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03 February 2025 Media Release:  Garden Route District Municipality Celebrates a Successful Holiday Season at Its Resorts

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Celebrates a Successful Holiday Season at Its Resorts

3 February 2025

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) annually reflects on the holiday season and how its municipal resorts faired. This year, the two coastal resorts—Victoria Bay and Swartvlei Caravan Parks—led the way. This past season was marked by high occupancy rates, excellent guest feedback, and an overwhelming sense of achievement across our facilities.

Victoria Bay and Swartvlei Caravan Parks

Both Victoria Bay and Swartvlei Caravan Parks recorded occupancy rates exceeding 80% during the season, with Victoria Bay maintaining a steady flow of visitors well into February. These resorts welcomed a mix of loyal regulars who return year after year, along with an impressive 50% of first-time visitors. Many of these newcomers fell in love with the breathtaking views, the serene atmosphere, and the unique experience of waking up to the sound of waves from their camping plots.

According to Acting Resort Manager, Medron Bussack, the past holiday season stood out as one of the most harmonious in recent memory, with minimal complaints. Any issues raised were promptly addressed and resolved internally, showcasing the staff’s commitment to guest satisfaction.

“Guest feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the exceptional service, cleanliness, and well-maintained facilities, including the communal and private ablutions. I believe the impact of our social media marketing was evident, with numerous new guests discovering our resorts through Facebook posts and other platforms. Unfortunately, due to high demand, we were unable to accommodate all inquiries, underscoring the popularity of these destinations,” Bussack said.

Looking ahead, GRDM remains focused on enhancing all facilities within the constraints of the municipal budget to ensure an even better experience for visitors.

Victoria Bay Caravan Park

Swartvlei Caravan Park

De Hoek Mountain Resort

De Hoek Mountain Resort also had a successful season, surpassing the previous year’s booking numbers. While a significant portion of guests were loyal regulars, the resort also welcomed an encouraging number of first-time visitors.

Feedback from De Hoek guests was both positive and constructive. During the arrival and departure of visitors, reception staff actively promoted special off-season packages. Throughout the season, resort staff upheld a high standard of hospitality—cleaning the communal camping site bathrooms three times daily, addressing concerns around the clock, and ensuring every guest felt welcomed and well cared for. A big festival was also held at the resort, spanning over four days.

De Hoek Mountain Resort

Calitzdorp Hot Springs

One of the most significant challenges this past season was the temporary closure of the resort due to flood damage. The resort was shut down on 5 June 2024 and remained closed for over six months. During this time, we received numerous inquiries from clients eagerly awaiting its reopening.

“When we finally reopened on 1 December 2024, we were pleasantly surprised by the high turnout, particularly in the day visitors’ area. Guests were delighted by the affordability of our entrance fees, which contributed to strong attendance figures. However, the chalet and camping sections experienced slower occupancy, as many clients had already made alternative arrangements. Fortunately, we saw a steady increase in bookings, particularly in the last three weeks of December,” said Acting Resort Manager, Daryl Rondganger.

One ongoing challenge has been managing baboon activity around the chalets. Fortunately, staff have identified and successfully implemented several effective measures to mitigate this issue.

With the recent upgrade to the old cement road, accessibility from Oudtshoorn has greatly improved, making travel to the resort easier and more convenient for guests. This positive development is expected to enhance the visitor experience and contribute to the resort’s future success. One of the chalets were also upgraded – chalet four by the swimming pools. More are planned to be upgraded in due course.

Calitzdorp Hot Springs

With plans to upgrade facilities and further leverage social media marketing and word-of-mouth, we aim to build on this momentum and continue positioning our resorts as the preferred holiday destinations.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our guests for their ongoing support and invaluable feedback. GRDM remains committed to providing exceptional experiences for everyone who visits our resorts and looks forward to welcoming both returning and new guests in the seasons ahead.

-End-

29 January 2025 Media Release: National Deputy Minister of Electricity & Energy, open and ready to support municipalities in the Garden Route in terms of Energy

Media Release: National Deputy Minister of Electricity & Energy, open and ready to support municipalities in the Garden Route in terms of Energy

For immediate release
29 January 2025

During an engagement on the 20 January 2025 between the National Department of Electricity & Energy, Executive Mayors and officials of the Garden Route district, Ms Samantha Graham-Maré, the Deputy Minister, shared her department’s willingness to support the municipalities in terms of energy and electricity.

