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05 November 2024 Media Statement: Pills Found in Chips and other Food Packaging – Garden Route District Municipality’s response

Media Statement: Pills Found in Chips and other Food Packaging – Garden Route District Municipality response

For Immediate Release
5 November 2024

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), the South African Police Service (SAPS), local municipal law enforcement, and other stakeholders are aware of incidents in the Great-Brak and Friemersheim areas where foreign objects/pills have been found in packets of chips and other food packaging. An investigation is currently underway to determine the facts surrounding these incidents. In this regard, the GRDM is dedicated and responsible for ensuring that food sold to the public is safe for consumption.

GRDM Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel, in response to reports of these serious incidents, said: “We can assure the public that we regard this matter with utmost seriousness and have immediately made all officials fully aware of this situation. The public’s safety in terms of health is a priority.”

SAPS informed the GRDM about the foreign pills found in packets of chips and other food packaging, which were earlier reported to the Great-Brak Police Station.

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

Blitz operations are conducted weekly, with another scheduled for tomorrow. During these sessions, various informal food vendors are visited. Stakeholders involved in these operations include the SAPS, local municipal law enforcement, and the Department of Home Affairs, among others.

Further information about the incident will be released at a later stage.

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

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

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

 

04 November 2024 Media Release: Illegal dumping a threat to the prosperity of the Garden Route

Media Release: Illegal dumping a threat to the prosperity of the Garden Route

For immediate release
4 November 2024

“Industrial- scale illegal dumping and littering was one of the major drivers impacting on the severity of the April 2022 Durban flood disaster when some 459 people lost their lives with billions of Rands’ damage to hard infrastructure, property and the economy”, says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

Globally the advent of climate change enhanced the severity and regularity of flooding with storm water drainage systems and infrastructure simply not designed for such severe events. During the Kwazulu-Natal 2022 floods, the impact of storm water drainage systems blocked by waste and rubble rendered them ineffective to channel storm water. The severe flooding caused severe damage to infrastructure like bridges, roads and resulted in thousands of tons of waste washing up on KZN beaches – a disaster on its own.

All Garden Route towns are serviced weekly in terms of standard waste removal best practice but despite best efforts illegal dumping and littering prevail unabated.

The degrading impact of littering and pollution on the well- being and quality of life of communities is well documented. Changes in climate will further the damage caused by unmanaged waste and litter if social behaviour patterns do not change.

Garden Route municipalities have no choice but to spend millions of Rands, earmarked for service delivery annually, to clean illegal dumping sites and remove mountains of litter from vacant land and township borders.

Littering and illegal dumping, just like the impact of invasive alien plants have become an immense threat to not only the environment but also human safety and well- being. The degradation of water quality, river health, bio-diversity, marine and coastal environments and general quality of life of those living in the Garden Route is at stake.

Many Garden Route residents do take ownership with regular community beach and river clean-ups, and we salute all who assist the overwhelmed public services.

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

Feature Image: Children are often subjected to illegal dumping hotspots.

ENDS

31 October 2024 Media Release: GRDM bids farewell to dedicated Roads employee, Daniel Bruiners

Media Release: GRDM bids farewell to dedicated Roads employee, Daniel Bruiners

For immediate release
31 October 2024

This week, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Roads Department will bid farewell to a cherished colleague, Daniel Bruiners, with a special memorial service celebrating his life on Friday, 1 November 2024.

Daniel, who sadly passed away on Friday, 25 October 2024, at the age of 55, dedicated 20 years of service to the GRDM. Appointed on 1 September 2004, he worked as a member of the Herold Maintenance Team in his hometown of Herold – the place where he was born, raised, and educated.

Daniel’s passing has left an emptiness among his colleagues. Team members remember him as a quiet, diligent worker known for his precision and neatness in every task. Gert Verwey, Deputy Manager of GRDM Roads, remarked: “Daniel’s meticulous work ethic and the significant contributions he made to GRDM Roads are deeply felt by our team. His absence is already felt profoundly.”

Born as the youngest of seven brothers, Daniel is survived by his siblings, his three children – one daughter and two sons – and a niece with whom he shared his home. The GRDM extends its heartfelt condolences to Daniel’s family, friends, and colleagues as they mourn his unexpected loss.

