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21 March 2024 Media Release: GRDM Senior Firefighter Emile Conrad and Team Triumph at Aramco Firefighter Challenge 2024

Media Release: GRDM Senior Firefighter Emile Conrad and Team Triumph at Aramco Firefighter Challenge 2024

For Immediate Release
21 March 2024

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) proudly congratulates Senior Firefighter Emile Conrad alongside his wife Bonita, also a firefighter at GRDM and two other firefighters, Baigum Abrahams and Alno Kroon from the City of Cape Town, for their performance at the Aramco Firefighter Challenge 2024.

This challenge was held in Saudi Arabia earlier this month.

The Aramco Firefighter Challenge brings together firefighting professionals, enthusiasts, and teams from across the globe. This year’s event attracted over 87 000 people, including 314 firefighter competitors. Of them, 117 were from 29 different countries.

The South African team participated in the individual as well as the mix-relay challenges.

Conrad secured a 3rd place in his age category and ranked 9th overall. His female team member, Baigum Abrahams’ won a silver medal in stair-running and a 1st place overall in her age category. The other two teammates also performed exceptional and represented RSA well.

“The competition is unique in a sense that all the competitors live and travel together, which in my opinion brings them much closer, so the impact of learning from one another and building camaraderie is much more amplified. We learned a lot from the fellow competitors and how they do things in Saudi Arabia,” said Emile.

Overall the performance of the South African team was exceptional, ‘we made some new friends and met up with old friends we met at the previous competition’, Conrad concluded.

Meet the four firefighters who proudly represented their country during the 2024 Aramco Firefighter Challenge in Saudi Arabia.

-ENDS-

20 March 2024 Media Statement: Legal Action withdrawn against Garden Route District Municipal Manager, Mr Monde Stratu

Media Statement: Legal Action withdrawn against Garden Route District Municipal Manager, Mr Monde Stratu

For Immediate Release
20 March 2024

20 March 2024 – The legal proceedings relating to property disputes in Knysna, initiated against Monde Stratu, Municipal Manager of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), have been officially withdrawn, at Knysna Regional Court today. All costs relating to the baseless accusations will be carried by those who brought it before the court.

The case pertained to unsubstantiated allegations surrounding the disclosure and the treatment of contingent assets (properties) valued at approximately R64 million in the 2018/2019 Annual Financial Statements of both Knysna and Garden Route District Municipality. These frivolous allegations included forgery, utterance, and the manipulation of a 2018/19 audit report.

“This decision did not come as a surprise, because from the onset the GRDM Council has unanimously and categorically refuted the allegations as frivolous, vexatious, and unfounded. The decision of the court confirms that the GRDM Council has always been correct in its assessment of such unfortunate allegations,” said Ald. Memory Booysen, GRDM Executive Mayor.

Before the official withdrawal of the case by the Knysna Regional Court Judge, the State made recommendations for the charges against Mr Monde Stratu to be withdrawn by the National Prosecution Authority.

GRDM remains committed to maintaining transparency and accountability in all of its dealings and will continue to work diligently to serve and protect the interests of communities.

ENDS

20 March 2024 Media Release: Environmental Health Practitioners protect public health through rigorous sampling

Media Release: Environmental Health Practitioners protect public health through rigorous sampling

For Immediate Release
20 March 2024

An extensive sampling program is continuously rolled out across various Garden Route district. The region is divided into several focus areas which include the Klein Karoo, Lakes (Knysna), Lakes (Plettenberg Bay), George (Outeniqua), George (Wilderness), Langeberg (Mossel Bay), and Langeberg (Hessequa).

According to Johan Compion, GRDM Senior Manager: Municipal Health and Environmental Services, “sampling is central to our mission to ensure the protection of public health , compliance with current legislation and the identification of potential contaminants in the products our communities consumes”.

Food and water can become contaminated at various stages, from production to distribution. The GRDM’s sampling approach enables the precise identification of harmful bacteria, viruses, chemicals, heavy metals, pesticides, and other contaminants.

