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18 August 2026 Media Release: Skills Mecca Indabas turn talk into action across the Garden Route

Media Release: Skills Mecca Indabas turn talk into action across the Garden Route

18 August 2026

The Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM), a skills development programme by the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), is enhancing economic inclusion through a series of Skills Development Indabas held across the region.

With this initiative, the GRSM is connecting all the seven local municipalities in the district, business, training providers, and residents to explore skills development, training opportunities and create pathways to employment, especially for the youth.

On 11 August 2026, in collaboration with the Bitou Local Municipality, the GRSM held another successful session in KwaNokuthula Community Hall in Plettenberg Bay, bringing together government departments, Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA), and various stakeholders. This was done to connect the community with opportunities that promote skills development, employment and economic participation.

Held biannually in all seven local municipal areas (Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Bitou, Oudtshoorn and Kannaland), this year’s programme has been expanded to include unemployed youth, creating access to valuable information and opportunities that can help transform their futures.

GRDM Training Coordinator, Reginald Salmons said, “The Indabas form an important part of the GRSM’s commitment to ensuring that skills development responds directly to the needs of local communities and the regional economy”.

  • George kicked off the current round on 16 June with LevelUp, a partnership with SUFF Academy that helped Grade 12 learners from more than 10 schools navigate university applications, funding and career pathways.
  • Knysna’s Indaba on 24 July brought together stakeholders including the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency, the Knysna Business Chamber and Africa Skills Village. The area is now moving toward a Mini Skills Summit to tackle rural outreach and broader skills needs.
  • Mossel Bay’s engagement on 28 July led to plans for a local task team to organise a Job and Career Expo within two months, linking job-seekers directly to employers, SETAs and training providers.
  • Hessequa’s Indaba on 4 August surfaced a clear need for a School of Skills in the Hessequa/Kannaland area, backed by the Western Cape Provincial Department of Education.
  • Kannaland took its Indaba directly to Zoar on 5 August, reaching unemployed youth and agreeing to extend outreach to Van Wyksdorp, Calitzdorp and surrounding farming communities.

The Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) Provincial Manager, Anneka Jacobs, commended the GRSM for its work by saying: “This approach will ensure that skills development information and opportunities reach communities that may otherwise experience barriers in accessing information and support”.

Salmons said that these indabas are not talk shops, but rather exists to produce tangible solutions to local challenges. “The communities are sharing their needs with us, and we’re connecting with partners to deliver it.”

The GRSM is taking the next leg of these indabas straight to Oudtshoorn at the Thusong Service Centre on 18 August 2026, and unemployed youth, businesses, training providers and community organisations are encouraged to attend and help shape the region’s skills agenda.

The GRSM encourages community members to use these engagements to obtain information about available opportunities, communicate their skills development needs and contribute to identifying practical solutions for their communities.

To learn more, visit skillsmecca.gardenroute.gov.za

Caption: Skills Mecca Indaba sessions in Kannaland, Hessequa and Bitou Local Municipalities.

END

Save the Date: Notice of a Council Meeting on 31 August 2026 at 11h00

NOTICE OF A COUNCIL MEETING ON 31 AUGUST 2026 AT 11:00

Notice Number 75/2026

Notice is hereby given that a COUNCIL MEETING of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the CA Robertson Council Chambers, 54 York Street, George, and via Zoom on 31 August 2026 at 11:00.

YouTube:
https://youtube.com/live/QbcBTxy4cuA?feature=share

N Raisa-Mlandu
Acting Municipal Manager
54 York Street
P O Box 12
GEORGE
6530
Tel:   044 803 1300

Notice Number: 75/2026
19 August 2026

17 Augustus Openbare Bewusmaking: Voedselveiligheid tydens kragonderbrekings in die Oudtshoorn munisipale gebied

Openbare Bewusmaking: Voedselveiligheid tydens kragonderbrekings in die Oudtshoorn munisipale gebied

17 Augustus 2026

Die Oudtshoorn munisipale area is tans sonder elektrisiteit. Voedsel kan gedurende hierdie tyd vinnig bederf indien dit nie behoorlik gestoor of hanteer word nie. Deur te weet wat om te doen, kan almal help om voedselgedraagde siektes te voorkom.

Hieronder volg ’n paar eenvoudige, maar belangrike voedselveiligheidswenke.

