Skip to content Skip to left sidebar Skip to footer

Local Government News

18 November 2024 Media Release: Garden Route Clean Fires Campaign prize handover ceremony at Oakhill Primary School, Knysna 

Media Release: Garden Route Clean Fires Campaign prize handover ceremony at Oakhill Primary School, Knysna 

18 November 2024

On Friday, 15 November 2024, the Air Quality Management Unit of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) presented the 2024 Garden Route Clean Fires Campaign prize to the winning school, Oakhill Primary School in Knysna. The Executive Mayor of GRDM, Andrew Stroebel, and Councillor Jobieth Hoogbaard, GRDM Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services, joined Dr. Johan Schoeman for the handover ceremony.

uring a brief assembly session at the school, Mayor Stroebel explained, “Nine years ago, GRDM launched a special air quality awareness campaign to improve community well-being and environmental health. The initial focus was on guiding Oudtshoorn communities on ‘Clean Fires,’ but the initiative expanded to George, and over the past six years, GRDM has provided curriculum-aligned ‘Clean Air’ information packs to Grade 3 classes throughout the district,” he said.

In 2024, the Clean Air Project engaged 78 schools, involving 186 Grade 3 Teachers and 5,639 learners in areas from as far as Klipdrift and Nolls Halte, through George, Sedgefield, Knysna, Touwsranten and Karatara to Plettenberg Bay and surrounding areas. This marks a significant increase in scope, compared to the previous years and reflects the district’s ongoing commitment to broadening the impact of environmental education.

Mayor Stroebel further explained that by targeting Grade 3 learners makes sense because the theme of ‘Clean Air’ already forms part of the grade curriculum for Environmental Studies. Also, the best way to ensure a better, safer, and healthier environment in the not-too-distant future, is to create positive awareness in young minds now. The project offers extensive support for teachers through online information sessions and a self-study training course, which concludes with the awarding of 5 *CPTD points and a certificate of completion. *CPTD – Continuing Professional Teacher Development.

“As a special incentive to encourage a constructive approach to environmental education and effective use of the provided information and resources, the 2024 project included a competition with a grand prize of R10,000. Today, we are here to present this award to Oakhill Primary School. Your school demonstrated the highest level of engagement and innovative use of the resources. The criteria for winning included attendance at the online sessions, completion of the self-study course, and proof of creative implementation in classrooms, and your school, led by Mr. James Cross, stood out above the rest. We hope the funds will benefit the school. Congratulations on winning the prize money, and good luck with the exams. Enjoy your festive season!”Cllr Stroebel concluded.

Lastly, Mayor Stroebel extended a word of gratitute to Mr Dreyer Lötter MD: SATeacher e-Learning (Pty) Ltd for the excellent working relationship and innovation over the past years to make this project a success. He also thanked him for donating the R10 000 prize money.

Featured Image Caption: On the picture from left to right: Mr Dreyer Lotter from SA Teacher e-learning, Dr Johann Schoeman – GRDM Manager District Air Quality Control, Andrew Stroebel – GRDM Executive Mayor, Mr James Cross – Head of the Prep School, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard – Portfolio Chairperson of Community Services, Ms Caroline Cross – Grade 3 Teacher and Mr Howarth – Principal of the school.

-End-

15 November 2024 Media Release: GRDM and stakeholders continue with Blitz Operations and Health Education in communities of the Garden Route

Media Release: GRDM and stakeholders continue with Blitz Operations and Health Education in communities of the Garden Route

For immediate release
15 November 2024

 Continued Blitz Operations

On 12 November 2024, Garden Route District Municipality Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) accompanied by Mossel Bay Municipality’s Law Enforcement Officers and the South African Police Service (SAPS) from Kwanonqaba and Herbertsdale, conducted a joint Blitz Operation in the Mossel Bay area. During the operation, five (5) Spaza Shops were visited and inspected.

Following thorough inspections by EHPs, several foodstuffs were confiscated for non-compliance to the labelling regulations, damaged packaging (foodstuffs got freezer burn due to packaging being torn), expired products, rotten vegetables and fruit and best-before-dates being tampered with.

Mossel Bay Law Enforcement Officers then issued three (3) Notices for shop owners to appear in Court for failing to have valid Business Licences.