Public Health Protection

Sampling efforts have the potential to identify food and water contaminants, pathogens, or toxins. EHPs are proactive in sampling various sources to detect hazards, initiate timely measures to mitigate risks and prevent possible outbreaks of foodborne illnesses or waterborne diseases.

Monthly routine bacteriological and chemical water testing are done at established sampling points, complemented by additional sampling in response to complaints or known spillages. Similarly, bacteriological food samples are collected monthly from various locations to verify hygienic standards in storage and preparation. Chemical food samples are evaluated quarterly to confirm the accuracy of product labels.

GRDM EHPs capture sampling data on the institution’s data management system where they can draw reports and monitor compliance. Furthermore the sampling data is available on our Municipal Health Dashboard where they can track the areas of non-compliance as well as historical data to identify any trends of concern.. The historical data also assists EHPs with investigations to determine possible causes and to remedy them as soon as possible to ensure the water or food are compliant to legislated standards.

Collaborative Laboratory Analysis

Chemical and bacteriological water and food samples are analysed by an accredited laboratory for bacteriological samples and the Forensic Chemical Laboratory do all the GRDM’s chemical food samples.

Johan Compion – Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management & Air Quality Control
E-mail: info@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 082 803 5161

Klein Karoo and Kannaland Region
Desmond Paulse – Manager: Municipal Health Klein Karoo
Tel: 044 272 2241 / Cell: 083 678 6530
94 St John Street, Oudtshoorn

Langeberg (Mossel Bay)
Acting Chief: Municipal Health Mossel Bay
Tel: 044 693 0006 /Cell: 083 630 6108
C/O Sampson & Marling Street, Ext 23, Mossel Bay

George (Outeniqua)
Emmy Douglas – Chief: Municipal Health George (Outeniqua)
Tel: 044 803 1537 / Cell: 078 457 2824
Mission Street, Industrial Area, George, 6530

George (Wilderness)
Acting Chief: Municipal Health George (Wilderness)
Tel: 044 803 1522
Mission Street, Industrial Area, George

Lakes (Knysna)
James McCarthy – Chief: Municipal Health Knysna
Tel: 044 382 7214 / Cell: 082 805 9417
26A Queen Street, Knysna

Lakes (Bitou)
Gawie Vos – Chief: Municipal Health Bitou
Tel: 044 501 1600 / Cell: 083 557 1522
7 Gibb Street, Plettenberg Bay

Langeberg (Hessequa)
Haemish Herwels – Chief: Municipal Health Hessequa
Tel: 028 713 2438 / Cell: 083 678 6545
23 Michell Street, Riversdale, 6670

Feature Image: Water Sampling being done by an Environmental Health Practitioner at the Kaaimans River mouth

ENDS

 

20 March 2024 Media Release: Public Encouraged to Register on GRDM Human Settlement Database

Media Release: Public Encouraged to Register on GRDM Human Settlement Database

For Immediate Release
20 March 2024

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) calls upon eligible residents, falling within the qualifying monthly income threshold, to register on the Human Settlements Database. This initiative aims to streamline processes to determine interested and qualifying beneficiaries to facilitate the delivery of enhanced affordable housing solutions across the district.

As from September 2023, the GRDM Human Settlements Section started with a marketing exercise, creating awareness at public places over weekends, registering interested qualifying applicants who want to be part of GRDM overall Human Settlements Database.  Up to date, almost 900 applicants have been registered against the set target of 2000 applicants for the GRDM affordable housing opportunities database.

The affordable housing opportunities consist of social rental and individual home ownership schemes relative to promotion of choice and affordability.  These are primarily for those households whose monthly income streams and thresholds sit between R3 501 – R22 000 respectively.

The applicants have to also meet the qualifying criteria which can be summed as follows:

  1. Be a South African person.

  2. Sit between the afore-mentioned income streams.

  3. Meet affordability requirements.

  4. Be 18 years and above.

  5. Have dependents.

The demand database will eventually be administered and used by the GRDM’s formal social housing partner, Own Haven Housing Association, for the purpose of beneficiation, allocation and management of confirmed successful beneficiaries.

