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05 May 2025 Media Release: Indaba to discuss the likely impact of Climate Change on the Garden Route: A 20 year outlook

Media Release: Indaba to discuss the likely impact of Climate Change on the Garden Route: A 20 year outlook

For immediate release
05 May 2025

“The Garden Route is no stranger to natural disasters and increasingly so to which many ascribe to a fast-changing climate”, writes Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF). The question begs how can environmental managers look into the future and make projections on what may be impacting on the region over the next two decades. The Garden Route conservation and environmental management community is blessed with recognised and highly educated academics and practitioners capable of modelling scenarios and impacts capable of creating scenarios of what an uncertain future may hold.

Floods, storm surges, drought and non-stop wild fire disasters are all posing serious challenges to hard infrastructure, fragile ecosystems and vulnerable Garden Route communities. Perhaps more importantly, a changing climate may well adversely affect the regional economy as it becomes harder for the all-important agricultural sector to be viable and sustainable unless it is able to adapt. The other significant regional economic driver is tourism, and a deteriorating natural environment due to natural disasters and loss of natural infrastructure, e.g. the deteriorating coast line and risk to properties will also be discussed at the upcoming Climate Change Indaba.

Over time budgets to repair hard infrastructure such as roads, bridges, storm water systems and infrastructure along the coast are decreasing, and governmental entities responsible for planning and construction must take into account potential risks associated with the impact of a changing climate and rain fall patterns. Torrential and episodic rain storms are becoming the order of the day, and storm water systems and roads must be designed in order to be able to survive such impacts.

The negative impact of Invasive Alien Plants (IAP’s) on the environment including providing fuel for out- of control wild fire disasters an severely affecting biodiversity, preventing water catchments and feeder streams to function effectively is not being addressed by landowners and spreading fast.

Across the region environmental disasters are on the increase, and disaster management agencies responsible for dealing with their aftermath must be better funded, better equipped, better trained and be pro-active in putting early warning systems in place to reduce exposure.

The GREF Climate Change and Environmental Management Indaba will take place on 27 June 2025 at Nelson Mandela University: George Campus.

Enquiries can be sent to louisamare@gmail.com.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum is a public platform for environmental practitioners and a climate change think- tank.(www.grefscli.co.za).

ENDS

05 May 2025 Media Release: Garden Route Forest Villages receiving life-saving training

Media Release: Garden Route Forest Villages receiving life-saving training

For immediate release
5 May 2025

Since the start of April, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Fire and Rescue Services Unit is visiting forest villages in the region. To date, community members from Witfontein in George, Diepwalle and Goudveld (Bibby’s Hoek) in the Knysna, as well as Ruiterbos in Mossel Bay, have received awareness about fire safety.

Among the topics covered in relation to veld and mountain fire safety awareness, information, and education intervention, are:

  • Historic wildfire path in relation to their location;
  • Risk Awareness;
  • Preventative Measures;
  • Clearing methods;
  • Safety measures in the home;
  • Designated and safe burn areas (waste); and
  • Escape routes in case of approaching fires.

Several forest villages in the region are subject to high risk in terms of wildfires especially and these interventions aim to make the inhabitants more fire resilient with good knowledge and tips to understand wildfire behaviour, and how to best protect themselves with safeguarding practices.

It is to note that whilst it is important to continuously inform and educate, firefighting authorities will prioritise rapid response to these remote areas in case of fire break out close to, and in proximity of.

More campaigns to be rolled out during May, include:

  • Bergplaas and Uitsig, George
  • Beervlei, Knysna
  • Kransbosch, Bitou

For more information regarding Fire Education related queries, contact the Deon Stoffels (Fire Chief), deon@gardenroute.gov.za.

 

Diepwalle, Knysna Municipal area

Goudveld, Knysna Municipal area

Witfontein, George Municipal area

Ruiterbos, Mossel Bay Municipal area

ENDS

5 May 2025 Media Release: Role-players sign Workplace Skills Plan for the 2025/26 Financial Year

Media Release: Role-players sign Workplace Skills Plan for the 2025/26 Financial Year

5 May 2025

Last week, all the relevant stakeholders, including the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Human Resources Training Section, the Municipal Manager, and representatives from the trade unions – the South African Municipal Workers’ Union and the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union, signed the Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) for GRDM.