In Oudtshoorn’s Bongolethu area, GRDM Klein Karoo EHPs, alongside SAPS, Oudtshoorn Municipality Law Enforcement, and Immigration officials, conducted a similar Blitz Operation on 13 November 2024.

During the operation, from the four (4) of the six (6) spaza shops that was planned to be visited, two (2) shops were closed when the team arrived.

Furthermore, of all the premises visited and inspected in the Sector 1 of Bongolethu, three (3) of the premises was in an acceptable state, however one (1) was temporarily closed due to hygiene concerns. The team will be conducted a follow-up inspection at the premises that was closed during the blitz operation.

GRDM EHPs serving the Hessequa region, in conjunction with the Hessequa Municipality’s Law Enforcement Services and SAPS in the Melkhoutfontein and Heidelberg areas conducted  blitz operations at Spaza shops in Melkhoutfontein on 12 November 2024 and in Heidelberg on 14 November 2024. The team was also accompanied by GRDM Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, who monitored the activities of the operation.

Considering the recent deaths related to the consumption of food products bought from Spaza shops in various parts of the country, the team focused their attention on Food safety, with emphasis placed on hygiene; the sale of damaged (rusted and dented) products and products that is not labelled properly and the storage and sale of pesticides and insecticides. Furthermore, the operation was used as an education platform to address the sale of products that have reached their best before/ sell by/ use by dates.

During the operation damaged products, perishable products(yogurts, fresh milk, cheese and milk based juices), which have reached their use by dates and those not labelled properly, were confiscated and condemned. Subsequently, these products were destroyed and buried at the local landfill site, under the supervision of EHPs, Law Enforcement and SAPS.

GRDM urges the public to be vigilant when buying food products and that the public double check that the date markings on products are within the timeframe before buying them.

Door-to-door Health and Hygiene Awareness

Recently, the GRDM EHPs from the Outeniqua (George) region conducted a door-to-door health and hygiene awareness campaign within the Parkdene community, visiting households to educate residents on essential health practices. During the campaign, the team shared essential information such as health practices, including proper sanitation, waste management, handwashing and other hygiene practices to help prevent the spreading of diseases.

These initiatives aimed to raise awareness, address specific health concerns, and empower residents to create a cleaner, healthier environment. By promoting these practices, the campaign seeks to reduce the spread of diseases within the community.

Continue 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 Municipal Health Services.

Johan Compion – Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management & Air Quality Control

Desmond Paulse – Manager: Municipal Health Klein Karoo

Rinay Cloete – Acting Chief: Municipal Health Mossel Bay

  • E-mail: rinay@gardenroute.gov.za
  • Tel: 044 693 0006 /Cell: 083 630 6108
  • C/O Sampson & Marling Street, Ext 23, Mossel Bay

Emmy Douglas – Chief: Municipal Health George (Outeniqua)

Jessica Erasmus – Acting Chief: Municipal Health George (Wilderness)

James McCarthy – Chief: Municipal Health Knysna (Lakes)

Gawie Vos – Chief: Municipal Health Bitou (Lakes)

Haemish Herwels – Chief: Municipal Health Hessequa (Langeberg)

ENDS

11 November 2024 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality completes final phase of the installation of Smoke Detection Devices in Rheenendal

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality completes final phase of the installation of Smoke Detection Devices in Rheenendal

For immediate release
11 November 2024

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in partnership with the Knysna Municipality, today (11 November 2024) completed the installation of over 60 smoke detectors in homes within the Rheenendal community near Knysna. This marks the final phase of the project to install almost 500 smoke detectors in the area.

The detectors were installed by firefighters with councillors fulfilling an oversight role. Firefighters, while installing the devices, also educated home-owners about the use of the devices.

The team of  firefighters ready to install the smoke detectors at dwellings situated in the Rheenendal area.

Smoke detectors, or smoke alarms, are devices designed to sense smoke and emit an audible or visual alert to warn of a fire.

