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28 May 2026 Media Release: Tourism in the Garden Route & Klein Karoo remains resilient and continues efforts to achieve sustainable growth

Media Release: Tourism in the Garden Route & Klein Karoo remains resilient and continues efforts to achieve sustainable growth

For immediate release
28 May 2026

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) through its regional tourism office hosted a two-day Garden Route and Klein Karoo Regional Tourism Industry Workshop in the towns of George and Oudtshoorn, on 26-27 May 2026. During these workshops, various stakeholders engaged in an information-sharing session about the status quo of the tourism sector.

This engagement was in partnerships with the National Department of Tourism, South African Tourism, the Tourism Business Council of South Africa, the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa, and attended by various tourism businesses and industry stakeholder across the region such as SANPARKS, CapeNature, Wesgro, Local Tourism Offices, established and emerging business enterprises, and the hospitality industry.

The Executive Mayor, Alderman Marais Kruger welcomed everyone present under the theme “Unlocking Opportunities, Support & Benefits Across Key Tourism Institutions” reflecting our collective commitment to strengthening tourism growth, collaboration, and sustainable development across the Garden Route and Klein Karoo region.

These industry leading voices dissected a myriad of areas that requires improvement and highlighted opportunities across the entire tourism value chain. If this is realised, it could potentially open pathways for increased collaboration – a shared commitment to grow the region’s tourism industry.

South African Tourism representative responsible for stakeholder relations, Tony Nkadimeng, acknowledged that although the Garden Route had experienced natural disasters such as fires and the recent floods, the tourism industry remained resilient despite these challenges. “Regardless of these challenges, we are encouraged to see that the industry is still thriving,” he said.

Capitalising on its recognition as the best scenic route, the Garden Route and Klein Karoo Tourism Regional Office, together with the stakeholders at workshops, explored existing opportunities for the region to entrench its brand equity among both domestic and international travellers.

Dealing with matters pertinent to the Sector, the discussions centred around strengthening tourism marketing initiatives, promoting sports tourism such as golfing, supporting small businesses, especially women-led enterprises and positioning the Garden Route and Klein Karoo as the preferred tourism destination.

Chief Director-Enterprise Development & Transformation from the National Department of Tourism, Sbonelo Nzimande, said: “We have made a concerted effort in supporting women-led businesses, digitising services offered by small businesses and enabling transactions for operators in the rural areas as well”. Nzimande added that Micro-, Small and Medium Enterprises needed to embrace research, technology, innovation and creativity to move the needle in the trajectory of their entrepreneurship endeavours.

Smalls businesses were also encouraged to apply for grading through the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.

Hospitality businesses called for strategic coordination from the GRDM to ensure the sector becomes more attractive to investment. Funding and compliance were cited as the biggest stumbling blocks for entrepreneurs who emphasised the need to bridge the gap in the dissemination of information and mentorship.

Tourism, LED and EPWP Manager at the GRDM, Richard Dyantyi, recognised small businesses and various stakeholders for their contributions in the region and how these efforts made a tangible difference to the tourism landscape.

“This engagement will not be another talk-shop. I will ensure that the GRDM management and political leadership reflect on the issues raised at this platform so that when we meet again, I will be able to report back on what we have done from our side,” he said.

Caption: Presenters of the day representing the GRDM and various key stakeholders after an insightful engagement at the George leg of the Garden Route and Klein Karoo Tourism Industry Workshop held at the George Civic Centre.

ENDS

26 May 2026 Media Release: GR&KK Tourism Team represents the region at the Africa Travel Indaba

Media Release: GR&KK Tourism Team represents the region at the Africa Travel Indaba

For immediate release
26 May 2026

“Africa’s annual Travel Indaba is one of the largest tourism marketing events on the African calendar and one of the top three ‘must visit’ events of its kind on the global calendar,” says Denver Johnson, Garden Route and Klein Karoo Tourism (GR&KK) Coordinator at the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM).

Hosted in Durban at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, during the second week of May, the event showcased the widest variety of Africa’s best tourism products and attracted international buyers and media from across the world.

Representatives from GR&KK and two of the region’s Local Tourism Offices George, Wilderness & Uniondale Tourism, as well as Visit Knysna Tourism at the Indaba.

The Indaba brought together Southern African tourism products and services for the international travel trade. Exhibitors included provincial authorities, provincial products and African countries, accommodation, tour operators, game lodges, transport, online travel, luxury products, hidden gems, media publications and industry associations. Outdoor exhibitors included transport, camping and safari companies.

This year, the GR&KK team again exhibited their tourism offerings at this well-known marketing platform with a secured 12 m2 space at the DEC Hall. “By exhibiting on the GR&KK platform with two of the region’s Local Tourism Offices including George, Wilderness & Uniondale Tourism, as well as Visit Knysna Tourism, sent a strong unified message to all tourism and travel markets domestically and internationally,” Johnson highlighted. “This platform provided the region the opportunity to engage with tour operators, travel agents and travel media to direct more tours and travels to the GR&KK,” he added.