All municipalities fall under the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA), which requires them to pay a levy of 1% of their total payroll, in accordance with the Skills Development Levies Act 97 of 1998. With this, each year municipality is required to submit a WSP in order to claim back Mandatory and Discretionary Funding from the LGSETA.

Trix Holtzhausen with some of the role-players during the signing of the Workplace Skills Plan (WSP).

During the signing of the WSP, the now former Executive Manager of Corporate Services, Ms. Trix Holtzhausen, took the opportunity to thank the Human Resources Training Section, which falls under her portfolio, for their hard work and dedication in ensuring that GRDM Consistently meets the annual deadline for submitting the WSP to LGSETA by 30 April.  Holtzhausen, who will also be leaving the service of GRDM on 30 April 2025, expressed her appreciation for the team’s continued commitment and wish them success with all their future endeavours.

Did you know:

The Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) is a document that outlines the skills needs of Garden Route District Municipality. It outlines the proposed skills development interventions that will be implemented to address institutional skills needs. The WSP is informed by data gathered from the Skills Audit, Personal Development Plan (PDP) processes, and the Organisational Needs Analysis conducted through the Integrated Development Plan (IDP).

To ensure that the WSP aligns with the IDP, the GRDM Training Unit must ensure that each employee completes both a Skills Audit form and a Personal Development Plan.

All role-players endorsing the Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) prior to its submission to LGSETA.

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25 April 2025 Media Release: Renewal and development of the Garden Route fourth Generation Air Quality Management Plan

Media Release: Renewal and development of the Garden Route fourth Generation Air Quality Management Plan

For immediate release
25 April 2025

Air Quality Management planning is a requirement for all municipalities in terms of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, 2004 (Act 39 of 2004).  This process is done every 5 years to adapt to a changing environment.  The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) recognizes its responsibilities, not only as stipulated in the Air Quality Act, but also as a constitutional mandate in terms of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996). The third generation Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) that was approved during 2019 was up for review and renewal, and after more than a year of hard work, the fourth Generation plan was approved by the GRDM Council on 23 April 2025.

During the Council meeting, the Executive Mayor of GRDM, Andrew Stroebel, said: “What makes this project unique is that the Garden Route took the lead, not only developing and renewing its own AQMP, but also coordinating and assisting our local municipalities with the development of their respective AQMPs.  This was also a cost-effective initiative as most of the local municipalities contributed financially towards the development of the AQMPs.”

In the foreword to the AQMP, the Executive Mayor also mentioned:
“It is both an honour and a responsibility to oversee the well-being of our district and its residents. We are a vibrant district that thrives on progress, innovation, and collaboration. I am proud to announce the beginning of a crucial step towards a healthier future for everyone in our district: the renewal of our comprehensive fourth generation Air Quality Management Plan.

According to Dr Johann Schoeman, Manager for District Air Quality at GRDM: “At its essence, an AQMP serves as a strategic roadmap designed to address the pressing issue of air pollution within an outlined geographical area. It starts with a comprehensive evaluation of prevailing air quality conditions, entailing the identification of pollutant sources and a meticulous analysis of temporal trends. Subsequently, the plan describes targeted interventions aimed at mitigating health hazards and environmental degradation stemming from suboptimal air quality.”

The primary objective of this endeavour was to ascertain the municipality’s progress towards the objectives described within the extant AQMP and to provide recommendations for the forthcoming plan spanning the period from 2025 to 2030. The GRDM is also the first municipality in the Western Cape that is on its fourth generation plan.  The AQMP process was facilitated by Rayten Engineering and a copy of the plan is be published on the GRDM website.

Click here to download the document.

The vision of the previous plans, namely: “To have air quality worthy of the name ‘Garden Route’” was carried over to the revised plan as this vision is still relevant to minimise the impact of air pollution emissions on the population and the natural environment of the Garden Route.  The plan was a collaborative effort, with inputs welcomed from the public, industries, consultants, various governmental sectors, and the Air Quality officers of all the municipalities within the Garden Route.  The plan lists all the sources of emissions with the formulation of practical objectives within an implantation plans with timeframes to address air pollution in the whole of the district.