Today’s installations covered the following areas within Rheenendal:

  • Monkey Valley (9 homes)
  • Soccer Valley (9 homes)
  • Lapland (18 homes)
  • Pine Valley (3 homes)
  • Busy Corner (5 homes)
  • Uitsig Section 5 (2 homes)
  • Uitsig Sections 1, 2, 3, and Honey Valley (15 homes combined)
  • Hou my nat (2 homes)

The project has been supported by Cllr Hoogbaard, the Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services at GRDM, Cllr Hilton Stroebel, Knysna and GRDM Councillor, Deon Stoffels, GRDM’s Chief Fire Officer, Marthina Tieties, Community Facilitator from Asivikelane representing the Rheenendal community, as well as GRDM firefighters and officials who all formed part of the installations.

During his address as part of the formal programme, Cllr Hoogbaard said: “The installation of smoke alarms in informal dwellings is a critical step towards preventing fire-related tragedies and promoting a culture of fire safety. This project aligns perfectly with our municipality’s goals of providing a safe and healthy environment for all”.

Hoogbaard further commended the project’s organisers for their proactive approach to addressing this pressing need. “The partnership between GRDM, Knysna Municipality, the Provincial Government, as well as the community, demonstrates our collective commitment to improving the quality of life for our most vulnerable residents,” he added.

The project’s objectives include:

  • Reducing fire-related deaths, injuries, and property damage;
  • Educating residents on the importance of smoke alarm installation and maintenance;
  • Assisting residents in developing and practicing home fire escape plans;
  • Helping municipalities comply with legislative requirements under the Municipal Structures Act, Disaster Management Act, and Fire Brigade Services Act;
  • Enhancing relations between the community and local fire departments.

Smoke detectors installed at various dwellings within the Rheenendal area.

Early detection of home fires is crucial for reducing fatalities and injuries. Fires can smoulder before igniting into flames, often releasing toxic gases that cause suffocation – the main cause of fire-related deaths. Smoke can disorient or incapacitate people quickly, especially during sleep, as studies show that the smell of smoke does not wake people. Detecting a fire early, while it is still smouldering, allows time for safe evacuation, and reduces the risk of suffocation.

GRDM therefore remains dedicated to enhancing fire safety for communities within the Garden Route.

ENDS

08 November 2024 Media Release: Media Release: Stakeholders discuss Community Safety at GRDM Workshop

Media Release: Stakeholders discuss Community Safety at GRDM Workshop

For immediate release
8 November 2024

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in collaboration with key stakeholders including the Civilian Secretariat of Police Service and the Western Cape Government’s Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety (PoCS), on Wednesday, 6 November 2024, hosted a Community Safety Workshop at the GRDM Joint Operation Centre.

The event also attracted representatives from the Department of Education, Ratepayers Associations, and other stakeholders to engage in discussions aimed at enhancing community safety in the district, especially with the upcoming holiday season in mind. The workshop served to align stakeholders on existing safety plans for the Garden Route district and laid the groundwork for the Community Safety Summit that was held at the Town Hall of Mossel Bay.

Key topics included the concept and structure of a Community Safety Forum, stakeholder support for the forum, the Integrated Crime and Violence Prevention Strategy 2023-2027 (ICVPS), and the role of local government in supporting and implementing this strategy.

Executive Mayor of GRDM, Andrew Stroebel, in his address, emphasised the shared objective of reducing crime in the region. Citing a recent tragedy in George, he noted that crimes not only harm individuals but also impact tourism and economic growth. “These crimes don’t just take lives; they also undermine our region’s attractiveness and potential,” he said. Mayor Stroebel underscored the importance of the Community Safety Forum as a platform where various stakeholders can combine their expertise to ensure a safer region for all. “Our journey toward community safety relies on collaboration between local government, law enforcement, civil society, and the community,” he added. Highlighting the anticipated influx of tourists during the festive season, he called upon stakeholders to work together to reinforce the Garden Route’s reputation as a safe and desirable destination.

Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services at GRDM, Councillor Jobieth Hoogbaard reiterated GRDM’s commitment to supporting local safety forums. “The good work initiated by PoCS is evident in each of our seven municipalities,” he said, commending the active safety forums across the district. He further encouraged stakeholders to inform communities that “safety is everyone’s responsibility,” and assured participants that the workshop would lead to tangible improvements in community safety.

The Community Safety Initiative, led by PoCS, aims to empower municipalities and communities to address safety concerns while preventing duplication of efforts across governmental spheres. Representatives at the workshop repeatedly highlighted the importance of working together to improve safety throughout the Garden Route. This collaborative approach aims to reduce crime and foster safer communities through coordinated efforts across all local municipalities.