The memorial service will be held at the GRDM Council Chambers. Family, colleagues, friends, and community members are invited to join virtually through the municipality’s YouTube Channel:
https://tinyurl.com/msbtcr3x.

Rest in Peace, Daniel

Your dedication and service to the people of the Garden Route will be remembered.

You will be dearly missed.

ENDS

31 October 2024 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Introduces Innovative Exemption Policy for Dog-Friendly Dining

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Introduces Innovative Exemption Policy for Dog-Friendly Dining

31 October 2024

In recent years, South Africa has seen a growing trend of patrons bringing their dogs to restaurants, a practice that many restaurant owners have embraced. This is also the trend in many countries abroad.

However, it is essential to acknowledge that the Regulation Governing General Hygiene Requirements for Food Premises and the Transport of Food and Related Matters R 638 of 22 June 2018 mandates that animals, with the exception of guide or service dogs accompanying individuals with disabilities, should not be allowed in areas where food is handled. To address this, the GRDM Council took a proactive step of developing an exemption policy related to Section 14(1) of Regulation 638. This new policy aims to provide clear guidelines for municipal health services and restaurant owners on establishing “dog-friendly areas” in compliance with existing regulations.

GRDM Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel, who spearheaded the policy change soon after he took office, said the following during the Council meeting on 30 October 2024: “I want to thank the Community Services Department for the record time in which they developed this policy. Also, thank you to Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, the Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services and the GRDM Council, who assisted to get this policy developed and approved”.

“The GRDM Council made significant strides by approving this pioneering exemption policy and it is a first-of-its-kind at a District Municipality the country. This initiative not only enhances service delivery, but reduces red-tape and positions the Garden Route as an attractive tourist destination which is open to more segments of society.”

“As the holiday season approaches, we recognize that restaurant owners are eager to implement their plans,” said Stroebel.

The key documents to download and read through for those interested in this exemption policy can access, include the following:

Alternatively browse to this link to access the documents.

According to Johan Compion, Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management & Air Quality Control, “It is important to note that submitting an application for a dog-friendly area does not guarantee automatic approval. A thorough application and approval process will be in place to ensure compliance and safety.”

Within the next week, a general notice will be distributed to all food establishments, outlining more details relating to the application process for establishing dog-friendly areas.

Please note that full compliance with the application requirements is essential for the review and approval process.

For more information, please use the following contact information (download the list of contact details of Municipal Health Chiefs here) to submit your forms to and to request for any questions of clarity:

*Landline numbers are only in use during weekdays

Johan Compion – Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management & Air Quality Control
E-mail: jcompion@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1550 / 082 803 5161

Desmond Paulse – Manager: Municipal Health Klein Karoo
Email: desmond@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 272 2241 / Cell: 083 678 6530
94 St John Street, Oudtshoorn

Rinay Cloete – Acting Chief: Municipal Health Mossel Bay
Email: 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)
Email: emmy@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1537 / Cell: 078 457 2824
Mission Street, Industrial Area, George, 6530

Jessica Erasmus – Acting Chief: Municipal Health George (Wilderness)
E-mail: jessica@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1522 / Cell: 081 346 3118
Mission Street, Industrial Area, George

James McCarthy – Chief: Municipal Health Knysna (Lakes)
Email: james@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 382 7214 / Cell: 082 805 9417
26A Queen Street, Knysna

Gawie Vos – Chief: Municipal Health Bitou (Lakes)
Email: Gjvos@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 501 1600 / Cell: 083 557 1522
7 Gibb Street, Plettenberg Bay

Haemish Herwels – Chief: Municipal Health Hessequa (Langeberg)
E-mail: haemish@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 028 713 2438 / Cell: 083 678 6545
23 Mitchell Street, Riversdale

Featured image: A dog on a leash with his owner.

Ends

31 October 2024 Media Release: Wrapping up Transport Month – A Look into Garden Route District Municipality’s Roads Services

Media Release: Wrapping up Transport Month – A Look into Garden Route District Municipality’s Roads Services

 31 October 2024

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) serves a diverse region known for its coastal towns, arid Klein Karoo stretches of land, lush forests, and mountainous landscapes, and farmlands. Through its Roads Services Department, GRDM services approximately 47 000 square km2 roads on behalf of the Western Cape Government Provincial Department of Infrastructure.

