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13 March 2025 Media Release: First Aid Level 3 Training rolled out monthly at Garden Route District Municipality

Media Release: First Aid Level 3 Training rolled out monthly at Garden Route District Municipality

For Immediate Release
13 March 2025

First Aid Level 3 continues to be rolled out at the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Head Office in George. This training is of vital importance because it provides people with advanced life-saving skills and prepares them on how to handle medical and other emergencies during various incidents.

The training is conducted by GRDM Firefighters and Disaster Management personnel. According to the Head of Disaster Management, Gerhard Otto, the remaining dates for training during the 2025 calendar year are as follows: 12 – 16 May 2025; 9 – 13 June 2025; 14 – 18 July 2025; 18 – 22 August 2025; 8 – 12 September 2025; 6 – 10 October 2025; 10 – 14 November 2025; and 8 – 12 December 2025.

Earlier today, Mayoral Committee Chairperson for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, also took a moment to visit students and witness the training being rolled out at the GRDM Disaster Management Centre.

Hoogbaard, during his visit expressed his gratitude to the training staff by saying, “Thank you to Disaster Management and the GRDM Fire & Rescue Services, for sharing your expertise during these training sessions”.

A group of students being trained to become first aid responders.

This course is just one of the monthly sessions rolled out by the municipality. It spans over a period of five days, involving theoretical texts and practical demonstrations.

All participants are taught how to deal with and react to the following scenarios: 

  • Safety and lawful aspects
  • Patient assessment
  • Life Support
  • Airway Obstruction
  • Shock
  • Dressing and Bandages
  • Injury Emergencies
  • Medical Emergencies
  • Environmental Emergencies
  • Emergency Childbirth
  • Transporting a patient
  • And First Aid Kits
Kervin-Lee Gericke, a GRDM Senior Firefighter also played a role in the practicals when he had to be treated by student Chelsea Fort after he ‘broke an arm’. Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard is pictured with them.

Did you know?

There is no cost involved if you do the training and sign up to become a Disaster Management Volunteer. However, if you are not planning to become a volunteer, the fee payable is R682.00 (rate valid till 30 June 2025).

  • Training takes place at the GRDM Joint Operation Centre, 54 York Street, George
  • Download the application form: https://tinyurl.com/m5sjuzmk
  • Send a completed form to 📧 gail.bekeer@gardenroute.gov.za or wouter@gardenroute.gov.za
  • For more information contact Gail Bekeer (044 803 1347) or Wouter Jacobs (044 803 1316)

Feature image: MMC Councillor Hoogbaard is pictured with Nontsikelelo Shange who is about to perform CPR on one of the rescue services manikins. Behind her is Emile Conrad, GRDM Snr. Firefighter and Gail Bekeer, GRDM Disaster Management Administrator. 

ENDS

11 March 2025 Media Release: Global Events Heavily Impact South African Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

Media Release: Global Events heavily impact South African Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

For immediate release
11 March 2025

“When Russia invaded Ukraine in April 2022, environmentalists sounded the alarm that as the world shifted focus and resources to the war, it would have a detrimental effect on global efforts to address climate change,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

Since 2022, this prediction has not only proven to be true, but the situation has worsened due to more recent events, such as the USA withdrawing from the UN Convention on Climate Change Paris Agreement and halting vital funding that sustains environmental efforts globally. In Countries like South Africa few realized the scale and impact of American financial support until it was retracted overnight.

The theme for the June 2025 GREF Annual Climate Change and Environmental Management Indaba is “A Global Reassessment of Sustainable Funding Mechanisms for Environmental Projects.” The Indaba will focus on finding alternative, innovative, and sustainable funding mechanisms for environmental management.

South African conservation and environmental efforts are already suffering as government and private funding has dwindled over time due to slow economic growth and rising costs. Ironically, the environment is the bedrock of the South African economy, yet given the financial predicament, it is being forced to take a back seat.

The recent return of the SA Agulhas II research ship from its annual voyage conducting vital research in Antarctica and open oceans was a momentous occasion. However, even this prestigious South African endeavour faces uncertainty, as looming budget cuts threaten its sustainability.

The loss of American funding, particularly from USAID, will have far-reaching effects on critical initiatives such as the South African Just Energy Transition Programme (JETP), which aims to move away from fossil fuels. Many other essential conservation projects funded through American grants, including anti-poaching efforts and biodiversity conservation, are also at risk.

As the global drive to protect the environment faces increasing threats, South Africans must take responsibility for ensuring better environmental management to secure a high quality of life for all who depend on our natural infrastructure and resources.