The Garden Route district is committed to prioritising local safety issues and will continue to support the establishment of Safety Forums in local municipal areas, to implement their safety plans in partnership with PoCS and the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Amid pressing challenges such as youth unemployment, inequality, drug abuse, and the rise in gender-based violence, stakeholders acknowledged the need for comprehensive Community Safety Plans. This includes incorporating safety initiatives into municipal Integrated Development Plans with measurable Key Performance Indicators, as well as effective communication to reinforce public safety. The workshop also emphasised the importance of regular safety audits, placing safety as a priority on municipal agendas, enforcing by-laws in collaboration with law enforcement, and ensuring accountability through annual reporting.

To close the day’s discussions, Ntabeleng Raisa-Mlandu, the newly appointed Executive Manager of Community Services at GRDM, emphasised that while municipalities and stakeholders may have plans and resources in place, achieving success requires a strong commitment from the municipalities themselves. She added that for these Community Safety initiatives to succeed, all local municipalities and stakeholders need to come together in one room to work toward the shared outcomes.

Through these concerted efforts, the Garden Route District Municipality and its partners aim to create a safer, more cohesive community for residents and visitors alike.

ENDS

08 November 2024 Media Release: GRDM and Stakeholders conduct Collaborative Spaza Shop Blitz Operations in the Garden Route

Media Release: GRDM and Stakeholders Conduct Collaborative Spaza Shop Blitz in areas of the Garden Route

For immediate release
8 November 2024

Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) and stakeholders took part in a joint operation targeting Spaza shops in the Nekkies/Damsebos area of Knysna on 30 October.

During this initiative, eleven (11) Spaza Shops were inspected by EHPs, the Knysna Municipality’s Law Enforcement Unit, as well as the South African Police Service. The inspections focused on:

  • Validity of Certificates of Acceptability, per Regulation 638 under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, 1972 (Act 54 of 1972);
  • overall hygiene standards;
  • proper food labelling;
  • expired products; and
  • the Illegal sale of poisons or pesticides to the public.

Following thorough inspections, one (1) Spaza shop was closed due to serious hygiene violations. Additionally, five (5) food samples from various shops were collected for chemical health analysis at the National Health Laboratory Services.

In the Klein Karoo region, the GRDM Manager for Municipal Health, Desmond Paulse, and Warrant Officer, M. Govender from the Dysselsdorp Police, conducted a multi-stakeholder inspection to ensure that every Spaza Shop in the area have a Certificate of Acceptability in terms of Regulation 638 of 2018. They further inspected the shops to determine whether they are in a good state of hygiene, sell healthy foodstuffs to the public and that foodstuffs are properly labelled and provided with date marking so that the public can make informed decisions when buying foodstuffs. Five (5) shops were inspected throughout this operation.

In the George area, during a recent blitz several establishments were inspected and four (4) shops including three (Spaza Shops) as well as one (1) restaurant in town were closed.

These closures were enforced due to poor hygiene standards and the absence of valid Certificates of Acceptability, as required under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics, and Disinfectants Act (Regulation 628 of 22 June 2018: General Hygiene Requirements for Food Premises, Transport of Food, and Related Matters).

Law enforcement will monitor the closed premises to ensure compliance, while follow-up inspections will be conducted by the respective EHPs overseeing these areas.

Other recent Municipal Health outreaches

In recent outreach efforts, GRDM’s Municipal Health team in Knysna conducted an educational session for food handlers from restaurants and grocery stores in Buffalo Bay, Goukamma, and Sedgefield. More than 30 food handlers attended, participating in presentations on food safety, handling, and hygiene practices. Attendees were assessed on the material covered and enthusiastically engaged in group discussions, applying principles learned during the session.

In Bitou, EHPs conducted a Health and Hygiene session at the Jack and Jill Educare Centre in Kranshoek, focusing on communicable disease prevention and handwashing. This initiative, as part of the recent Environmental Health Day, also highlighted the urgency of these practices amid rising measles cases.