GRDM ensures that, within its resource capacity, that road schedules are carefully planned while taking into consideration adverse weather conditions. The Roads Services personnel undertake various tasks such as infrastructure upgrades, re-graveling, resealing, and upgrading roads. These are all aimed at ensuring a reliable and safe trip for road users.

The total length of roads maintained within the Garden Route District is 6003km. The gravel roads serviced, account for 44.32% of all gravel roads in the district. The area serviced by GRDM is divided into 15 wards and these are maintained by 16 maintenance grader operators. According to an agreement with the WCG, a minimum of 10,000 km of gravel road surface must be graded annually. Where necessary, re-graveling projects are undertaken, and the Road Agency is responsible for rehabilitating the quarries from which the gravel is sourced.

A maintenance team is assigned to each ward, as well as a dedicated reseal team.  They also address potholes and seal to road surfaces. These teams rely heavily on farm owners and workers to also inform them of road-related issues after floods.

Garden Route Road Services Fleet

The Garden Route Roads Department currently has a fleet of 436 vehicles, valued at R439 134 592, consisting of both minor and major plant equipment and making it the largest fleet in the Western Cape.  The budget for the 2023/2024 financial year, according to the Service Level Agreement, was R201 427 000.

Minor plant includes smaller equipment such as concrete saws, compactors, mowers, pumps, and other tools used for various construction tasks on-site. These items can typically be operated by a single person.

Major plant primarily consists of heavy machinery but also includes smaller buses and vans. The heavy machinery refers to larger machines designed for tougher tasks, with commonly used equipment in the department including bulldozers, backhoe loaders, excavators, crane trucks, and more.

Road network

The road network which is maintained covers a combined distance of 6003km of road, of which 5282km are gravel surfaced roads, and 721km are bituminous surfaced roads.

Weather incidents and its impact on roads

The Garden Route District has experienced severe weather over the past year, which have left several roads in poor condition for road users. Some roads were temporarily closed due to the extent of the damage, while others have since been repaired and are now operational again.

At GRDM, we recognise that infrastructure maintenance and rehabilitation have a direct impact on the quality of life for individuals. Well-maintained roads and highways alleviate traffic congestion, reduce travel time, and improve the safety of road users. This is achieved through regular inspections of the road network, which provide valuable input for future maintenance plans.

Current Projects and their values

The following current projects have been identified along with their budgeted allocations:

PROJECT NAME AMOUNT
Reseal Project R26.25 million
Gwaing Road Construction R67 million
Maintenance Work R107 million
Regravel R28.665 million
Flood damage R20 million

The total budget for the current financial year, which services these projects, is R196.8M.

Current Projects

  1. Maintenance Section
  • Blacktop Patching target: 3000 m2 ​
  • Blacktop Patching actual: 468,00 m2 (May 2024)​
  • Projected at end of FY: 3000m2​
  • ​Blading Target: 10 000 km​
  • Blading Actual: 2 115,11 km (May 2024)​
  • Projected at end of FY: 10 000km​

2. Reseal Team

  • Reseal Target: 268 652,00 m2​
  • Projected at end of FY: 268 652,00 m2​

​3. Regravel & Construction team

Re-gravel- and Construction Teams is currently busy attending to Flood damages as per list below:

Please click on the link to view the list of flood-damaged roads.

Activities currently underway

Our staff component
To ensure that the roads in the Garden Route District are well-maintained, it is essential for Council to have the best personnel in place, as this specialised work requires specific skills. At GRDM, staff are trained to perform their duties with a high level of professionalism and expertise. Strict policies and procedures are in place for employees to follow, ensuring that everyone works together toward a common goal, while also ensuring that time and resources are used efficiently.

The Roads Services Department is one of GRDM’s key departments where specialised training, skills development, and mentoring opportunities are highly successful. These initiatives are essential in helping officials grow within the organisation, ensuring they acquire the expertise needed to excel in their roles and contribute to the department’s continued success.

