-making environments. Importantly, maintaining good fitness levels helps firefighters stay in shape and prevent injuries, thus allowing them a prolonged career.
“After being introduced to the firefighting world of the GRDM firefighters, and learning the background, Michela did not think twice to offer assistance to our firefighters, introducing a variety and somewhat unconventional mixture of exercises,” said GRDM fire chief, Deon Stoffels.
These included:
Stoffels added: “Interestingly, most of the exercises introduced excluded weight training, and focused on testing the body’s own strength, power, and flexibility ”.
GRDMs firefighters who took part in the sessions up to now are unanimous in their views that Michela is certainly challenging them mentally and physically. They certainly loved the challenge and look forward to more sweat and tears.
Catch Michela Perdichizzi here: https://www.facebook.com/michela.alcarazgonzalez
Related Article: https://www.up.ac.za/news/post_3315222-up-expert-opinion-global-employee-health-and-fitness-month-wellness-should-move-from-the-periphery-to-the-core-of-workplace-strategy-up-exercise-scientist
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13 May 2025
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Firefighters were visited by learners from the Holy Cross Primary School in George on Wednesday, 9 May 2025. The event, described as an enjoyable experience where both learners and teachers were made aware and educate on very important basic fire safety dos and don’ts.
Firefighters enjoyed educating and entertaining the youngsters, who showed a keen interest in the field of firefighting. Presentations were made about essential fire safety elements around the home, at school, as well as what to do when spotting a fire elsewhere. In a fun-filled and interactive way, learners were also taught the relevant emergency contact numbers of the emergency services.
“The learners enjoyed interacting with real firefighters and trying on the protective gear,” said Elana Basson-Coetzer, Platoon Commander.
“The ‘little ones certainly enjoyed their visit at the GRDM fire station.”
The young learners enjoyed their time with the firefighters.
The most exciting part of the visit to the fire station was when water was sprayed from the high-pressure hose, allowing the children to experience how flames are extinguished. They were also fascinated seeing how foam is generated, which is used to remove oxygen from certain fire types.
The visit was facilitator by Elana Basson-Coetzer and learner firefighter Corne Fourie. Both indicated that they equally enjoyed empowering the youth of Garden Route, and the leaders of tomorrow.
Please contact Devonia Cupido, Acting Station Officer: Fire Safety & Training, at Devonia@gardenroute.gov.za if you would like our firefighters to visit your location.
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12 May 2025
The Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Training Section received a visit from the National Skills Fund (NSF) Executive Committee from 8 to 9 May 2025. The visit formed part of their annual performance monitoring and oversight visits to beneficiaries. This follows the approval last year by the Director-General of the Department of Higher Education and Training, allocating R36 378 000 to the GRDM to benefit 400 beneficiaries over a period 31 month period.
During a brief ‘meet-and-greet’ session on Thursday with the NSF Executive Committee, the Municipal Manager of GRDM Monde Stratu, welcomed the team and highlighted the good working relationship that has been established since 2017. Stratu expressed his appreciation for the strong partnership between GRDM and NSF and thanked them for their continued financial contribution and support, towards skills development in the region. Following this, the NSF leadership continued to reflect and assess the progress of NSF projects in the region.
GRDM and NSF delegations during the Day 1 meet-and-greet session.
On Friday morning, the visit by the NSF continued as the GRDM Training Unit briefed the delegates on the performance of the NSF funded projects. Ald. Ndayi (Portfolio Councillor of the Corporates Services) thanked the NSF for the project and the positive impact of the program on the life of the beneficiaries. She motivated the learners on the program and encouraged them to remain positive and dedicated to complete it. During the same session, the NSF representatives also met with some of the Professional Cookery Learnership and Work Integrated Learning (WIL) students, who had the opportunity to share their experiences, skills gained and overall appreciation.
Following this, NSF leadership visited the African Skills Centre in Thembalethu, where they met and engaged with beneficiaries trained as professional cooks. The final stop was at Fancourt, where they interacted with beneficiaries working and training in the hospitality industry.