The meeting was hosted by the GRDM Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel, which created a platform for officials from the National Department to share valuable information on the initiatives of the Department and various types of assistance that the Department is able to provide to municipalities.

Information presented by the Deputy Minister and officials included: issues experienced by Eskom, the financial sustainability of municipalities regarding energy, IPP procurement, wheeling and small-scale embedded generation frameworks, waste-to-energy projects, and the clean and safe cooking programme. They also shared information about the ongoing program of Energy Efficiency which enables municipalities to replace air conditioning systems and lights for more energy efficient ones.

Municipal representatives also presented their projects, programmes and challenges, in terms of energy and electricity within their respective municipal areas. The biggest concern raised by municipalities, is the need to accommodate informal settlements to ensure their needs are met in terms of the provision of energy. The issue of unaffordable electricity rates was also noted. Municipal representatives, as part of their challenges, also mentioned the need for increased capacity, financial resources and funding for the pursuance of studies and projects.

Sharing her strong passion for Local Government, Graham-Maré recognised the immense pressure on municipalities to provide services whilst acknowledging infrastructure and maintenance backlogs and simultaneously having to navigate policies and overarching concepts on a national level and how easily people on the ground may be forgotten.

She praised the Western Cape Province by describing them as being “on the pulse of energy” with numerous energy-related projects in place. Graham-Maré shared her plans on various types of support that the Department envisages for the district.

In terms of informal settlements, Graham-Marè said: “We have to find ways to look at addressing the needs of the informal settlements differently – how to get at least some level of access to electricity on the normal grid or alternative energy sources, for e.g. microgrids for larger informal settlements, villages and areas where it is difficult to get normal grid access and electrification”.

Another significant aspect she pointed out, was that “we need to simplify our initiatives, particularly as we look into new methods of doing things, especially with the new technology continuously being developed,” she added.

Graham-Maré expressed her gratitude to all municipalities present for the honest engagement when they shared their respective challenges with the Department. This engagement with the District Municipality will be followed by consultations with the local municipalities in the area.

In his closing remarks Monde Stratu, Municipal Manager of GRDM extended his support to local municipalities and said: “As the Garden Route District Municipality we stand ready with colleagues in respect of capacity and look forward to working together with all stakeholders in terms of this initiative”.

ENDS

28 January 2025 Media Release: Knysna has sympathy for the people of Los Angeles

Media Release: Knysna has sympathy for the people of Los Angeles

For immediate release
28 January 2025

“For the moment overshadowed by President Trump’s inauguration, the full impact of the Los Angeles (LA) fire disaster is fast unfolding, and the hearts of the Knysna and Plettenberg Bay communities who endured a similar experience in 2017 goes out to the people of LA,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

From the Knysna experience, trauma and loss experienced by all those who lived in the LA burn scar and the city as a whole, is something that will take time to fully manifest and much hardship lies ahead for all affected.

Fire damage done to LA is seemingly obvious but only time will tell how bad it will be for the environment given that the toxins and debris from 12 000 burnt structures are severe. Because of the toxins present, homeowners are currently banned from cleaning their own property. It is feared that toxins are already finding their way into the ocean through rain water running down seep lines and stormwater systems and dispersed through wind, and is expected to have a detrimental impact on marine life.

Globally experts agree that the severity of wildfires has been growing because of climate change. This has put more homes in danger.

Over time the Garden Route will burn again and again and as long as invasive alien plants on the landscape prevail, the fire danger rating will remain unnecessarily high and rapidly increase. As a result of climate change and unpredictable weather, the regional fire season is now all-year round impacting on sparse resources of those tasked with fire-fighting.

GREF would like to urge landowners at risk to clear their land of invasive alien plants and in the process prevent an imminent repeat of the 2017 Knysna disaster.

(The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for environmental managers and a Climate Change think-tank – www.grefscli.co.za).

Photo: Remains of a Knysna homestead following the June 2017 wildfire disaster – (Cobus Meiring)

26 January 2025 Garden Route District Municipality Achieves Fourth Consecutive Clean Audit

Garden Route District Municipality Achieves Fourth Consecutive Clean Audit

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) welcomes another Clean Audit outcome issued by the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA). This is the fourth consecutive year for the GRDM to reach such a milestone.