Officially opened with an address by President Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, the event reflected on a government that understands that tourism is a central pillar of growth, jobs, investment, and transformation.

It further proceeded with palpable energy and a clear sense of purpose on its Business Opportunity Networking Day (BONDay), on 11 May, setting a visionary tone for the continent’s premier leisure tourism trade show. The BONDAY programme launches critical conversations around policy, entrepreneurship, destination competitiveness, sports tourism, culture, and digital transformation. These are all designed to showcase new growth opportunities for African tourism economies.

By collaborating with African neighbours (e.g., Namibia, Botswana, Kenya), the region expands into new markets, sustains visitor numbers, and balances the tourism season across all 12 months – although R835 million was spent on tourism it total, it supported more than 1,122 jobs across the region.

Feature Image: FLTR: Denver Johnson (GR&KK Tourism at GRDM), Thozeka Sikhali (Visit Knysna) and Sharon House (George, Wilderness & Uniondale Tourism) with the Western Cape Provincial MEC of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, at the Africa Travel Indaba.

ENDS

25 May 2026 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Receives Gold Recognition for Municipal Health Excellence

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Receives Gold Recognition for Municipal Health Excellence

Issued on behalf of the Office of the Executive Mayor, Marais Kruger

25 May 2026

“It is a proud moment to announce that Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Community Services Department has been awarded a Gold Certification of Recognition by the Western Cape Provincial Government (WCG) Department of Health and Wellness,” said Marais Kruger, GRDM Executive Mayor. The award reads: For technological advancement in Environmental Health Norms and Standards during the 2025/26 financial year and achieving 97.8%”.

“The Gold Certification positions GRDM as a provincial leader in Municipal Health innovation and climate-responsive service delivery,” said Mayor Kruger.

According to the GRDM Snr. Manager: Municipal Health, Waste Management and Air Quality, “My Unit achieved a score of 97.8% for Municipal Health initiatives and Climate Change programme”. The Silver Recognition Certificate was awarded to a Metropolitan Municipality – the City of Cape Town, while the Bronze Recognition Certificate was presented to the West Coast District Municipality.

Mayor Kruger also extended his congratulations to the Mayoral Committee Chairperson for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard; Municipal Manager Monde Stratu; Executive Manager, Nthabeleng Raisa-Mlandu; her Senior Manager, Chiefs and all EHPs – congratulations on your achievement, professionalism, and innovation.”

“The award acknowledged GRDM’s comprehensive community educational material developed as part of its Climate Change Programme, aimed at strengthening public awareness and resilience regarding climate-related health and environmental risks.”

“The municipality’s innovative technology-driven Municipal Health Programme received commendation for enabling EHPs to work smarter and more efficiently in serving communities across the district.”

The Provincial Department also recognised the critical role played by the GRDM EHPs during the George building collapse disaster response. “Municipal Health officials were instrumental in monitoring and ensuring the safe provision of food and water to rescue workers operating on-site during the emergency operation,” concluded Mayor Kruger.

Feature Image: Proudly displaying the Gold Certificate of Recognition Award that GRDM’s Municipal Health Services won, from left to right are the GRDM leaders pictured: Nthabeleng Raisa-Mlandu, Executive Manager: Community Services; Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, MMC: Community Services, Marais Kruger, Executive Mayor; Monde Stratu, Municipal Manager; and Johan Compion, Snr. Mgr: Manager: Municipal Health, Waste Management and Air Quality.

ENDS

25 May 2026 Progress Update 2 on the GRDM Regional Waste Management Facility Construction

Progress Update 2 on the GRDM Regional Waste Management Facility Construction

25 May 2026

Construction full steam ahead.

The contractor, Civils 2000, appointed for the construction of Phase 1 of the Regional Waste Management Facility, is progressing well. The recent severe weather conditions raised concerns about potential damage and delays; however, the contractor had put measures in place to minimise any impact. No serious damage was reported, and the contractor remains on track with the construction programme despite the adverse conditions.

Construction is approximately 33% complete, and the completion date remains set for 24 February 2027.

Ends

Public Notice: Notice of a Continuation of a Municipal Public Accounts Committee Meeting on 25 May 2026 at 10:00

Notice of the Continuation of a Municipal Public Accounts Committee Meeting on 25 May 2026 at 10:00

Notice No. 45/2026

Notice is hereby given that a continuation of the Municipal Public Accounts Committee Meeting (MPAC) of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the CA Robertson Council Chambers and via Zoom, 54 York Street, George, on 25 May 2026 at 10:00.