Activities underway during Day 2
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9 May 2025
Local skills development providers from the Garden Route District recently gathered for the George/Garden Route Skills Uniondale Pre-Indaba, hosted by the George Municipality in conjunction with Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM). This engagement provided a platform for local representatives from the business chambers, TVET colleges, and various departments involved in skills development.
The well-attended event took place in Uniondale and was chaired by Luvo Bomvana, the Local Economic Development (LED) Manager of George Municipality. Bomvana stated that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the Skills Mecca Programme and how it fits in to the town of Uniondale. There were also engagements with community leaders and the local business community about the skills development potential of Uniondale and key initiatives.
George Municipality’s Councillor Jarques Esau who officially opened the event, also extended his special appreciation to the George Municipality’s LED Unit and the Garden Route District Municipality’s Skills Mecca for bringing skills development opportunities to Uniondale. He reiterated that youth unemployment is very high in the area. Uniondale currently faces various skills shortages, particularly in the fields of Occupational Qualifications and urgently needs Read Seal Artisans in bricklaying, welding, furniture making, motor mechanics, and many more.
This was followed by a presentation from Reginald Salmons, the GRDM Coordinator of Skills Development, who provided an informative overview of the Garden Route Skills Mecca journey and the various opportunities available. Following the presentation, stakeholders provided valuable input.
It was agreed that a two-day Summit and Career Festival would be organised in June 2025, with various stakeholders and SETAs in attendance to inform and uplift the youth of Uniondale and Haarlem. Also that the LED Manager of George Municipality will communicate the date to all role players and stakeholder and will work closely with the Garde Route Skills Mecca Team to coordinate the Summit and Carrer Festival.
The successful event will pave the way for the official Skills Indaba for Uniondale and Haarlem, bringing together a broad spectrum of key role players.
Featured image and images above: Stakeholders participating in the Pre-Indaba discussion session in Uniondale.
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6 May 2025
The Garden Route District Municipality invites unemployed persons currently residing within the Garden Route District Municipal area, to register themselves on the Garden Route Skills Mecca Unemployment Database.
WHY REGISTER?
By registering, you will:
HOW TO REGISTER:
1. Visit: https://skillsmecca.gardenroute.gov.za/.
2. Click the red button labelled “Unemployment Solutions”.
3. Select “Create Account”.
4. Go to “Your Profile” and choose “Create Your Unemployment Profile”.
5. Fill in all required information.
6. Upload the following documents:
– Your CV;
– A certified copy of your ID; and
– Certified qualifications
For any enquiries, do not hesitate to contact Reginald Salmons at 044 803 1363, Ms Khanyisa Madolo at 044 803 1456 or Mrs Nolwando Sambokwe at 044 803 1345 during office hours only. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Should candidates not be contacted within one month of the closing date, they must consider their application as
unsuccessful.
Click here to download the Official Advert.
Closing date: 30 June 2025
Notice number: 41/2025
6 May 2025
Reflecting on our successful collaboration in 2023 and 2024, Bighearts Africa is proud of the impact made through the YES Program in various departments of the Garden Routhe District Municipality (GRDM). Successful placements were made in the EPWP, IDP, Traffic, IT, Waste Management, Tourism, and Records departments. With the support of the GRDM, over thirty young individuals gained valuable work experience, setting the stage for a brighter future.
At Bighearts Africa, we believe in the power of opportunity and mentorship to uplift youth and transform communities. Our goal is a future where every young person gains essential work experience and skills.
This success wouldn’t have been possible without Christine de Wet, our dedicated host liaison. A strong host liaison ensures a smooth transition into the workplace. Christine represents everything we value – nurturing connections, fostering collaboration, and offering unwavering support to both youth and hosts. Her leadership has been key in creating lasting opportunities for young people.
As we look ahead to 2025, we are eager to continue and expand our partnership with the GRDM, further strengthening our shared commitment to youth empowerment, skills development, and local socio-economic growth.
Our vision for the coming year includes:
Let’s build on the momentum of 2024 and create even greater opportunities for young people in the Garden Route District.