Our Engineering Team
The Engineering technicians in GRDM are primarily involved in various engineering projects that include civil (construction, reseal & maintenance). Their responsibilities typically encompass:

  • Technical Support: They provide technical assistance by performing calculations, field surveying, drafting plans, and using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
  • Community Engagement: Given the municipality’s focus on community development, engineering technicians often engage with local residents to gather input on projects that affect their lives such as gathering complaints.
  • Project planning and design, maintenance management and site supervision, among others are functions they perform.

Meet our technicians
Yolanda Somkhala – Chief Engineering Technician
Lungisa Qendu – Chief Engineering Technician
Chesney Roelf – Chief Engineering Technician
Azola Mtangai – Chief Engineering Technician

-END-

29 October 2024: Media Release: Is the Garden Route better prepared to deal with disasters? Yes it is!

Media Release: Is the Garden Route better prepared to deal with disasters? Yes it is!

29 October 2024

“The June 2017 wildfire disaster, which caused immense damage to Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and surrounding areas, served as a rude awakening for Garden Route residents and authorities alike,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

A recent open-air expo at Wilderness, featuring all relevant entities involved in firefighting and fire management in the Garden Route, showcased an impressive array of regional firefighting assets.

The Garden Route is fortunate to have world-class firefighting equipment, highly trained personnel, early warning systems, and a fully functional disaster management centre, which has repeatedly proven effective in managing not only wildfire events but also a wide range of serious disasters.

Awareness of fire risk among Garden Route communities has increased significantly since the Knysna wildfire disaster. Residents outside the urban edge are generally making serious efforts to ensure their properties are protected with fire breaks and standard precautions in place. Many residents have joined the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association (SCFPA), whose preventative measures continue to help limit exposure to wildfire disasters.

The fuel load from unacceptably high levels of invasive alien plants on the Garden Route landscape remains the biggest threat for repeat wildfire disasters, and landowners are not doing enough to reduce its expanding footprint. Outeniqua mountain catchments, previously managed under formal plantations, have not been responsibly maintained over the past five years. The exponential spread of invasive plants over large areas continues to be a serious concern.

Ultimately, the power of nature should never be underestimated. The Garden Route’s history of natural disasters serves as a reminder that the threats posed by a changing climate are ever-present, including runaway wildfires, storm surges, floods, and drought.

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

-END-

24 October 2024 Media Release: SAPS, GRDM, Mossel Bay Municipality and stakeholders in the Garden Route collaborate in launching October the Safer Festive Season campaign in Mossel Bay

Media Release: SAPS, GRDM, Mossel Bay Municipality and stakeholders in the Garden Route collaborate launching October  the Safer Festive Season campaign in Mossel Bay

For immediate release
24 October 2024

The South African Police Service (SAPS), Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), Mossel Bay Municipality, and various stakeholders from the Garden Route launched the Safer Festive Season campaign yesterday, 23 October 2024, at the Extension 23 Sports Ground Stadium in Mossel Bay. The event brought together police officers, municipal leaders, youth, and community members, all united in promoting safety during the upcoming holiday season.

Stakeholer representatives in attendance at the Joint Operation Centre in Mossel Bay.

The day commenced with a briefing session at Mossel Bay’s Joint Operations Centre, where plans and resources in ensuring the safety of residents and tourists, were discussed. Following the briefing, stakeholders participated in an integrated roadblock near PetroSA before gathering at the stadium for the official launch of the campaign.

During the briefing, Executive Mayor of GRDM, Andrew Stroebel, emphasised the importance of crime prevention in sustaining the district’s rapid growth, particularly as the Garden Route remains a major tourist destination. He expressed the municipality’s commitment to public safety, adding that “the crime rate is being addressed with utmost priority to continue fostering economic growth”. Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Adv. Lieutenant General Thembisa Patekile, highlighted the need to support officers’ well-being, including addressing their housing needs. Mayor Stroebel responded that GRDM is actively working to become a housing authority, with an application currently in process.

The delegation subsequently participated in the roadblock near PetroSA in Mossel Bay creating awareness about safety in general.

Speakers addressing the representatives from various organisations as well as members of the community.

Arriving at the stadium, the delegation was welcomed by officers in ‘Blue’, representatives from various other organisations, community members and school representatives from the area, to name a few. The formal programme commenced with a parade in honour of the role of SAPS officers in the community and the safety of the residents of the district.