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

Feature Image: In the face of less funding South Africans must do much more to protect the environment – Waste management

10 March 2025 Media Release: Garden Route DM Fire & Rescue Services Educates Hoogekraal Community on Fire Safety

Media Release: Garden Route DM Fire & Rescue Services Educates Hoogekraal Community on Fire Safety

For Immediate Release
10 March 2025

Hoogekraal, situated northeast of Glentana, was visited by the Garden Route District Municipality’s Fire & Rescue Services on Saturday, 8 March 2025. The annual visit is part of GRDM’s ongoing commitment to wildfire prevention and community safety.

Senior Firefighter Jonathan van Vuuren educating community members from Hoogekraal about fires and the risks they pose to the safety of everyone.

There is a great deal of dry grass, shrubs, and large trees surrounding Hoogekraal, contributing to its increased fire risk. Wildfires are also a threat along the coastline east of the settlement, stretching to Herolds Bay and westward to Glentana.

With fire’s traditional use in the community for heating and cooking, GRDM Fire & Rescue Services organized an awareness and education session.

Key topics covered:

  • Increasing community awareness of fire risks
  • Differentiating the fire hazards present in the local environment
  • Providing guidelines for safeguarding the immediate area around homes
  • Clearing and securing areas to prevent fire spread
  • Developing designated areas for making fires and disposing of ash
  • Educating children on the dangers of playing with matches or ignition sources
  • Understanding the role of wind in fire spread
  • Safe methods to suppress small fires
  • Identifying potential fire fuel sources around timber structures
  • Maintaining safe distances between structures to prevent fire from spreading
  • Additional information was also shared on the safe use of fire within homes.

Senior Firefighter Jonathan van Vuuren (pictured) led the session, engaging both young and old community members. Residents participated keenly in the activities and demonstrations, gaining valuable skills to protect themselves and their homes from fire-related disasters.

Mayor Stroebel commended firefighters for their ongoing efforts to educate communities. He said: “The GRDM Fire & Rescue Services remains committed to educating, and therefore empowering Garden Routers with the knowledge and tools to reduce fire risks and respond effectively in emergencies. It is also of critical importance for us to reach the outlaying areas where many communities do not have access to information”.

Feature image: Johnathan van Vuuren does a practical demonstration of ‘mopping-up’ a scene.

ENDS

10 Maart 2025 Mediavrystelling: TDM hou voort om gemeenskappe in Klein-Karoo tydens waterkrisis te help

 Mediavrystelling: TDM hou voort om gemeenskappe in Klein-Karoo tydens waterkrisis te help

Vir onmiddellike vrystelling

10 Maart 2025

Die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM) het verlede week voortgegaan om hulp te verleen aan die Oudtshoorn Munisipaliteit. Dit volg nadat dié plaaslike munisipaliteit dringend met die TDM moes skakel om ‘n ernstige waterskaarste-krisis in Dysselsdorp, De Rust en Blomnek aan te spreek.

Volgens die TDM se Rampbestuurhoof, Gerhard Otto, het die probleem ontstaan “nadat ‘n kabel beskadig is weens die onlangse kragonderbrekings.”

Tussen Dinsdag en Saterdag (8 Maart) het die Tegniese Dienste-afdeling van die Oudtshoorn Munisipaliteit vier foutiewe plekke op die hoof-elektrisiteitsvoerkabel geïdentifiseer en herstel om ‘n stabiele toevoer aan gemeenskappe te verseker. Hierdie kabel is noodsaaklik vir die voorsiening van elektrisiteit aan die waterpompe wat Dysselsdorp van huishoudelike water voorsien.

Die situasie is verder vererger deur Eskom se beurtkrag, wat dele van De Rust en Blomnek se krane droog gelaat het. In reaksie hierop het die TDM se Rampbestuursentrum en die GRDM Brandweerdiens daagliks ‘n 10 000-liter watertrok ontplooi, insluitend oor die afgelope naweek, om water aan die geaffekteerde gemeenskappe te voorsien.

Die herstelwerk aan die kragkabel is nou voltooi, en die waterpompe funksioneer op volle kapasiteit, wat beteken dat die reservoirs weer aangevul word. Dit bly egter noodsaaklik om die aanhoudende droogtetoestande in die Karoo in ag te neem, aangesien dit ‘n impak op watervoorsiening sal hê.

TDM Burgemeester Andrew Stroebel het beklemtoon: “Die TDM sal voortgaan om die Oudtshoorn Munisipaliteit tydens hierdie krisis te ondersteun en sal hulp verleen tot minstens Vrydag, wanneer verwag word dat die agterstand in waterlewering uitgesorteer sal wees.”