Hoe om jou kos langer koud te hou

Een van die belangrikste dinge om tydens ’n kragonderbreking te onthou, is om die yskas- en vrieskasdeure so veel as moontlik toe te hou. Hoewel geen elektrisiteit gebruik word terwyl die deure toe bly nie, behou die yskas die koue temperatuur vir ’n langer tydperk en vertraag dit dus die bederf van bederfbare voedsel.

Indien die kragonderbreking in ’n gebied voortduur, oorweeg dit om ’n koelhouer met yspakke te gebruik vir voedsel wat koud gehou moet word, soos melk, vleis, eiers en oorskietkos.

Watter voedselsoorte word as hoërisiko-voedsel beskou?

Rou vleis, hoender, seekos, suiwelprodukte en gaar oorskietkos is hoërisiko-voedselsoorte en moet ná ’n kragonderbreking noukeurig nagegaan word.

Rakstabiele voedselsoorte, soos blikkieskos, onoopgemaakte vrugtesappe, grondboontjiebotter en droë ontbytgraan, is oor die algemeen veiliger tydens lang kragonderbrekings.

Onthou hierdie belangrike reëls: Indien voedsel vreemd ruik, ongewoon lyk of warm voel wanneer dit koud behoort te wees, gooi dit weg. Ontdooide voedsel moet ook nie weer gevries word nie.

Wat is veilige temperature?

Voedselveiligheid is sterk afhanklik van temperatuur. Indien bederfbare voedsel vir langer as twee uur aan temperature bo die veilige temperatuur blootgestel was, is dit die veiligste om dit weg te gooi.

Hoe om higiëne tydens storms te handhaaf

Storms kan soms watervoorrade beïnvloed. Dit is die beste om veilige water te gebruik of water te kook voordat dit gebruik word.

Was jou hande met seep en skoon water voordat jy voedsel hanteer. Indien skoon en veilige water beperk is, gebruik handreiniger wat minstens 60% alkohol bevat.

Maak ook seker dat kombuisoppervlaktes, eetgerei en houers skoon gehou word om besoedeling of kruisbesmetting te voorkom.

Hoe kan jy vir noodgevalle voorberei?

Voorbereiding kan ’n groot verskil tydens noodgevalle maak. Hou ’n noodvoorraadstel met die volgende items gereed:

  • Yspakke
  • ’n Voedseltermometer
  • Gebottelde water
  • ’n Flits
  • ’n Handmatige blikoopmaker
  • Nie-bederfbare voedsel

Deur voorbereid te wees, kan jy stres verminder en jou huishouding veiliger hou tydens langdurige kragonderbrekings.

Vir meer inligting of om onhigiëniese praktyke deur voedselhanteerders aan te meld, kontak die volgende persone:

Johan Compion
Senior Bestuurder: Munisipale Gesondheid, Vaste Afvalbestuur en Luggehalte
E-pos: info@gardenroute.gov.za
044 803 1300 / 082 803 516

Klein Karoo & Kannaland
Desmond Paulse
Bestuurder: Munisipale Gesondheid (Klein Karoo)
94 St Johnstraat, Oudtshoorn
044 272 2241 / 083 678 6530

17 August 2026 Media Release: Education and Awareness Program on Recycling and Proper Waste Management held in Kurland, Bitou Municipality

Media Release: Education and Awareness Program on Recycling and Proper Waste Management held in Kurland, Bitou Municipality

17 Augustus 2026

On Thursday, 13 August 2026, an Education and Awareness Program focusing on recycling and proper waste management was held in Kurland in the Bitou municipal area. The program brought together community members, stakeholders in waste management and local leadership to promote greater awareness of responsible waste disposal, recycling and environmental protection.

The programme aimed to educate the Kurland community about keeping their area clean, safe and environmentally friendly. Residents were encouraged to take responsibility for their surroundings and help address littering, illegal dumping and poor waste management.

The Bitou Executive Mayor, Councillor Jessica Kamkam who is also the Kurland Ward Councillor, was also present during the event and welcomed the stakeholders to the program and expressed her support for the initiative. Mayor Kamkam highlighted the importance of bringing environmental education directly to communities and hoped the programme would help bring positive change to Kurland.

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) District Waste Management Officer, Innocentia Sikweyiya, delivered the keynote address and highlighted the importance of community participation in achieving effective and sustainable waste management.

Sikweyiya stressed that government cannot do it alone and that communities have an important role to play in protecting the environment. She called on residents, businesses and other stakeholders to work together to keep their surroundings clean, safe and sustainable.

“Take responsibility for the waste they generate and to make proper waste separation part of their daily practices,” she said.