Air quality is a constitutional right and the GRDM recognises the impact air pollution may have on the health, safety, and quality of life of all our citizens. With increased urbanisation and industrial activity in the Garden Route, it is essential to manage the air pollution and ambient air quality.  The commitment to this plan, is to ensure that the Garden Route remains an area that is healthy and safe to live in and to ensure that it remains a pristine tourist attraction.

“Cleaner air will lead to healthier communities, improved economic opportunities, and a more sustainable future for generations to come,” said Dr Schoeman.

Mayor Andrew Stroebel also said: “I encourage every member of our community to familiarise themselves with the AQMP, know their rights and, and share your thoughts and concerns with us. Together, we can live up to our vision of worthy air quality”.

ENDS

23 April 2025 Media Statement by Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel – Garden Route Roads Department Investigation – A Step Toward Clean Governance

Media Statement by Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel

Garden Route Roads Department Investigation – A Step Toward Clean Governance

23 April 2025

During October 2024, I, together with the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Mayoral Committee Member (MMC) for Roads Services, Cllr Daniel Cronje, engaged in discussions relating to an investigation by the Western Cape Provincial Government (WCG) Department of Infrastructure. The investigation was said to focus on the performance, efficiency, and possible irregularities pertaining to the Roads Department at the GRDM.

GRDM is the agency function contracted to execute work on behalf of the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure over many years.Funding for this function is provided by the WCG through a grant.

On 22 April 2025, the WCG Member of the Executive Council for Infrastructure, Minister Tertuis Simmers, presented a broad summary of the findings of their investigation to the GRDM Council, municipal management, several employees and representatives of the Garden Route Ratepayers Association, amongst others.

As part of the turnaround strategy I committed to rolling out from July 2024 after I was inaugurated, the new political leadership of GRDM welcomes the findings that will be outlined in the report by WCG.

At the GRDM, we believe that transparency, accountability, and clean governance are fundamental pillars in building a successful and trusted public service model.

Therefore, once the written report is received, it will be formally tabled at a full sitting of the GRDM Council for consideration and implementation of the recommendations to bring those involved to accountability.

Clean governance is non-negotiable. Our residents expect nothing less – especially when public funds are involved.

Service delivery remains a top priority. Our dedicated employees will continue to uphold their duties as the municipality transitions through this important period of reform.

Andrew Stroebel
Executive Mayor
Garden Route District Municipality

17 April 2025 Media Release: Blitz Operations Conducted at Spaza Shops in Haarlem

Media Release: Blitz Operations Conducted at Spaza Shops in Haarlem

 17 April 2025

On Wednesday, 9 April 2025, the Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) from the Outeniqua region of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) conducted a joint inspection in Haarlem, in conjunction with the Uniondale South African Police Service (SAPS) and Law Enforcement Officers from the George Municipality (Uniondale/ Haarlem).

Three shops were visited and thoroughly inspected.

According to Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel, “the health and safety of our residents remain a top priority for the Garden Route. These joint inspection blitzes are not only essential for enforcing compliance, but also for continuously educating business owners about the importance of maintaining hygienic environments—especially where food is stored, handled, or sold”.

During the joint inspection the following issues were identified:

  • Inadequate pest control (rodent infestation);
  • Animals on the premises (cats inside food area);
  • Structural shortcomings (water leaking through open seams and cracks in the ceiling);
  • Food products not complying with the labelling legislation were dealt with accordingly.

According to Janine Koopman, GRDM EHP, two shops were closed on grounds of non-compliance with the Regulations governing General Hygiene Requirements for Food premises, the Transport of food and Related matters, section 5, sub regulation (3) (a)(i); (c)(ii), (d)(v), and the Garden Route District Municipality Municipal Health By-Laws, PG. No. 8018 of 10 December 2018, Chapter 2 Relating to Health Nuisances, section 6, (4) (a)(b)(c).