EHPs strengthens operations through Food Safety Plan to Protect Public Health during the Festive Period

As the festive season approaches, GRDM’s Municipal Health Section is set to implement a Food Safety Plan to ensure safe food handling across all food premises, including stalls, retail shops, spaza shops, and mobile vendors in the District. The plan seeks to protect public health by reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses, also considering the recent food-poisoning related cases reported across the country.

EHPs, empowered under Regulation R328 of 20 April 2007, are responsible for ensuring that all food establishments meet hygiene standards to provide safe products to the public. The Food Safety Plan will focus on regions across the Garden Route, including the Klein-Karoo, Knysna, Mossel Bay, Hessequa, Bitou, and Outeniqua areas.

Targets and Operations

The campaign will target a variety of food premises and educational facilities, including informal traders, soup kitchens, wholesalers, taxi ranks, shopping centres, and early childhood development facilities. Inspections will assess pest control, chemical safety, labelling, and ventilation. Chemical and bacteriological sampling, including hand-swabs of identified foods, will be conducted in early November.

The plan also includes weekly awareness sessions and roadblocks in high-traffic areas to further promote health and hygiene. Community outreach events will involve both the general public and the business sector, with educational sessions and pamphlet distribution at food premises. Inspections will extend to weekends and after hours as needed, and non-compliant shops will face closure if operating without a Certificate of Acceptability.

Ultimate Risk

Failure to implement this food safety plan could pose a severe health risk to the community, potentially resulting in foodborne illnesses and, in extreme cases, fatalities. However, the GRDM is committed to actively monitoring and managing risks to safeguard the health of Garden Route residents.

Feature Image:  Recent blitz operations conducted in the George area.

ENDS

LGSETA: Bursary funding window for unemployed beneficiaries

The Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) invites unemployed individuals / students interested in the local government to apply for the Discretionary Grants Bursary 1st Funding Window in support of the LGSETA Annual Performance Plan (APP) targets for 2024/2025 financial year.

Who can apply?

  1. South African students and those with permanent residence status.
  2. University, University of Technology, and TVET Colleges (NATED programmes) students or Grade 12 learners who have been accepted in institutions of higher learning.
  3. Students who are accepted or received provisional acceptance for a course/qualification that is in line with local government sector.
  4. Priority will be given to studies that relate to the local government sector priority occupations priorities aligned to the broad service delivery areas and support functions aligned to the five
    broad focus areas of LGSETA.
  5. Please refer to the list of qualifications that will be supported for the bursary on the LGSETA website.
  6. Only students that are studying full time will be funded.
Stakeholders Learning Programmes SETA Target 2024/25
Grade 12 Learners/TVET College and University Learners Bursaries 650

How to apply?

  1. Go to the LGSETA website http://www.lgseta.org.za and follow these steps:
    i. Click Services tab.
    ii. Then click DG Bursary under Learners tab.
    iii. Lastly click on the link provided under 2024-2025; thereafter
  2. Complete the online Bursary application form (or download it here)
  3. Upload all the required supporting documents on the link within your online application.
  4. Submit your application.

Submissions

  1. An individual bursary application must be submitted by each student/learner through the LGSETA Microsoft Forms as per details under how to apply (No applications should be sent via email addresses or hand delivered).
  2. The application window opens on 3 November 2024 at 8:00 am and closes on 30 November
  3. The deadline will not be extended. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
  4. The List of qualifications that will be funded is accessible from the LGSETA website www.lgseta.org.za (or access it directly here).

Please Note

  1. All Bursary applications are subject to approval by the LGSETA Accounting Authority.
  2. The allocation of these Bursaries will be dependent on the availability of funds and on applicants meeting all requirements as per the programmes funding criteria, policies, and
    procedures.
  3. LGSETA reserves the right to cancel the discretionary grant funding window in whole or in part at its discretion.
  4. If you have not heard from us within three (3) months of submitting your application, please consider your application unsuccessful.
  5. All enquiries must be directed to the Bursary Department at bursaryapp@lgseta.org.za

06 November 2024 Media Release: Blue flags to fly at twenty Garden Route beaches

Media Release: Blue flags to fly at twenty Garden Route beaches

6 November 2024

Twenty (20) Garden Route beaches have been awarded Blue Flag Status this year by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), in partnership with coastal municipalities and private entities. Three of the Garden Route beaches were awarded pilot Blue Flag status. South Africa has participated in the Blue Flag Programme for 23 years, since 2001.