Residents were encouraged to separate recyclable waste from general waste and take recyclables to the designated drop-off facility. Ms Sikweyiya explained that recycling helps reduce waste going to landfill, prevent littering and illegal dumping, and protect the environment. She also encouraged residents to see recyclable materials as valuable resources that can be reused and recycled.

As part of the program, a walk-through education and awareness campaign was conducted throughout the Kurland community. The campaign took the waste-management message directly to residents and members of the public in their everyday surroundings. The walk-through campaign focused on spaza shops, pedestrians and motorists, giving officials an opportunity to engage with the community about responsible waste disposal, recycling and keeping public spaces clean.

Spaza shop owners were encouraged to manage their business waste properly and keep the areas around their shops clean. Pedestrians and motorists were reminded of the negative impact of littering and encouraged to dispose of waste responsibly and use available waste facilities.

Residents were encouraged to reduce waste, reuse materials where possible, separate recyclable waste and ensure that waste is disposed of at the appropriate facilities. Community members were also urged to discourage littering and illegal dumping and to encourage others to adopt responsible environmental practices.

All activities that took place during the community walk-through education and awareness campaign.

-END-

17 August 2026 Media Release: Promoting Sustainable Waste Management Through Education and Awareness – Van Wyksdorp Primary School

Media Release: Promoting Sustainable Waste Management Through Education and Awareness – Van Wyksdorp Primary School

17 August 2026

 The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) continues to promote responsible waste management and environmental protection through education and community awareness. The recent activities in Van Wyksdorp highlighted the importance of teaching learners and educators about responsible waste management and sustainable practices.

On Friday, 24 July 2026, the GRDM Waste Management Section conducted a Green School Recycling Program rollout at Van Wyksdorp Primary School. The initiative focused on increasing environmental awareness among learners and educators while promoting responsible waste management, source separation, recycling and the prevention of littering.

Approximately 123 learners, together with educators and relevant stakeholders, participated in the program. Learners were introduced to the importance of the 3Rs – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle and were encouraged to incorporate these principles into their daily lives.

The learners also received information on different types of recyclable materials and the importance of placing waste in the correct recycling containers. Attention was given to the consequences of littering and illegal dumping, including their negative impact on communities, water resources, animals and the broader environment.

A practical component of the program was a tree-planting activity, which promoted environmental conservation while commemorating World Nature Conservation Day. The activity gave learners an opportunity to translate the environmental principles discussed during the program into practical action.

“The programme was well received by both learners and educators. Learners participated enthusiastically and showed a good understanding of the importance of keeping their school and community clean. The practical activities encouraged participation and reinforced the message that everyone has a role to play in protecting the environment,” said Innocentia Sikweyiya, GRDM District Waste Management Officer.

Educators welcomed the initiative and supported teaching learners about waste management, recycling and environmental protection.

Learners were also encouraged to share what they learned with their families and communities, helping to promote responsible waste management at home.

-END-

 

17 August 2026 Media Release: Garden Route’s Environmental Crisis: ‘Among the Worst’ in the Country

Media Release: Garden Route’s Environmental Crisis: ‘Among the Worst’ in the Country

For Immediate Release
17 August 2026

The Garden Route is facing an environmental crisis of alarming proportions, according to veteran environmental manager Dr Guy Preston who recently visited the region following the recent extreme weather events.

“After seeing conditions on the ground, Preston expressed deep concern at the extent of invasive alien plants (IAPs), describing their prevalence in the Garden Route as among the worst in the country,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmnetal Forum (GREF).

His warning carries particular weight. Dr Preston is renowned for spearheading South Africa’s ambitious invasive alien plant control programme. As former Director of Natural Resource Management Programmes in the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environmental Affairs, he was instrumental in establishing and driving the Working for Water, Working for Wetlands and Working on Fire Programmes.

These programmes became internationally recognised for combining environmental restoration with job creation and skills development. At its peak the combined budget for these initiatives ran into billions of rand and created thousands of jobs across South Africa.

During his Garden Route tour, Preston highlighted the enormous risks posed by the unchecked spread of invasive vegetation. The problem, he stressed, extends far beyond the loss of indigenous plants and biodiversity.

Dense stands of invasive alien vegetation create large quantities of combustible biomass, significantly increasing the risk of severe and destructive wildfires. At the same time, invasive plants threaten biodiversity by displacing indigenous species and disrupting natural ecosystems.

Water resources are also under pressure. Invasive alien plants can consume substantial amounts of water, particularly in catchments, while their spread can affect streamflow and reduce the availability of water for ecosystems and communities.