By registering on the Human Settlement Database, residents enable GRDM to accurately assess and address housing needs within the community, ensuring equitable distribution of resources and targeted interventions where they are most needed.

For more information regarding the GRDM Human Settlment Database, please contact Messrs. Lubabalo Ketani and Luyolo Ndima at 044-8031300.

Caption: GRDM Human Settlement team is hard at work conducting an awareness campaign to ensure every resident knows their housing options.

-END-

18 March 2024 Media Release: GRDM Municipal Health Services continue to fulfill its role in Knysna and Bitou during March 2024

Media Release: GRDM Municipal Health Services continue to fulfill its role in Knysna and Bitou during March 2024

For immediate release
18 March 2024

During the month of March 2024, Environmental Health Practitioners from Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) continued to fulfill their roll in the respective communities they serve.  Some of the activities in Knysna and Bitou areas included a visit, together with GRDM councillors, to Annie’s Daycare Centre in Rheenendal, a training session at The Crags Bread and Brew restaurant in Bitou, and an awareness session at the Paradise Manor Frail Care Centre in Knysna.

Knysna: GRDM donates mattresses to Annie’s Day Care in Rheenendal and educate children regarding proper hand washing techniques

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services, Ald. Nompumelelo Ndayi, recently visited Annie’s Day Care centre in Rheenendal near Knysna. Accompanying Cllr Ndayi, were GRDM and Local Ward Councillor, Cllr Hilton Stroebel, as well as officials from the GRDM’s Knysna Municipal Health Services Section.

This crèche opened its doors in 2020, to assist in the need for Early Childhood Development services in the Rheenendal area. In their quest to address these needs, Cllrs Ndayi and Stroebel handed over 18 mattresses to the principal of the crèche after Cllr Stroebel extended a warm welcome to all present who witnessed the proceedings that would ultimately contribute to a healthier and more comfortable learning environment for the children of the facility.

During her address, Ndayi said: “Since the crèche was registered, the facility grew rapidly which resulted in the crèche eventually not having sufficient mattresses for all the children. The principal approached the ward councillor for a possible donation – thank you for approaching us,” she added.

The event was concluded with the GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners led by Lindon Herwels, demonstrating proper hand washing techniques to learners with their caretakers present.

Principal and owner of the crèche, Ms Anne Barends, extended words of appreciation to the GRDM, particularly Ald. Ndayi and Cllr Stroebel for the generous donation to the facility, as well as Linden Herwels for educating the children about proper hand washing techniques.

Bitou: GRDM’s EHPs conducts Health and Hygiene training at Food Premises

Regulation R638 of 2018, under Act 52 of 1972, outlines comprehensive guidelines for food safety and hygiene practices. Together with the guideline, the Regulation also mandates that all food handlers undergo formal training in Health and Hygiene practices.

Garden Route District Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) responsible for the Bitou region, recently conducted a training session at one of the restaurants in the area, The Crags Bread and Brew.

The training covered essential topics such as the 5 Keys to Safer Foods, which include hygiene, separating raw and cooked foods, cooking food thoroughly, keeping food at safe temperatures, and using safe water and raw materials.

Moreover, R638 specifies structural requirements for food premises to ensure safe handling and preparation of food. These requirements encompass adequate ventilation, lighting, and drainage systems, as well as provisions for waste disposal and pest control. Additionally, the regulation mandates proper storage facilities, sanitation measures, and equipment maintenance to prevent contamination and ensure food safety.

In summary, Regulation R638 of 2018 underscores the importance of training food handlers in health and hygiene practices, adhering to the 5 Keys to Safer Foods, and maintaining appropriate structural standards in food premises to safeguard public health and promote food safety.