Die TDM doen ‘n dringende beroep op alle inwoners om spaarsamig met water om te gaan gedurende hierdie herstelperiode.

‘n Vorige mediavrystelling wat verband hou met die bogenoemde: https://tinyurl.com/4m3nsw7v

Water word afgelewer by dorpe insluitend Dysselsdorp, De rust en Blomnek

EINDE

10 March 2025 Save the Date: Notice of a Special Council Meeting, 25 March 2025 at 11:00

NOTICE OF A SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING ON 25 March 2025 AT 11:00

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 25 March 2025 at 11:00.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/9yMkAOpuePE?si=-g63b12t3ht70r65

6 February 2025 Media Release: Emergency Personnel in the Garden Route Attend RIMS Training

Media Release: Emergency Personnel in the Garden Route Attend RIMS Training

6 March 2025

Earlier this week, the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Fire and Rescue Services attended the Road Incident Management Systems (RIMS) Training Workshop. This was hosted in George by the National Department of Transport and the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL).

“The safety of road users and emergency responders remains a priority for us at the GRDM. This training is important becausee it strengthens our region’s ability to respond swiftly and decisively to incidents. I commend all participants for their dedication and commitment to keeping our roads safe,” said GRDM Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel.

The workshop was attended by emergency responders, including GRDM Disaster Management and Fire Services, Oudtshoorn Municipal Traffic and Law Enforcement, George Municipal Fire Department and Traffic Management, METRO Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Attendees from George, Mossel Bay, and Ladismith rescue technicians, as well as other private role players, including a breakdown service, also attended.

The objective of the workshop was to equip participants with the necessary skills to coordinate and implement standardised procedures for incident response. This can help to ensure a more efficient and safer roadway environment.

Some of the key elements covered in the training included:

  • Understanding RIMS protocols.
  • Identifying major and minor incidents using the METHANE method for reporting to the Control Centre.
  • Defining roles and responsibilities of services and agencies within RIMS.
  • Strengthening collaboration between emergency services, law enforcement, and road maintenance teams.
  • Improving safety and risk management protocols for first responders at road incidents.
  • Addressing hybrid energy vehicles as an innovative approach, especially given the increasing number of hybrid electric cars in our region.

The one-day workshop was well received by attendees who also were also exposed to numerous real-life incident examples and ways to mitigate them.

According to GRDM Fire Station Commander Heirich Leslie, the training provided the necessary knowledge to equip attendees with the appropriate steps toward building a more efficient and coordinated road incident management framework. To this end, it ensures that South Africa’s roads remain safe and accessible in the face of unforeseen incidents.

Feature image and images above showcasing emergency personnel from the district who attended the RIMS Workshop.

-END-

3 March 2025 Impact Based Warning for the Western Cape and Namaqua Region of Northern Cape

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued an Impact Based Warning for the Western Cape and Namaqua Region of Northern Cape as follows:

Hazard: Veld Fire Conditions
Alert Level: FDI above 75
Affected Municipalities: Beaufort West, Breede Valley, Cederberg, Drakenstein, Hantam, Kannaland, Karoo Hoogland, Khâi-Ma, Laingsburg, Oudtshoorn, Prince Albert, Swartland
Valid From (SAST): 03/03/25 – 08h00
Valid To (SAST): 04/03/25 – 19h00

Discussion: The hot temperatures along with dry conditions and strong winds can result in the development of runaway and veld/bush fires.

Impact: Conditions are such that the FDI index is above 75. Under these conditions fires may develop and spread rapidly resulting in damage to property and possible loss of human and/or animal life.

Instruction: All personnel and equipment should be removed from the field. Fire teams, labour and equipment are to be placed on full stand-by. At first sign of smoke, every possible measure should be taken in order to bring the fire under control in the shortest possible time. All available aircraft are to be called for without delay.

Legal notice:
“This warning from SA Weather Service must be communicated as received and may not be altered under any circumstance.
It must be forwarded or communicated in its entirety and no portion hereof may be replicated or copied and distributed.”

SOUTH AFRICAN WEATHER SERVICE
Cape Town Weather Office
2nd Floor: Oval Office Park
Cape Town Int airport
Freight Road
Matroosfontein
Cape Town

3 March 2025 World celebrates International Wildlife Day

World celebrates International Wildlife Day

Twenty five years ago the United Nations declared 3 March as International Wildlife Day dedicated to the celebration of fauna and flora, as well as marine life, globally.

South Africa is the custodian of some of  the world’s most unique fauna and flora and has over decades invested heavily into conserving our very special habitats and bio- diversity from over- exploitation and extinction.