Preston also warned of damage to rivers and degradation of natural infrastructure. Healthy catchments, wetlands and river systems are essential to the functioning and resilience of the Garden Route, yet their condition is being compromised by widespread invasions.

For the region, Preston’s assessment is a stark wake-up call. The Garden Route’s forests, rivers, wetlands, mountains and coastal ecosystems represent an invaluable natural asset, but their resilience cannot be taken for granted.

His visit underlined the need for urgent, coordinated and sustained action involving government, municipalities, landowners, conservation organisations and communities.

The success of Working for Water demonstrated what can be achieved when invasive alien plants are treated as a major environmental and economic priority. GREF believes these lessons should inform a renewed effort to protect and restore the Garden Route before the costs of inaction become even greater.

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

Feature image: Cobus Mering, Chairperson of the Garden Route Environmental Forum with Dr Guy Preston.

Ends

Save the Date: Notice of a Special Council Meeting on 25 August 2026 at 11:00

NOTICE OF A SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING ON 25 AUGUST 2026 AT 11:00

Notice Number 72/2026

Notice is hereby given that a SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the CA Robertson Council Chambers, 54 York Street, George, and via Zoom on 25 August 2026 at 11:00.

 YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/41abMZQMMkQ?feature=share

N Raisa-Mlandu

Acting Municipal Manager

54 York Street

P O Box 12

GEORGE

6530

Tel:   044 803 1300

Notice Number: 72/2026

17 August 2026

Progress Update 4 on the GRDM Regional Waste Management Facility Construction

Progress Update 4 on the GRDM Regional Waste Management Facility Construction

3 August 2026

“The construction of the Garden Route District Municipality’s Regional Waste Management Facility, located 15km outside Mossel Bay next to PetroSA, remains on schedule,” said Johan Gie, Manager: District Waste Management.

This facility will provide a long-term waste disposal solution for participating municipalities across the Garden Route. With landfill airspace in the region becoming increasingly limited and waste volumes continuing to grow, the need for this project has never been greater.

The facility is being developed to reduce environmental risks, protect our groundwater and ensure waste is managed responsibly for the benefit of future generations.

Construction is progressing well across several key components of the project.

Behind me is Cell 1A, the first engineered landfill cell. It is being lined with specialised lining materials to prevent contamination of the surrounding environment, water courses, and groundwater. Once completed and approval for commencement of waste disposal is received, this will become the facility’s first operational disposal area.

Work is also progressing on the leachate and contaminated water dams, which will safely collect and store leachate and rainwater that has come into contact with waste, preventing any harmful impact on the environment.

The office block will serve as the administrative hub for the facility, while the weighbridge office will accurately record every vehicle entering and leaving the site to support efficient landfill management and waste disposal data management.

Construction of the workshop, perimeter fencing and concrete access roads is also underway, ensuring the facility is secure, well maintained and operates efficiently.

According to Johan Gie, “the project is being constructed by Civils 2000 at a contract value of R109 million, with completion expected towards the end of February 2027”.

While construction continues, every resident can also make a difference by reducing waste, recycling and participating in source separation programmes within their local municipality.

ENDS

31 July 2026 Public Notice: Final Performance Agreements for 2026/2027 Financial Year are Accessible to the public

Public Notice: Final Performance Agreements for 2026/2027 Financial Year are Accessible to the public

Notice  Number 70/2026

The Final Performance Agreements for the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Municipal Manager and Executive Managers are made public in terms of Section 57 (1) (b) of the Municipal Systems Act for the 2026/2027 final year.

The following Final Performance Agreements are available for public notice.

The documents are available for viewing on the municipal website  under the heading: Documents / Performance Management.

For more information, please contact the Executive Manager: Integrated Planning and Economic Development, Lusanda Menze, at: Tel: 044-803 1418 / E-mail: lusanda@gardenroute.gov.za.

Nthabeleng Raisa-Mlandu
Acting Municipal Manager
54 York Street
PO Box 12
GEORGE
6530
Tel: 044 803 1300

Click Here to Download the Official Notice

30 July 2026 Garden Route District Municipal Fire and Rescue Services’ new Fire Permit Process – from 1 August 2026

Garden Route District Municipal Fire and Rescue Services’ new Fire Permit Processes – Implementation from 1 August 2026

1. How do I apply for a Fire Permit?

Landowners may apply for a Fire Permit by contacting the Emergency Control Centre:

Telephone: 044 805 5071
WhatsApp: 081 709 5193

All applications will be acknowledged and followed by a physical site inspection, during which an assessment of fire preparedness, firebreaks, available resources, and compliance with applicable legal requirements will be conducted.