EHPs from GRDM therefore encourages all food premises in the Bitou region to comply with these requirements stipulated in the Regulations to ensure the best possible service to the communities it serve.

Knysna: EHPs from Garden Route District Municipality conduct Health and Hygiene Session at Frail Care Centre

Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) from Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM’s) Municipal Health Services section in Knysna recently conducted and presented a Health and Hygiene education session to the staff of Paradise Manor Frail Care Centre.

The following information was presented to the staff, including food safety covering the five (5) keys to safer food; the prevention of food borne illnesses; all food handlers and Care Takers partook in the session and water quality (The premises is situated in a rural area and the treatment of water to ensure it complies with SANS 241:2015, formed part of the training). The session also included talks about safe storage and disposal of medical waste on the premises.

The owner, manager, caretakers, maintenance staff, as well as food handlers attended and participated in the session.

Feature Image: GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners, Linden Herwels, demonstrating proper hand washing techniques to a learner during their visit to Annie’s Daycare Centre.

ENDS

16 March 2024 Media Release: GRDM ranked third best amongst other non-water services authority municipalities

Media Release: GRDM ranked third best amongst other non-water services authority municipalities

16 March 2024

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is now ranked as the 3rd-best District Municipality in South Africa, according to the 2024 Governance Performance Index (GPI). Good Governance Africa (GGA) rated South Africa’s 8 metros, 205 local municipalities, and 44 district municipalities.

The top four (4) district municipalities under the C1 category are all located in the Western Cape, with the Cape Winelands District Municipality ranked first, West Coast District Municipality second and the GRDM third. Overberg District Municipality is ranked fourth.

GRDM is known as a C1 district, which has no water supply and sanitation responsibilities like 22 other districts in South Africa. Twenty-one of the 44 district municipalities (known as C2 district municipalities) of South Africa are water services authorities (WSA).

Under the GPI, the GRDM demonstrated exceptional performance across various sectors, including administration, governance, and service delivery.

Who is the Governance Performance Index?

They have centres and coverage in Eastern Africa, Nigeria, the South African Development Community (this includes Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe). and West Africa.

Feature Image: GRDM has been under the leadership of Executive Mayor, Alderman Memory Booysen (left) and Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu (right), since 2017.

ENDS

15 March 2024 Public Notice: Public Participation for the Garden Route District Climate Change Adaptation Response Implementation Plan and Needs- and Response Assessment  – For Comment

Public Notice: Public Participation for the Garden Route District Climate Change Adaptation Response Implementation Plan and Needs- and Response Assessment – Notice Number: 30/2024

Open for Comment
15 March 2024

The Municipal Structures Act, 1998 (Act 117 of 1998) provides for the development of a Climate Change Adaptation master plan for the district, and through which local municipalities can develop their Integrated Development Plans.

Notice is therefore hereby given that a public participation period of 30-days will be provided for public comments and inputs on the following two Climate Change Adaptation documents, namely the:

  • Draft Garden Route District Climate Change Adaptation Response Implementation Plan;
  • Draft Garden Route District Climate Change Adaptation Needs and Response Assessment.

Any comments and inputs submitted will be considered during the finalisation of the draft documents for final Council approval.

The documents will be available for public review and comment from 15 March 2024 to 15 April 2024, and will be available for viewing at the following places:

  1. Garden Route District Municipality, 54 York Street, George;
  2. Mossel Bay Public Library, 99 Marsh Street, Mossel Bay;
  3. Hessequa Public Library (Gouritsmond Library), 9 Kerk Street, Gouritz;
  4. Albertinia Public Library, 2 Horne Street, Albertinia;
  5. Still Bay Public Library, Main Road, Still Bay West;
  6. Riversdale Public Library, Van Den Berg Street, Riversdale;
  7. Oudtshoorn Public Library, 3 Baron Van Reede Street, Oudtshoorn;
  8. Ladismith Public Library, 21 Queen Street, Ladismith;
  9. Plettenberg Bay Public Library; Saringa Way, New Horizons, Plettenberg Bay;
  10. Knysna Public Library, Memorial Square, 2 Main Street, Knysna;
  11. George Public Library, Corner of Caledon and Courtenay Streets, Camphersdrift, George, and;
  12.  Garden Route District Municipality website at:
    1)  https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Draft-Garden-Route-District-Climate-Change-Adaptation-Response-Implementation-Plan-2024.pdf