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

Notice Number 45/2026
22 May 2026

Media Release: Empowering Food Handlers: Food Safety & Hygiene Training at Meals on Wheels Community Service

Media Release: Empowering Food Handlers: Food Safety & Hygiene Training at Meals on Wheels Community Service

For immediate release
21 May 2026

A Food Safety and Hygiene Training session was recently facilitated for the food handlers of Meals on Wheels Community Services (MOWCS). MOWCS serves some of the most vulnerable members of the community, including the elderly, the frail, and children. These individuals are at a higher risk of complications from foodborne illnesses. “This makes food safety not merely a regulatory requirement, but a direct expression of care and dignity for every person who receives a meal,” said Nonkosi Somwahla, Environmental Health Practitioner (EHPs) at the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM).

As a non-profit organisation involved in the preparation and serving of food, MOWCS is required to hold a valid Certificate of Acceptability (COA) and ensure that all food handlers receive adequate training in Food Safety and Hygiene.

The training was presented by GRDM’s EHPs. The aim was to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills required to handle, prepare, and serve food safely, while ensuring compliance with South African food safety legislation.

 The session covered key areas of food safety relevant to the day-to-day work of the MOWCS team, including the identification and control of food safety hazards, safe food handling practices, personal hygiene standards emphasise the importance of washing hands, and the maintenance of clean, pest-free premises. Participants engaged actively throughout the session, which was well received by all in attendance.

All attendees who participated in the Food Safety and Hygiene Training received Certificates of Attendance at the end of the session in recognition of their participation and commitment to improving food safety practices.

The training was well received, with positive feedback from Meals on Wheels leadership. The Regional Director of Meals on Wheels, Mr Jeremy Vlotman, shared the following feedback with the EHP, Nonkosi Somwahla: “Thank you for a professional and informative presentation. We have received positive feedback thus far; our next step is to ensure implementation.”

The EHP’s looks forward to supporting Meals on Wheels Community Services through this process, including follow-up visits and ongoing guidance as needed.

-END-

20 May 2026 Media Release: GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners conduct Blitz Operations in Albertinia

Media Release: GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners conduct Blitz Operations in Albertinia

For immediate release
20 May 2026

Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) from Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) conducted 17 joint blitz operations in Albertinia this month, whereby the the team inspected spaza shops operating within the area. The operation was conducted in collaboration with representatives of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Albertinia, the Department of Home Affairs and Hessequa Municipality’s Municipal Police Services.

The inspections primarily focused on:

  • Compliance with Regulation 638 (structural and hygiene requirements).
  • Adherence to Labelling Regulation 146, including “best before,” “sell by,” and “use by” dates.
  • Accurate ingredient labelling.
  • Identification of damaged or non-compliant products.

“The aim of the operation was not only to enforce health and legal standards, but also to raise awareness among spaza shop owners regarding regulatory requirements and the importance of maintaining high hygiene standards to safeguard public health,” said Haemish Herwels, Chief: Municipal Health (GRDM Sub-Office, Hessequa).

According to Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, MMC for Community Services: “This collaboration also enabled Home Affairs, SAPS and Hessequa Municipality’s Municipal Police Services to effectively perform their regulatory duties”.  Haemish Herwels added that the GRDM further appreciates the ongoing support received from these departments in ensuring the success of initiatives aimed at protecting the health and safety of communities.

The GRDM also appreciates the support received from members of the public through the lodging of complaints. While officials are not always present on the ground, the information provided by the public plays a vital role in assisting the GRDM to identify areas of concern and respond accordingly.

To report businesses in the Hessequa region that are operating without a Certificate of Acceptability, or who do not comply with standards, contact the Chief for Municipal Health (Hessequa), Haemish Herwels on 083 678 6545 or e-mail haemish@gardenroute.gov.za.

ENDS

18 May 2026 Media Release: Understanding the Drivers Behind Recent Extreme Weather in the Southern Cape

Media Release: Understanding the Drivers Behind Recent Extreme Weather in the Southern Cape

For immediate release
18 May 2026

Recent extreme weather events in the Southern Cape have raised serious concern among residents, infrastructure managers, and environmental practitioners.

GREF Convener, Cobus Meiring, requested Knysna-based climate systems expert, Peter du Toit, from FutureClimateIQ to shed some light on why the Southern Cape increasingly experience such extreme weather events.

“The region’s recent experience of intense rainfall, flooding, and an unprecedented period of gale force winds is consistent with evolving atmospheric and oceanic conditions affecting southern Africa”, says Du Toit.

Du Toit explains that the Southern Cape sits at the intersection of several dynamic weather systems. The region is influenced by mid-latitude frontal systems moving in from the South Atlantic, as well as moisture-laden air masses driven by warmer ocean temperatures. When these systems interact under unstable atmospheric conditions, they can generate highly concentrated storm events with strong wind fields and intense precipitation over short periods.