The good news is that there are today perhaps more land under conservation and official protection than fifty years ago, but despite these obvious goals there are many problems of which the most prominent is the near extinction of South Africa’s black and white rhino population due to relentless and violent poaching, and perhaps not as conspicuous there are several other plant and wild life species facing a similar fate country wide.

The conservation and protection of fauna and flora has to face many challenges in a South Africa that looks vastly different from what it was fifty years ago.

Some of the biggest challenges include a fast- growing population with an insatiable quest for land to be developed and supporting infrastructure, as well as the more recent impact of a changing climate and changing rainfall patterns which are proving to be substantial in its detructive impact.

Perhaps the single biggest threat to conservation in South Africa is invasive alien plants (I&AP’s) which found a very fertile home for themselves in millions of hectares covering the full extent of the South Africa in one degree or another depending on climate, rainfall and soil types.

Almost impossible to eradicate I&AP’s has rendered large sections of the South African landscape unusable for agriculture and conservation, and is spreading at an alarming rate putting ever more of the country’s sensitive eco- systems under threat of irreversible destruction.

Due to negative land management practices and invasive alien plants in primary catchments and rivers systems, South Africa has already lost more than two thirds of our precious wetland systems sustain an array of eco- systems found nowhere else on the planet.

The conservation of South Africa’s fauna and flora rests on the shoulders of all its citizens, whether it includes not dumping rubbish in undesignated spaces, by not contaminating or over extracting water resources or clearing your land from invasive alien plants, let us unite in conserving our beautiful land and celebrate our natural heritage.

Featured image caption: A Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus, often seen at the lakes all around the Garden Route region.

-END-

28 February 2025 Media Release: Garden Route Skills Mecca Launches Tourism & Hospitality Project with Comprehensive Induction Workshops

Media Release: Garden Route Skills Mecca Launches Tourism & Hospitality Project with Comprehensive Induction Workshops

For immediate release
28 February 2025

The Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM), which forms part of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), has officially launched its new Tourism and Hospitality Project, a significant initiative funded by the National Skills Fund (NSF), with a series of comprehensive induction workshops held across the Garden Route. The sessions commenced on 24 February 2025 and today the last session is held in Hessequa at the Riversdale Civic Centre.

Areas where workshops were already conducted include Bitou, Knysna, Mossel Bay, George, Calitzdorp, Ladismith and Oudtshoorn.

A packed hall of participants in attendance at the Workshop conducted in Knysna.

These workshops, facilitated by Reginald Salmons, Coordinator for Skills Development at GRDM, marked the commencement of a valuable opportunity for Work Integrated Learners (WIL) and Cooks to acquire essential skills and to contribute to the region’s vibrant hospitality industry.

Portfolio Chairperson for Corporate Services, Ald. Nompumelelo Ndayi said: “The sessions brought together learners and host employers from local businesses, with the GRDM team playing a pivotal role in guiding the participants and providing crucial insights”.

The Induction Workshop conducted in Mossel Bay on 25 February 2025.

Each morning, participants were welcomed by a representative of the respective municipality, fostering a positive and collaborative atmosphere, followed by a detailed overview of the GRSM’s background. Salmons further emphasised the importance of the GRSM in the local community and its contribution to regional skills development.

Following an opportunity for attendees to network and engage with one another, these workshops also explored the core components of the program, including:

  • a thorough review of the learner contract of employment;
  • the Code of Conduct;
  • the roles and responsibilities of host employers; and
  • salary cut-off dates.

“Discussions are designed to ensure that all participants have a clear understanding of their obligations and expectations, promoting transparency and accountability throughout the program,” said Ndayi.

Presentations made by the GRDM and NSF teams during the Induction Workshop in Oudtshoorn.

A dedicated question and answer session was built into the programme that provided learners with a platform to address any queries or concerns, fostering open communication and ensuring clarity. The induction concluded with a heartfelt expression of gratitude to the learners for their participation.

The launch of this NSF-backed Hospitality Project represents a significant investment in the future of the Garden Route’s workforce. By providing learners with essential skills and practical experience, the project aims to enhance their employability and contribute to the continued growth of the region’s thriving hospitality sector.

According to Mayor Andrew Stroebel, the GRSM’s commitment to skills development is “evident in the comprehensive nature of the induction workshops, laying a solid foundation for the success of the project and its participants”.

“This initiative promises to empower individuals and strengthen the local hospitality industry, ensuring a brighter future for the Garden Route,” he concluded.

More Induction Workshops conducted across the district.

ENDS