        2) https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Garden-Route-District-Climate-Change-Adaptation-Needs-and-Response-Assessment-2024.pdf

Written submissions may be directed to the Municipal Manager on/before 15 April 2024 using the following address:

Garden Route District Municipality, Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, 54 York Street, George or PO Box 12, George, 6530 or via email to info@gardenroute.gov.za.

Any person who is unable to write can submit their input verbally to the Council’s offices where they will be assisted by a staff member to put their comments in writing. Enquiries can be directed to Dr Nina Viljoen at 044 803 1318 or e-mail nina@gardenroute.gov.za

M Stratu
MUNICIPAL MANAGER
GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

Click here to open the Official Notice

13 March 2024 Public Notice: Appointment of Audit Committee Members (2)

Public Notice: Appointment of Audit Committee Members (2)

Garden Route District Municipality is fully committed to Employment Equity.

In terms of Section 166 of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), 2003, each municipality must have an Audit Committee which is an independent advisory body.

The Audit Committee advises the Municipal Council, Political Office Bearers, Accounting Officer and the management staff of the Municipality on matters relating to:

  1. Internal financial control;
  2. Internal Audits;
  3. Risk Management;
  4. Accounting policies;
  5. The adequacy, reliability and accuracy of financial reporting and information;
  6. Performance Management;
  7. Governance;
  8. Compliance with the MFMA, the Annual Division of Revenue Act and any other applicable legislation;
  9. Performance evaluation; and
  10. Any other issues referred to it by the municipality.

The Audit Committee further reviews the Municipal Council’s Annual Financial Statements; responds to issues raised in the Auditor General’s annual audit report; carries out certain investigations; and performs other functions as commissioned by the Municipal Council. The Audit Committee also carries out the functions of a Performance Audit Committee.

Two vacancies for membership of the Audit Committee of Garden Route District Municipality have become available Successful candidates will be contracted for a period of three years.

Candidates with the following expertise are hereby invited to apply:

  1. Financial Accounting and Information Communication Technology (ICT);
  2. Audit Committee experience; and
  3. Local government knowledge.

Remuneration will be based on the National Treasury Circular – “Remuneration of Non-Official Members”.

An application with Curriculum Vitae, describing the suitability of the applicant, must be forwarded in writing to:

Chief Audit Executive
Garden Route District Municipality
54 York Street / P.O. Box 12
GEORGE
6530

For further enquiries, contact the Chief Audit Executive, Ms Pamela Lufele, during office hours at telephone number (044) 803 1422, or via e-mail at pamela@gardenroute.gov.za.

The Garden Route District Municipality Council reserves the right not to make or confirm an appointment on posts.

Closing date: Thursday, 15 March 2024 on or before 12h00
Notice no: 163/2023

Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

13 March 2024 Media Release: Southern Cape Water Resources in the Spotlight

Media Release: Southern Cape water resources in the spotlight

For immediate release
13 March 2024

“The Southern Cape’s present and future water resources will be in the spotlight as stakeholders meet in George today (13 March 2024) to look at Strategic Water Source Areas (SWSAs). These identified areas  are crucial for their importance in providing water resources to downstream regions of which the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma mountains form part of,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

The event is sponsored by the World Wide Fund for Nature South Africa (WWF SA) in collaboration with the Provincial Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEADP), and spearheaded by the Garden Route Biosphere Reserve (GRBR).

  1. SWSAs are areas of high biodiversity, high water yield, and high levels of ecosystem services. Protecting these areas is essential for ensuring water security for both human and ecological needs. The Garden Route is one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots and contains important water catchment areas for several rivers.