In his address at the event, Mayor Stroebel extended words of appreciation to all the partners involved in the campaign specifically pointing out SAPS, emergency services and the various departments that have come together in unity to make the launch of the Safer Festive Season campaign possible. He said: “Your dedication to ensuring the safety and security of our community is invaluable, and it gives me immense confidence in our collective ability to face the challenges of the festive season”. In addition, he further reiterated that “the Garden Route is not only a beautiful and vibrant region but also a significant tourist destination, drawing thousands of visitors during the holiday period”.

“We recognise the increased responsibility on our shoulders to ensure that both our residents and visitors feel safe and protected. Through our partnerships and the tireless work of all stakeholders involved, we are well-prepared to meet this challenge head-on.”

Parades of honour by SAPS officers at the event.

While Mayor Stroebel mentioned that safety and security cannot be achieved by one entity alone, he noted that “through strong partnerships we are able to ensure a cohesive and proactive approach to managing risks. These partnerships allow us to work together towards the common goal of providing a secure environment, not just over the festive season, but throughout the year,” he added. “Together, we will continue to build a region where everyone can enjoy the holidays in peace and security, knowing that they are supported by a strong and capable network of professionals,” he concluded.

Executive Deputy Mayor of Mossel Bay Municipality, Ald. Cliffie Bayman, when offering the residents of the Garden Route the assurance that Mossel Bay and the broader Garden Route is in safe hands while heading into the festive season, he said: “Today is an opportunity to show that partnerships built up through, for example, the Joint Operation Centre, have helped safeguard Mossel Bay and, through the K9 Unit, Mossel Bay has played a key supporting role in growing safety in the broader Western Cape”. In addition, Ald. Bayman further reminded all present that “today is a show of force and collaboration, a promise that the Council will continue to build on the success of these partnerships”. On behalf of the Mossel Bay he offered his full support towards the campaign and an overall safer festive season.

The operational plan handed over to Western Cape Commissioner, Adv. Lieutenant General Thembisa Patekile.

Lieutenant General Patekile encouraged communities to exercise caution during the December holidays as he made specific mention to the issue of gender-based violence (GBV), domestic violence, particularly women and children. Patekile further said: “We urge everyone as SAPS takes GBV extremely seriously – through our efforts, we will continue to protect the vulnerable, the elderly and women, as well as children”. In general, Patekile further encouraged communities to change their attitude, change the narrative and he advised that “we want you to be happy, everybody must be happy, as long as there should be no loss of life”.

Patekile further mentioned that SAPS deals with plenty occurrences of the loss of lives amongst young persons. He advised that “we should prevent situations that trigger conflict and that we should respect one another’s space”.  he He further advised: “After attending an event, go home and sleep, do not cause problems”.  He urged parents and communities to advise the youth, specifically young men, to act wisely and in the best interest of everyone’s safety. In terms of growing the economy he encouraged the public not to purchase counterfeit food at stores. These are merely a few of the many tips he shared with all present.  In terms of extortion, he seriously advised that victims of extortion should report their cases to the toll-free number 0800 314 444.

Dry-runs conducted during the event.

The rest of the activities included the Code of Conduct of SAPS Officers delivered by Constable Slingers in committing themselves to the safety of society, dry-runs of various crime-related incidents that police officers are tasked with on a daily basis, the marching of the Guard of Honour and instrumental performances by the men and ladies in blue, an exhibition and ultimately the handing over of the Operation Plan to the Lieutenant General Patekile.

Strong partnerships created and fostered for a safer Garden Route district.

Representatives from the Community Policing Forum, Spiritual Crime Prevention, the Department of Correctional Services, as well as the Provincial Traffic Department were also in attendance.

 

ENDS

24 October 2024 Media Release: De Hoop Road – Bo-Kouga in Uniondale almost restored to its former glory

Media Release: De Hoop Road – Bo-Kouga in Uniondale almost restored to its former glory

24 October 2024

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel, accompanied by members of the Mayoral Committee and GRDM administration, visited the De Hoop Road (DR1835) in the Bo Kouga area near Uniondale today to inspect the completed repairs and upgrades. Uniondale forms part of the George municipal area and plays an integral part of the agricultural value chain with sheep, seed and fruit farming being the most popular.