2. How long is a Fire Permit valid?

Fire Permits are valid during the period 1 April to 30 November of each year.

  • Special Permits may be considered outside this period, from 1 December to 31 March, subject to special circumstances, adequate motivation, risk assessment, and approval by the Fire and Rescue Services.
  • Landowners are advised that the normal summer fire season generally falls between 1 December and 31 March.
  • During periods of exceptionally dry, hot, or windy conditions, the Fire Permit season may be temporarily suspended, including during the normal permit validity period. Such suspensions may be implemented when fire danger ratings indicate an elevated risk of wildfire occurrence or spread.
  • The issuing of a Fire Permit does not guarantee that burning may proceed on any specific date. Permission to burn remains subject to prevailing weather conditions, fire danger ratings, and any restrictions imposed by the Municipality or other competent authorities.

3. Requirements for Landowners Prior to Conducting a Controlled Burn

All landowners are required to undertake adequate preparations before a Fire Permit will be issued or before any controlled burn may be conducted. Applications will be evaluated in accordance with prevailing weather conditions, fire risks, operational considerations, and applicable legislation.

Firebreaks and Control Lines

  • Adequate firebreaks and/or control lines must be established around the proposed burn area, and at a minimum of 5 meters. Size requirements may be adjusted where terrain, vegetation type, fuel load, or operational considerations justify such deviation and where the associated risks can be effectively managed.
  • Such firebreaks must be constructed and maintained along the perimeter of the intended burn area to minimise the risk of fire escape and spread.
  • Firebreaks must comply with the requirements of applicable legislation and must be sufficient to prevent the spread of fire to adjoining properties.

Fences and Protective Fire Strips

  • Fencelines must be adequately prepared and cleared prior to any burning operation.
  • Protective fire strips on the inside of fence lines, and around infrastructure are required to reduce the risk of damage to fencing, infrastructure, neighbouring properties, and other assets.

Large Burn Areas

  • Where large areas are proposed for burning, additional internal firebreaks or control lanes may be required.
  • This measure assists in reducing fuel loads, improving operational control, and enhancing overall safety during burning operations.
  • The extent and configuration of internal firebreaks will be determined based on site-specific risk assessments.

Brush Piles (stacked material), Windrows, and Burn Piles (stacked material)

Where brush piles, windrows, or burn piles are established, the following guidelines shall apply:

  • Stack burning should be considered if the area from which the invasive alien vegetation is to be cleared is small or where the position of the vegetation is such that a prescribed burn would present too high a risk of uncontrolled fire spread.
  • Burn piles (stacked material) should preferably not exceed 3 metres in circumference, unless otherwise approved following a site-specific assessment. Stacked material is also sorted as not to include logs/branches of more the 15 cm diameter.
  • See also: The basal diameter of stacks should not be more than 2.5 m, must not be greater than 1.5m high and the distance between the stacks should be at least 5 times the basal diameter, especially for the wildland urban interface.
  • Size requirements may be adjusted where terrain, vegetation type, fuel load, or operational considerations justify such deviation and where the associated risks can be effectively managed.
  • Perimeter firebreak of at least 5 m needs to be prepared before any cutting of the material to be stacked takes place to prevent the possibility of runaway fires.
  • Do not make stacks under trees, power and telephone lines, within 30 m of a firebreak or near water courses, houses and other infrastructure.
  • In terms of the current burning permit stacks should not be positioned closer than 100 m from the urban edge.
  • Tracer belts down to mineral soil of a minimum one-meter width must be placed around each stack. This belt can be raked and the combustibles placed on the stack.
  • As a general guideline, windrows should not exceed 100 cm in width and should be adequately spaced to allow access for firefighting vehicles, water tankers, spray units, and other emergency equipment.
  • Variations from these guidelines may be permitted where operational conditions necessitate such deviations and where appropriate risk mitigation measures are in place.

4. What is the cost of a Fire Permit inspection?

The prescribed fee for a Fire Permit Inspection is:

  • R984.61 per permit for an individual landowner.
  • Applicable fees are amended annually in accordance with the approved municipal tariff schedule.

Issued by:
Garden Route District Municipality Fire and Rescue Services

Implementation Date: 01 August 2026

Fire Permit Contact Details:
Telephone: 044 805 5071
WhatsApp: 081 709 5193

Also read: https://tinyurl.com/3rudrp52