The workshop is aimed to inform policy makers, water resource managers, and conservation practitioners in order to be able to make informed decisions to safeguard the integrity of Strategic Water Source Areas in the Southern Cape and ensure the sustainable management of water resources for future generations.

The Garden Route is growing at a rate of just above four percent per annum, which is significant given the fact that the region is relatively resource- poor, including the availability of water in dry areas such as the Klein Karoo. As pressure mounts on available water sources due to development and demands posed by an increasing population, agriculture, forestry and industry alike there are several other impacts to consider, including climate change, drought, changes in rainfall patterns and a marked increase in extreme weather events leading to flooding and damage caused to both natural infrastructure such as rivers and streams and damage to man-made infrastructure such as property, roads and bridges and putting communities in harm’s way.

Over the years, a number of studies have been done focusing on understanding the water balance, hydrological processes, and water availability in SWSAs. This research will assist decision makers in managing water resources sustainably and predicting the impacts of climate change on water availability, identifying land management practices that minimize negative impacts on water quality and quantity and finding ways to mitigate their impact to be able to adapt in accordance.

Feature Image: The Garden Route is a home to one of only a few of South Africa’s Strategic Water Source Areas (SWSAs) – Photo: George Herald.

Issued: The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF)

ENDS

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for entities involved in environmental management and conservation.(ww.scligref.co.za)

13 March 2024 Public Notice: Public Participation for the Garden Route District Coastal Management Programme – Notice number: 29/2024

Public Notice: Public Participation for the Garden Route District Coastal Management Programme – Notice number: 29/2024
Open for Comment

13 March 2024

The Garden Route District Coastal Management Programme was reviewed and updated, in terms of Section 48 of the Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) Act (Act No 24 of 2008). As per the provisions of the ICM Act, any amendments that are made to the existing Coastal Management Programme must be subject to the public participation requirements in accordance with Chapter 4 of the Municipal Systems Act, prior to being Gazetted.

Notice is hereby given that the Draft Garden Route District Coastal Management Programme will be available for review and comment from 14 March 2024 to 14 April 2024. The draft Garden Route District Coastal Management Programme will be available for viewing at the following Places:

1)      Garden Route District Municipality, 54 York Street, George;
2)      Mossel Bay Public Library, 99 Marsh Street, Mossel Bay;
3)      Hessequa Public Library (Gouritsmond Library), 9 Kerk Street, Gouritz;
4)      Albertinia Public Library, 2 Horne Street, Albertinia;
5)      Still Bay Public Library, Main Road, Still Bay West;
6)      Riversdale Public Library, Van Den Berg Street, Riversdale;
7)      Hessequa Municipal Office, Mitchell Street, Riversdale;
8)      Plettenberg Bay Public Library; Saringa Way, New Horizons, Plettenberg Bay;
9)      Knysna Public Library, Memorial Square, 2 Main Street, Knysna;
10)    George Public Library, Corner Caledon and Courtenay Streets, Camphersdrift, George;U
11)     Community centres and SAPD reception offices within subsistence fisher communities, and;
12)    Garden Route District Municipality website – link:

https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Draft-Garden-Route-District-Coastal- Management-Programme-2023-2024.pdf

The District Municipality hereby invites comments from interested and affected parties on the draft reviewed Garden Route District Coastal Management Programme. Any comments and inputs submitted will be considered during the finalisation of the draft document for final approval and Gazetting.

Written submissions may be directed to the Municipal Manager using the following address:

Garden Route District Municipality, Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, 54 York Street, George or Private Bag 12, George, 6530 or via email to info@gardenroute.gov.za on or before 14 April 2024.

Any person who is unable to write can submit their input verbally to the Council’s offices where they will be assisted by a staff member to put their comments in writing. Enquiries can be directed to Dr Nina Viljoen at 044 803 1318 or e-mail nina@gardenroute.gov.za

M Stratu
MUNICIPAL MANAGER
GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

Click here to Download the Official Notice