According to GRDM’s Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu: “This achievement once again reflects the dedication and hard work of all our personnel, and the commitment by the GRDM Council to do their oversight”.

“While I acknowledge this milestone and remain thankful to every person who contributed to this outcome, I wouldn’t be celebrating it as the focus will remain on service delivery and fulfilling our mandate to improve the lives of residents in the district,” said Andrew Stroebel, GRDM Executive Mayor.

“Stable and accountable leadership, coupled with a culture of excellence and continuous improvement, not only ensures good governance but also creates a trustworthy environment for investment.Transparent government provides confidence to investors and stakeholders alike,” concluded Stroebel.

Ends

22 January 2025: 𝗡𝗢𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗔 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗕𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗗 𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗖 / 𝗔𝗣𝗔𝗖 𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗡 𝟮𝟴 𝗝𝗔𝗡𝗨𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗔𝗧 𝟭𝟰:𝟬𝟬

𝗡𝗢𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗔 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗕𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗗 𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗖 / 𝗔𝗣𝗔𝗖 𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗡 𝟮𝟴 𝗝𝗔𝗡𝗨𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗔𝗧 𝟭𝟰:𝟬𝟬
Notice is hereby given that a COMBINED MPAC/ APAC MEETING of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the CA Robertson Council Chambers and via Zoom, 54 York Street, George, on 28 January 2025 at 14:00.

13 January 2025 Media Release: Garden Route environment key to its economic prosperity, but wild fires remain a threat

Media Release: Garden Route environment key to its economic prosperity, but wild fires remain a threat

For immediate release
13 January 2025

“Thousands of tourists from all over the world flocked to the Garden Route over the 24/25 holiday season to experience one of the most beautiful places on earth, and in doing so, they make a vital contribution to the regional economy,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

Garden Route regional and local government and conservation bodies consistently go to great lengths to ensure that all necessary measures are taken to ensure a well- managed environment for all to enjoy. These efforts do come at a cost for those responsible for managing the environment, but the return on investment is high and the jobs created through the tourism sector is vital to the quality of life for all those living in the region.

Easily accessible clean and safe beaches, several world class nature reserves, hiking trails through forests and mountains, picnic spots, restaurants and high standard accommodation options – all contribute to the Garden Route value proposition for tourists.

Unfortunately during the festive season, the Garden Route suffered from increasingly frequent wild fires which kept authorities busy in actively fighting and monitoring several wild fires scattered all over the region. This ever- present threat will only increase as summer temperatures are set to rise to record highs in 2025.

The devastating fires presently raging through Los Angeles is a stark reminder to Garden Route residents who experienced the Knysna wildfire disaster back in June 2017. Fact is that, as climate change shows its teeth, the danger of regional wild fire disasters are clear and present and on the increase, and in many respects, there are correlations between the factors which contributed to the ferocity of the LA and Knysna wildfire disasters.

Garden Route regional authorities and professional firefighting entities such as the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association (FPA), are better prepared than ever to prevent and manage wildfires. Despite best efforts and equipment, the Los Angeles disaster showed that when nature unleashes its full fury, nothing will stop it from destroying everything in its path.

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

Photo: The scenic Garden Route is a major draw card for thousands of tourists and makes an invaluable contribution to the economic prosperity of the region.

10 January 2025 Media Release: GRDM Fire & Rescue Services had a Busy Fire Season So Far

Media Release: GRDM Fire & Rescue Services had a Busy Fire Season So Far

10 January 2025

GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY HOLIDAY FIRE SEASON: 01 December 2024 to 05 January 2025

It has been an exceptionally demanding holiday season for the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Fire & Rescue Service, as the summer sun intensified, and the annual wild-and-veld fire season commenced on 01 December and officially ends on 30 April.

Fires in the Garden Route district, renowned for their picturesque landscapes, often threaten the environment as well as residents and infrastructural safety.  The GRDM team responded to a total of 17 fire emergency incidents across the district, with the majority involving vegetation fires in areas such as Melkhoutfontein and Jongensfontein near Still Bay, Korinterivier in Riversdale, the Swartberg Mountains in Oudtshoorn, and Kammanassie and Buffelsdrif Mountains in the northern parts of George.