GRDM Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel upon receiving the news, said: “The awards symbolise that beaches have been recognized for their excellent water quality, safety, security, sound environmental management, and accessibility.”

“Blue Flag Beaches have improved tourism facilities and includes enhanced approach to the management of coastal systems,” says Stroebel.

Stroebel also shared his gratitude to the coastal municipalities for their dedicated efforts: “Thank you to Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George and Bitou municipalities for your commitment in applying for Blue Flag Status and maintaining our beautiful beaches to the highest standards. Your hard work is truly commendable. This achievement not only boosts the image of the Garden Route but also reinforces our region as a top destination for both locals and visitors.

Garden Route beaches with successful Blue Flag accreditation include the following:

George (3) – Visit George Tourism website
* Herold’s Bay
* Victoria Bay
* Wilderness Beach

Plettenberg Bay (6) – Visit the Plett Tourism website
* Robberg 5
* The Waves
* Nature’s Valley
* Lookout Beach
* The Dunes
* Singing Kettle Beach

Mossel Bay (5) – Visit the Mossel Bay Tourism website
* De Bakke Beach
* Hartenbos Beach
* Little Brak Breach
* Santos Beach
* Glentana Beach

Hessequa (6) – Visit the Hessequa Tourism website
* Witsand Beach
* Preekstoel Beach
* Lappiesbaai Beach
* Jongesnfontein Beach
* Gouritzmond Beach
* Stilbaai-Wes Beach

The Blue Flag Pilot Sites in George include Leentjiesklip, and in Mossel Bay it includes Tweekuilen and Suiderkruis beaches.

On top of the beaches that received Blue Flag Status, the following marinas and sustainable boats also received Blue Flags!

Two (2) marinas and 2 sustainable boating tourism operators have been awarded Blue Flag status. The marinas are Thesen Islands and Thesen Harbour in Knysna, while the sustainable boats are Robberg Express and Oceanic Express operated by Offshore Adventures in Plettenberg.

The list of sites is available here for viewing.

Enjoy your time exploring these beautiful spots along the Garden Route!

Feature image: Victoria Bay received Blue Flag Status for the second consecutive time. Pictured is also the Victoria Bay Caravan Park sites – the Western Terrace in the left corner and the Railway Terrace at the top. Both of these sites are fully booked for the holiday season.

ENDS

Ngomhla we-5 kaNovemba ka-2024 Ingxelo yamajelo eendaba : Iipilisi ezifunyenwe kwiipakethi tshiphusi – impendulo kaMasipala weSithili seGarden Route

Ingxelo yamajelo eendaba : Iipilisi ezifunyenwe kwiipakethi tshiphusi – impendulo kaMasipala weSithili seGarden Route

Ukukhutshwa Kwangoko

Ngomhla we-5 kaNovemba ka-2024

UMasipala weSithili saseGarden Route (i-GRDM), iNkonzo yamaPolisa oMzantsi Afrika (SAPS), amagosa omthetho kamasipala wasekhaya, kunye nabanye abachaphazelekayo banalo ulwazi ngeziziganeko ezenzeka kwindawo yaseGroot-Brak naseFriemersheim apho kuye kwafunyanwe izinto zangaphandle/iipilisi kwiipakethi zeetshiphusi. Sithetha nje uphando luyaqhuba ukuqinisekisa   ubunyani ngokuphathelele nesisiganeko. i-GRDM izinikezele kwaye inoxanduva lokuqinisekisa ukuba ukutya okuthengiselwa uluntu kukhuselekile ukuba kungatyiwa.

A pill found in one of many packets of chips and reported to SAPS (Source: Supplied, verified by Environmental Health Practitioners)

Amapolisa azise uMasipala Wesithili malunga neepilisi ezingaqhelekanga ezifunyenwe kwiipakethi zeetshiphusi, ezixelwe kwiSikhululo samaPolisa saseGreat-Brak.

Ugqogqo logunyaziso luqhutywa qho ngeveki, olunye lucwangcwiselwe ungomso. Ngelixesha lonyaka, abathengisi bokutya abahlukeneyo bayatyelelwa. Amagosa okanye amaqela abandakanyekayo kulo msebenzi aquka amapolisa, unyanzeliso lomthetho kamasipala wengingqi, kunye neSebe leMicimbi yezeKhaya.