One of the key contributing factors highlighted is the increasing variability in large-scale climate drivers such as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation. These oscillations influence rainfall distribution and storm tracks across southern Africa, often intensifying weather extremes when atmospheric conditions align unfavourably.

The recent gale force wind event, described by local authorities as unprecedented in its sustained intensity and spatial reach, is linked to a deep low-pressure system that intensified rapidly offshore before making landfall along the Southern Cape coastline. This created a strong pressure gradient, resulting in damaging wind speeds across exposed coastal and inland areas.

Du Toit further notes that while these large-scale climate systems are natural, their behaviour is being modified by a warming global climate. Warmer sea surface temperatures increase atmospheric moisture and energy availability, which can enhance storm development and severity.

However, he cautions that climate drivers alone do not fully explain the scale of impacts experienced on the ground. Local factors such as land-use change, degraded catchments, and invasive alien vegetation significantly amplify run-off, windthrow, and infrastructure vulnerability during extreme events.

The combination of these global and local influences is making the Southern Cape increasingly susceptible to high-impact weather events, requiring improved understanding, preparedness, and long-term resilience planning.

Feature Image: Peter du Toit, from FutureClimateIQ –Photo Supplied

Written by: Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF)

The GREF is a public platform for environmental practitioners and a climate change think tank (grefecsf.co.za).

ENDS

18 May 2026 Public Awareness: Food safety during power outages

Public Awareness: Food safety during power outages

18 May 2026

During the recent storms experienced across the Western Cape, many areas in the Garden Route district were and are still left without electricity for hours and even days. This type of disaster may lead to great food safety risk that a lot of citizens and holiday-goers, are not aware of.  During this time, food can spoil quickly if it is not stored or handled properly. Knowing what to do can help protect everyone from foodborne illnesses.

Below find several simple, but important food safety tips.

How to keep your food colder for longer

  • One of the most important things to remember during a power outage is to keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed for as long much as possible. Although there is no electricity used while keeping the doors closed, the refrigerator maintains the temperature for an extended time and therefore delays the spoilage of perishable food.
  • If the outage in an area continues, consider using a cooler box with ice packs for foods that must remain cold, such as milk, meat, eggs and leftovers.

What are considered high risk foods: Food that spoils quickly?

Raw meat, chicken, seafood, dairy products and cooked leftovers are high-risk foods and should be checked carefully after an outage.

Shelf-stable foods such as tinned goods, unopened juices, peanut butter and dry cereals are generally safer during long power cuts.

Remember these important rules: if food smells strange, looks unusual, or feels warm when it should be cold, throw it away and thawed food cannot be refrozen.

What are safe temperatures?

Food safety depends heavily on temperature. If perishable food has been above safe temperatures for more than two hours, it is safest to discard it.

How to maintain hygiene during storms

  • Storms can sometimes affect water supplies. It is best to use safe water or boil the water before use.
  • Wash your hands with soap and clean water before handling food. If clean and safe water is limited, use hand sanitiser containing at least 60 percent alcohol.
  • Also make sure kitchen surfaces, utensils and containers are kept clean to prevent contamination or cross-contamination.

How can you prepare for emergencies?

Preparation can make a major difference during emergencies. Keep an emergency supply kit with:

  • Ice packs
  • A food thermometer
  • Bottled water
  • A torch
  • A manual can opener
  • Non-perishable foods

Being prepared helps reduce stress and keeps your household safer during extended outages.

For more information or to report unhygienic practices by food handlers, contact the following GRDM offices within the Garden Route:

Johan Compion
Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management and Air Quality
E-mail: info@gardenroute.gov.za
044 803 1300 / 082 803 516

Klein Karoo & Kannaland
Desmond Paulse – Manager: Municipal Health (Klein Karoo)
94 St John Street, Oudtshoorn
044 272 2241 / 083 678 6530

Mossel Bay
Rinay Cloete – Acting Chief: Municipal Health
C/O Sampson & Marling Street, Ext 23, Mossel Bay
044 693 0006 /  083 530 3709

George Outeniqua
Emmy Douglas – Chief: Municipal Health
Mission Street, Industrial Area, George, 6530
044 803 1501 /  078 457 2824

George & Wilderness
Lusizo Kwetshube – Acting Chief: Municipal Health
Mission Street, Industrial Area, George, 6530
044 803 1599 / 081 555 6992

Knysna
James McCarthy – Chief: Knysna
26A Queen Street, Knysna, 6571
044 382 7214 /  082 805 9417

Bitou
Gawie Vos – Chief: Lakes (Bitou)
4 Virginia street, Plettenberg bay, 6600
044 501 1600 / 083 557 1522

Hessequa
Haemish Herwels – Chief: Hessequa
24 Michell Street, Riversdale, 6670
028 713 2438 / 083 678 6545