Through coordinated efforts, including rapid response, public awareness campaigns, and partnerships with local communities, farmer organisations and other fire management agencies, the team continues to mitigate risks and manage the impacts of these fires.

A few pictures captured during the recent wildfire operations in Hessequa and Oudtshoorn.

From 6 December 2024 to 5 January 2025, the GRDM Fire and Rescue Services, were inundated with veld and mountain fire incidents, better known as wildfires.

A total of 17 veld and mountain fire incidents were attended to, with eight (8) of these fires escalating to extended wildfires, with the Jongensfontein, Hessequa wildfire extending to 14 days, the Melkhoutfontein Fire extending to 18 days, including several ‘flare-ups’, the Swartberg Mountain Fires extending to 15 days, and the Kammanassie and Buffelsdrif Mountain wildfires extending over 5 days respectively.

Additionally, the GRDM substation in Ladismith responded to seven (7) veld fires, including a dump site fire.

The wildfires in the Hessequa Municipal area were extremely challenging, due to the type of terrain, access limitations, including the very difficult to manoeuvre coastal dunes, and excessively overgrown and old vegetation type, including Acacia Cyclops (the famous Rooikrans and / or Rooiputjie), as well as Fynbos, including the Metalasia muricata (Blombos) vegetation types.

The Swarberg Mountains presented very challenging terrain, for both vehicles and ground teams, especially due to the rugged and steepness of the terrain, exacerbated by various hills, gorges and valleys. This necessitated trooping in ground crews, a total of 54 trooped in at one stage, to ensure more effective firefighting operations, walking up these mountains were timeous and straining.  

A total of 23 Municipal firefighters, including GRDM and Hessequa Municipality, as well as 08 Garden Route Volunteer Fire Members, with 4 bakkie units, and daily, either a three (3) or four (4) team response from the Working on Fire Program, consisting of average 20 members mitigated the Hessequa Fires on peak days. Additionally, local farmers assisted with a bulldozer, and tractors. The Hessequa Municipality assisted with JCBs and a bulldozer, mainly constructing fuel and fire breaks, either in attempts to stop fire spread or preparing counter burn breaks.

For the Swartberg and Kammanassie mountain fires, CapeNature provided additional ground teams to assist with groundwork, having several ‘stick’ teams, ranging between 08 – 12 members, and ranging between 2 and 4 teams.

Calculated burnscars for some of the largest fires to date include,

  • Swartberg Mountain (Oudtshoorn): 15 251 hectares
  • Melkhoutfontein (Hessequa): 1346 hectares
  • Jongensfontein (Hessequa): 300 hectares
  • Korinterivier (Hessequa): 562 hectares
  • Kammanassie (George): 437 hectares
  • Buffelsdrift (George): 700 hectares
  • Herbertsdale (Mossel Bay): 30 hectares

A total of 48 aerial firefighting hours were utilised to date, including a combination of resources, i.e. bomber planes, spotter planes and helicopter.

Despite rapid initial attacks through the activation of aerial firefighting resources, early and precise detection of fires remains an area requiring continuous improvement. Several simultaneous lightning strikes, often occurring just before sundown, present significant challenges. These incidents limit the immediate activation of aerial firefighting resources and frequently result in fires intensifying during hot and humid evenings. This necessitates the strategic deployment of aerial resources in the days that follow. Addressing these challenges will require innovative measures and strategies moving forward.

Firebreak compliance and the prevalence of excessive alien invasive plants (essentially accumulative fuel loads that drive wildfires), remain significant challenges. However, efforts are underway to strengthen compliance measures in the future. Counter-burning (fighting fire with fire) emerged as a key and strategic firefighting tactic, particularly for managing coastal fires. Ultimately, this approach proved highly effective and will continue to be a preferred tactic in future firefighting efforts.

The deployment of firefighters on the ground, alongside aerial suppression, is a vital reinforcement given the combination of challenging topography, limited access, and high fuel loads. Heli-tack crews (firefighters who are part of helicopter-based initial attack teams) are a highly desirable solution for rapidly suppressing fires in their incipient stages, particularly in difficult-to-access terrain.

A coordinated and collaborative response approach remain the most ideal manner in combatting wildfires, and major incidents, which include landowners, local authorities, including local (structure protection) and the district municipalities, Working on Fire, the Fire Protection Association and trained disaster management and firefighting volunteer groups.