Activities during the Joint Inspection in Haarlem

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17 April 2025 Media Release: GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners promote healthier living at Formosa Primary School

Media Release: GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners promote healthier living at Formosa Primary School

For immediate release
17 April 2025

Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) from the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Bitou sub-office, Sophia Marthinus, Zoleka Goniwe and Nokuphiwa Mbali, recently conducted an awareness session at Formosa Primary school in commemoration of  World Health Day (7 April 2025).

A learner from Formosa Primary School in Bitou, eagerly participate in the handwashing demonstration conducted by Environmental Health Practitioners from Garden Route District Municipality.

While addressing Grade 1 learners regarding the purpose and importance of World Health Day, the team also understood the significance of conveying messages that are both age-appropriate and engaging.

The 2025 theme of World Health Day ‘Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures’ placed much emphasises on maternal and newborn health. While this theme focusing on mothers and infants, the communities and the public overall can adapt to the message of instilling foundational health habits in young children.​

The key topic ‘Personal Hygiene’ was presented during the programme with specific focus on topics including: When to wash hands and proper handwashing steps.

These awareness sessions are being conducted to prevent the outbreak of diseases. EHPs are committed to continuously reach out to various communities to conduct awareness and education programmes to prevent the spread of diseases and promote healthier living through proactive engagement, early detection, and community empowerment initiatives.

Personal Hygiene:

Handwashing: Teach the importance of washing hands with soap and water.

1. When to Wash Hands: Highlighted key times to wash hands:

    • Before eating or handling food.​
    • After using the toilet.​
    • After playing outside.​
    • After coughing, sneezing, or blowing their nose.​

2. Proper Handwashing Steps: Demonstrate the following steps:

    • Wet hands with clean, running water.​
    • Apply soap and lather well.​
    • Scrub all parts of the hands, including backs, between fingers, and under nails, for at least 20 seconds.​
    • Rinse thoroughly under running water.​
    • Dry hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

Feature Image: Learners from Formosa Primary School attentively observing the practical demonstrations during the presentations conducted by Environmental Health Practitioners from Garden Route District Municipality.

ENDS

16 April 2025 Media Release: GRDM, Western Cape Department of Agriculture, and others participate in a Career Expo and Information-Sharing Session

Media Release: GRDM, Western Cape Department of Agriculture, and others participate in a Career Expo and Information-Sharing Session

16 April 2025

Over the past two days, 14 and 15 April 2025, the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Disaster Management Centre joined the Western Cape Government Department of Agriculture and other stakeholders in hosting a career expo, as well as a awareness and information sharing session in Touwsraten and Calitzdorp.

On Monday, the event was hosted at the Touwsraten Community Clinic in Hoekwil, and on Tuesday, at the Calitzdorp Old Library Building.

The sessions which were scheduled from 10:00 till 13:00 exist to inform and explain to the communities exactly who the different departments and stakeholders are, and what they do and what the youth can do if they want to pursue a career in any of the different fields.

At both sessions, officials from the GRDM Disaster Management Centre (DMC) began their segment by providing the audience with background information on the DMCs role and functions. This was followed by a brief introduction to the concept of disaster management, the importance of coordination in effectively managing emergencies was then explored, along with the sharing of emergency contact numbers and general safety tips.

All the stakeholders present, including officials from the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, the Western Cape Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety, GRDM Skills Mecca, Old Mutual, and SA Youth,  each received a 15-minute time slot to share information. Topics covered included scarce skills development, lessons in financial literacy, opportunities to further existing learning capacity, potential career paths to explore, and other valuable learning experiences shared with the session’s attendees.

Each stakeholder had a stall with information on display.  Following the conclusion of the formal proceedings, members of the community had the opportunity to engage with the stakeholders by visiting their stalls to discuss the information shared and ask critical questions.

Touwsraten Awareness and Information Sharing Session

Calitzdorp Awareness and Information Sharing Session

Featured Image Caption: GRDM Disaster Management Officer, Lee-Ann Joubert, presented on behalf of the municipality at the Awareness and Information Sharing Session.

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