Earlier this year, heavy rainfall severely damaged multiple roads in the region, with some sections completely washed away, isolating communities and disrupting access to and from farms. The Western Cape Provincial Government’s (WCG) Department of Infrastructure, under the leadership of Minister Tertuis Simmers, responded by allocating R20 million for emergency repairs to restore and improve the affected roads.

The restoration work to date had gone beyond simply repairing flood damage. The allocated funds were also used to enhance the drainage systems along these roads to prevent future damage, said Mayor Stroebel. The GRDM Construction team is leading the restoration and construction effort, with a total of nine roads in the region scheduled for completion by early 2025. According to Mayor Stroebel, Ongoing construction work is currently focused on Uniondale and Riversdale, with upcoming projects set to begin in Van Wyksdorp and Knysna.

A brief background of the flood damage and repairs

The flooding of the DR1835 road occurred when the adjacent river overflowed, washing away the road’s structural layers. The repair process required a complete reconstruction of the road’s foundation. In addition, significant improvements to the drainage system were made, including the replacement of stormwater culverts and the installation of drainage humps along the pass section.

To protect against future erosion, hand-built stone-pitched headwalls are being constructed using materials sourced from the road reserve. This project also incorporates the Expanded Public Works Programme, which provides local workers with valuable training and hands-on experience in the construction field.

Feature image: Mayor Andrew Stroebel with several Mayoral Committee Members, the Executive Manager for Roads Services and other support staff of Garden Route District Municipality.

ENDS

22 October 2024 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Calls for Land to Support Fresh Produce Market Initiative

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Calls for Land to Support Fresh Produce Market Initiative

22 October 2024

Since May 2024, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) engaged the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to secure a land transfer of 15 to 30 hectares for a Fresh Produce Market. During an engagement on 19 October 2024, Councillor Hilton Stroebel, Mayoral Committee Chairperson for Property and Asset Management, participated in discussions with the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure regarding the same request. He emphasized that the proposed land and projects align with national and provincial development goals, stating: “These land parcels are essential for creating sustainable economic opportunities for our communities.”

Under the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998, Section 84(1)(k), GRDM, like other District Municipalities are allowed to develop and manage fresh produce markets and abattoirs that serve a significant portion of the municipality. A feasibility study and business plan have already been developed for this, which are aimed at supporting both subsistence and commercial farmers throughout the agricultural value chain.

Further to the above, local campuses of Nelson Mandela University and the Western Cape College of Nursing also inquired whether GRDM can negotiate additional land for the development of student accommodation.

GRDM has therefore, since this calendar year, formally requested the transfer of several properties located in George to the District – a response is awaited. Some of the properties are located within residential zones and Priority Human Settlements and Housing Development Areas, making them ideal business nodes with convenient access to public transport, healthcare facilities, and shopping centers.

More about the event where lobbying took place

At the event on 19 October, the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure established a task team and working streams to help speed  up the transfer of Forestry Villages to Local Municipalties and also the properties that GRDM requested to have under its ownership. All stakeholders at the engagement will form of the structures. Through this approach, it is anticipated that the transfer of properties will happen far quicker than initially anticipated.

Feature image caption: Knysna Executive Mayor, Cllr Aubrey Tsengwa, GRDM MMC for Properties and Asset Management, Cllr Hilton Stroebel, Western Cape Minister for Infrastructure, MEC Tertuis Simmers, Deputy Minister for Public Works and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala, Member of Parliament, George Executive Mayor Jackie von Brandis, Regional Manager for the Western Cape Public Works and Infrastructure, Phucuka Penny Penxa and George Municipality MMC for Community Safety, Cllr Brendon Adams.

ENDS

22 October 2024 Save the Date: Notice of Special Council Meeting – 24 October 2024 – 15:00

NOTICE OF A SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING ON 24 OCTOBER 2024 AT 15:00

Notice No. 134/2024

Notice is hereby given that a SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the CA Robertson Council Chambers, and via Zoom, 54 York Street, George, on 24 October 2024 at 15:00.

View the proceeding at: https://youtube.com/live/K69PclPTLXQ?feature=share

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

Click here download the Official Notice