Olivia Goosen: Finding Confidence, Purpose and a Path Forward
Since joining the YES Youth Program, Olivia Goosen has embraced every opportunity to grow. She began working in the Solid Waste section of Knysna Municipality, doing data capturing, and is now assisting in the Traffic department with administrative tasks and handling phone calls. This shift not only broadened her experience but helped her develop practical skills she’ll use for life.
Through her work, Olivia has learned how to respond to emails professionally, communicate with the public about traffic enquiries, and capture data more efficiently in Excel. Her supervisors, Natalie Salmons and Randall Bower, were incredibly supportive and approachable, guiding her with patience and care. “They were always there to assist when I needed help,” she says.
Before the program, Olivia faced the emotional weight of repeated college rejections due to funding issues, which left her feeling stuck. But instead of giving up, she found purpose in her work. “The program made me realise I can do anything I put my mind to,” she says. “I used to be shy and wanted to be in my own corner, but now I’m not afraid to take the lead when it comes to getting something done.”
Olivia is now supporting both her household and extended family with groceries and electricity. Her next goal is to study administrative management—and you just know she’s going to make it happen.
Jay-dene Botha: From Listless Days to a Life with Purpose
Before joining the YES Youth Program Jay-dene’s days had felt long and empty. “I spent most of my time at home, not really doing anything,” she recalls. “I didn’t have a sense of purpose.” That all changed when she began working in the Property Section at the Garden Route District Municipality.
What started as a chance to gain experience, quickly became something more meaningful. Under the guidance of a supervisor whom she describes as “an exceptional role model”. Jay-dene began to see what’s possible when you take pride in your work. “She handles difficult situations with grace and delivers excellent results. Watching her has really motivated me to push myself,” Jay-dene says of her mentor.
Today, she walks into work with confidence and goes home with a sense of pride. The relief of no longer being idle has been matched by the joy of being able to support her mother, who was once the sole breadwinner in their home. “Now I help pay the bills,” she says. “It feels good knowing I’m making things easier for her.”
Jay-dene is a star. She’s grabbed opportunity with both hands and hasn’t forgotten to show up for the people who’ve always shown up for her.
Lutho Kemele: Dreams for the Future, Revived!
Although he already had a Diploma in Business Management, Lutho Kemele couldn’t seem to find any opportunities to utilise his qualifications. “I didn’t know what to do or how to advance in my career,” he says. “This program gave me a new outlook on life.”
Placed at the Mossel Bay Municipality, Lutho quickly got stuck in, doing business licensing, data capturing, and more. “It’s been great,” he says. “I did a lot and learned a lot.” He credits much of this growth to the people around him. Mentors like Lukhanyo, Mabatho and Ntombifuthi not only showed him the ropes, but helped him believe in his own potential. “I’ve learned many valuable things that I’ll implement in my life going forward.”
Lutho has big dreams, seeing himself owning properties and building his own business. He’s already witnessing change right at home. “We managed to buy a few new things for the house,” he says, “and I even saved some money for my own needs.”
Sometimes a little belief, good people, and an open door at just the right time is all it takes to start dreaming again!
Angelo Manho: A Voice for His Community
Angelo Manho, now working in the Power Station Department at the George municipal buildings, joined the YES Youth Program at a time when hope felt distant. Despite applying for many jobs, he struggled to find work—often turned away simply because he hadn’t yet obtained a driver’s license.
Since joining the program, Angelo has not only gained practical workplace experience but also a deeper understanding of the issues facing his community. “The work has taught me a lot,” he shares, “especially about what people are struggling with most, and how we as workers can help improve things for them.”
With the support of mentors like Stephan Blok, Angelo has learned valuable professional skills and developed strong work ethics. Now, he’s also able to support his family in meaningful ways. “I can give a portion of my money to my parents each month, and I also help my mom buy things like cleaning products for the house.”
Angelo’s journey is a reminder that with the right support, young people can rise above their circumstances, find purpose—and bring home the Handy Andy, too.
Featured Image Caption: All role-players involved in the successful Bighearts Africa YES Programme, pictured with Christine de Wet (Host Liaison) and the GRDM team led by former Executive Manager, Trix Holtzhausen.
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