As mentioned before, the December holiday period proved extremely challenging due to multiple wildfires. However, resources were coordinated effectively, allowing us to address all the reported incidents. Notably, the success achieved during this period includes the preservation of lives—no lives were lost—and the protection of property, with no structures destroyed.

It is highly recommended that landowners, on whose land these fires occurred, innovatively utilise these burned areas for sound environmental rehabilitation and management of especially alien invasive plant species and constructing of fire breaks.

To report wildfires, call 044 805 5071 or WhatsApp 081 709 5193.

-END-

13 December 2024: Public Notice: Closure of Offices on Friday, 13 December 2024 at 12h00

Public Notice: Closure of Offices on Friday, 13 December 2024 at 12h00

13 December 2024

Notice is hereby given that the offices of the Garden Route District Municipality will close on today, 13 December 2024 at 12:00 and re-open on Monday, 6 January 2025 at 07:30. All emergency services will continue to be rendered during this period. The number 044 805 5071 can be contacted at all hours for such services.

MG Stratu
Municipal Manager
54 York Street
P.O. Box 12
GEORGE
6530
Tel: 044 803 1300

13 December 2024 Media Statement: Investigation Concludes on alleged Foodborne Illness Incident Involving Schoolchildren

Media Statement: Investigation Concludes on alleged Foodborne Illness Incident Involving Schoolchildren

13 December 2024

“The Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) have concluded their investigation into the reported illness of schoolchildren on 18 November 2024 in Mossel Bay,” said Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel.

The GRDM previously reported about the children were reported to have fallen ill after consuming chips purchased from local spaza shops and vendors near their school.

The mandate of GRDM is to send similar batches of chips packets for testing to the National Health Laboratory Service – Forensic Chemistry Laboratory, to screen for potential contamination. Whereas the mandate of the South African Police Service (SAPS) is to send the actual foreign objects found in the food packaging for testing.

“Testing a specific batch of a product is crucial for pinpointing contamination or irregularities linked to a particular production or handling period. This process ensures traceability and prevents inaccurate generalizations about a product’s safety,” said Stroebel

“According to the laboratory test results, the toxicology analysis confirmed that no traces of toxic chemicals were present in any of the batches of chips.”

“The EHPs have concluded that there is no evidence that the chips were cause of the illness of the children,” said Stroebel.

The South African Police Service (SAPS), however, is busy conducting testing on substances found as part of their ongoing investigation.

To report any incidents of suspected counterfeit or tampered foods, members of the public are urged to contact their nearest SAPS or reach out directly to the Garden Route District Municipality’s Environmental Health Services.

  • Johan Compion – Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management & Air Quality Control. jcompion@gardenroute.gov.za; 044 803 1550 / 082 803 5161
  • Desmond Paulse – Manager: Municipal Health Klein Karoo. desmond@gardenroute.gov.za;  044 272 2241 / 083 678 6530; 94 St John Street, Oudtshoorn.
  • Rinay Cloete – Acting Chief: Municipal Health Mossel Bay. rinay@gardenroute.gov.za; 044 693 0006 / 083 630 6108; C/O Sampson & Marling Street, Ext 23, Mossel Bay.
  • Emmy Douglas – Chief: Municipal Health George (Outeniqua). emmy@gardenroute.gov.za;  044 803 1537 / 078 457 2824; Mission Street, Industrial Area, George.
  • Jessica Erasmus – Acting Chief: Municipal Health George (Wilderness); jessica@gardenroute.gov.za; 044 803 1522 / 081 346 3118; Mission Street, Industrial Area, George.
  • James McCarthy – Chief: Municipal Health Knysna (Lakes). james@gardenroute.gov.za; 044 382 7214 / 082 805 9417; 26A Queen Street, Knysna.
  • Gawie Vos – Chief: Municipal Health Bitou (Lakes). Gjvos@gardenroute.gov.za; 044 501 1600 / 083 557 1522; 7 Gibb Street, Plettenberg Bay
  • Haemish Herwels – Chief: Municipal Health Hessequa (Langeberg).  haemish@gardenroute.gov.za; 028 713 2438 / 083 678 6545; 23 Mitchell Street, Riversdale.

 ENDS