Ulwazi oluthe vetshe ngesi siganeko luya kukhutshwa kwixesha elizayo.

Ukunika ingxelo ngazo naziphi na izehlo zokurhanelwa kokutya komgunyathi okanye okonakalayo, uluntu luyabongozwa ukuba luqhagamshelane namapolisa akufutshane nabo okanye lufikelele ngokuthe ngqo kwiiNkonzo yeMpilo eSingqongileyo zikaMasipala weSithili saseGarden Route.

Johan Compion – Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management & Air Quality Control

Desmond Paulse – Manager: Municipal Health Klein Karoo

Rinay Cloete – Acting Chief: Municipal Health Mossel Bay

  • E-mail: rinay@gardenroute.gov.za
  • Tel: 044 693 0006 /Cell: 083 630 6108
  • C/O Sampson & Marling Street, Ext 23, Mossel Bay

Emmy Douglas – Chief: Municipal Health George (Outeniqua)

Jessica Erasmus – Acting Chief: Municipal Health George (Wilderness)

James McCarthy – Chief: Municipal Health Knysna (Lakes)

Gawie Vos – Chief: Municipal Health Bitou (Lakes)

Haemish Herwels – Chief: Municipal Health Hessequa (Langeberg)

ENDS

05 November 2024 Media Release: New Executive Manager for Community Services at Garden Route District Municipality

Media Release: New Executive Manager for Community Services at Garden Route District Municipality

5 November 2024

Today, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel and his Mayoral Committee Chairperson for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard met the newly appointed Executive Manager for Community Services, Nthabeleng Raisa-Mlandu. Monde Stratu, the Municipal Manager for GRDM, was also present during the meet-and-greet session in Mayor Stroebel’s office.

A little bit of background – Nthabeleng Raisa-Mlandu

Nthabeleng Raisa-Mlandu brings extensive experience in community services, health, and safety to the GRDM.

She was born and raised in the Eastern Cape. She obtained her National Diploma in Environmental Health in 2007 in the Free State, followed by a BTech in Environmental Health in 2013. She attained her BTech in Project Management in 2020 and completed the Municipal Finance Management Program in 2016. Currently, she is furthering her studies with a Master’s in Environmental Studies and a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management.

She began her career as an Environmental Health Practitioner for the Department of Health in the Eastern Cape in 2008. She later moved to Harrismith in the Free State, where she worked as a Meat Inspector for a year. From 2010 until the end of 2019, Raisa-Mlandu was employed by the Walter Sisulu Local Municipality in Burgersdorp, where she held several positions, including Waste Management Officer, Manager: Environmental Management and Compliance, and Acting Director of Community Services. Continuing her career journey across various provinces, she later worked as the Manager of Social Services at Ngwathe Local Municipality in Parys. Her last employer before joining the GRDM team was the Govan Mbeki Municipality in Secunda, Mpumalanga, where she served as Director of Community Services for nearly two years.

She officially joined the GRDM on 4 November 2024, where she will “steer the ship” alongside more than 100 professionals in her Department. Her team encompasses sections such as Disaster Management (managed by Gerhard Otto), Fire & Rescue Services (Managed by Deon Stoffels), and Municipal Health (Managed by Johan Compion), which includes sub-sections like Environmental Health, Waste Management (Managed by Johan Gie), and Air Quality (Managed by Dr Johann Schoeman).

On a personal note, she is the first-born in her family. She is married and a mother of three, with her eldest daughter currently completing her law degree. She is looking forward to them joining her soon in George.

Nthabeleng described herself as a dynamic, goal-driven person, motivated by a result-driven approach to work. “My actions are motivated by wanting to achieve. I have strong leadership skills and experience in strategic management, project management, etc. I possess working knowledge of development issues, along with excellent time and financial management skills and good interpersonal and communication abilities. My decision to join this municipality is motivated by a desire to make a positive change in the community, as communities rely on us for the provision of services. I look forward to adding value, contributing positively, and show my valuable contributions to this institution,” she concluded.

GRDM leadership expresses confidence that this appointment will strengthen efforts to enhance the quality of services provided to residents of the Garden Route district and would like to welcome Nthabeleng Raisa-Mlandu to #teamGardenRoute.

Feature Image: Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard (MMC for Community Services), Andrew Stroebel (GRDM Executive Mayor), Nthabeleng Raisa-Mlandu (Executive Manager: Community Services) and Monde Stratu (Municipal Manager). 

ENDS

05 November 2024 Mediaverklaring: Pille gevind in “chips” en ander voedselverpakkings – Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit se reaksie

Mediaverklaring: Pille gevind in “chips” en ander voedselverpakkings – Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit se reaksie

Vir Onmiddelike Vrystelling
5 November 2024

Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM), die Suid-Afrikaanse Polisidiens (SAPD), Plaaslike munisipale Wetstoepassers en ander rolspelers is bewus van insidente in die Groot-Brak en Friemersheim-omgewing waar vreemde voorwerpe/pille in “chipspakkies” en ander produkte gevind is. ’n Ondersoek is tans aan die gang om die feite rondom hierdie insidente te bepaal. Die TDM is toegewyd en verantwoordelik om te verseker dat voedsel wat aan die publiek verkoop word, veilig is vir verbruik.

In reaksie tot sosiale media plasings en berigte in die media, het Burgemeester Andrew Stroebel, die volgende genoem: “Ons verseker die publiek dat ons hierdie saak uiters ernstig opneem en onmiddellik alle amptenare ten volle van die situasie in kennis gestel het. Die veiligheid van die publiek, veral met betrekking tot gesondheid, sal prioriteit bly.”

Die SAPD het die TDM in kennis gestel van vreemde pille wat in chips-pakkies en ander voedselpakkies aangetref is en dis vervolgens by die Groot-Brak Polisiekantoor gerapporteer.

‘n Pil, afgeneem saam met skyfies wat deur SAPS gekonfiskeer is (Bron: Verskaf en geverifieer deur Omgewingsgesondheidspraktisyns)

Blitsoperasies word weekliks uitgerol, waarvan nog een môre sal plaasvind. Tydens hierdie sessies word verskeie informele voedselhandelaars besoek. Belanghebbendes wat deel vorm van hierdie operasies, sluit in die SAPD, Plaaslike Munisipale Wetstoepassers, en die Departement van Binnelandse Sake, onder andere.

Meer inligting oor die insident sal op ’n latere stadium bekendgemaak word.

Lede van die publiek word aangemoedig om hul naaste SAPD-stasie te kontak of direk uit te reik na die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit se Omgewingsgesondheidsdienste, indien hul op voedselprodukte afkom wat verdag lyk.

Johan Compion – Senior Bestuurder: Munisipale Gesondheid, Vaste Afvalbestuur en Lugkwaliteitsbeheer

E-pos: jcompion@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1550 / 082 803 5161

Desmond Paulse – Bestuurder: Munisipale Gesondheid – Klein Karoo
E-pos: desmond@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 272 2241 / Sel: 083 678 6530
St Johnstraat 94, Oudtshoorn

Rinay Cloete – Waarnemende Hoof: Munisipale Gesondheid, Mosselbaai
E-pos: rinay@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 693 0006 /Sel: 083 630 6108
Hoek van Sampson & MarlingStraat, Mosselbaai

Emmy Douglas – Hoof: Munisipale Gesondheid, George (Outeniqua)
E-pos: emmy@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1537 / Sel: 078 457 2824
Missionstraat, Industriële gebied, George

Jessica Erasmus – Waarnemende Hoof: Munisipale Gesondheid, George (Wildernis)
E-pos: jessica@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1522 / Sel: 081 346 3118
Missionstraat, Industriële Gebeid, George

James McCarthy – Hoof: Munisipale Gesondheid, Knysna (Meer)
E-pos: james@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 382 7214 / Sel: 082 805 9417
Queenstraat 26A, Knysna

Gawie Vos – Hoof: Munisipale Gesondheid, Bitou (Meer)
E-pos: Gjvos@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 501 1600 / Sel: 083 557 1522
Gibbstraat 7, Plettenbergbaai

Haemish Herwels – Hoof: Munisipale Gesondheid, Hessequa (Langeberg)
E-pos: haemish@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 028 713 2438 / Sel: 083 678 6545
Mitchellstraat 23, Riversdal

EINDE