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8 April 2025 Media Release: Regional Tourism Office will be at the World Travel Market (WTM) Africa 2025 with Local Tourism Offices and Several Businesses

Media Release: Regional Tourism Office will be at the World Travel Market (WTM) Africa 2025 with Local Tourism Offices and Several Businesses

8 April 2025

Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Regional Tourism Office will once again join more than 6000 travel industry professionals at the World Travel Market (WTM) Africa 2025, held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from 9 – 11 April 2025.  Local tourist products from the Garden Route and Klein-Karoo will attend the WTM Africa as part of a collective initiative. According to Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel, “the WTM, annually brings travel professionals from around the world together to connect, network, and explore business opportunities within the African travel market”.

“It is therefore important for the GR&KK to be present at this platform to promote the offerings of the region, alongside Local Tourism Offices”.

Key features of WTM Africa include:

  • Exhibitions to showcase destinations, travel services, and products.
  • Networking that provides opportunities to meet industry peers and potential business partners.
  • Conferences and Seminar sessions on the latest trends, insights, and innovations in the travel industry.
  • Pre-scheduled meetings to facilitate business discussions and deal-making.

Visiting the World Travel Market enables the Regional Tourism Office to establish valuable relationships and collaborate with global industry leaders and travel professionals. They will gain valuable insights into the latest trends and innovations in the travel industry, helping the office to remain competitive and well-informed.

This year, the GRDM Executive Mayor, Alderman Andrew Stroebel, will attend the event alongside officials from the Regional Tourism Office.  According to Stoebel, “By attending this prestigious event provides an excellent opportunity for Local Tourism Offices and tourist products in the region to showcase the region’s attractions, services, and unique experiences to a global audience, increasing visibility and attracting more tourists to the region. The Regional Tourism Office is responsible for promoting the entire region on international platforms like this, ensuring the GR&KK brand is recognized and positioned as a preferred travel destination of choice in the highly competitive tourism industry in the world,” Mayor Stroebel said.

Come join us and our esteemed stakeholders at Stand number: Q03 on the following dates:

  • Wednesday, 9 April 2025: 10:00 – 18:00
  • Thursday, 10 April 2025: 10:00 – 18:00
  • Friday, 11 April 2025: 10:00 – 16:00

Our stakeholders include:

  • Mossel Bay Tourism
  • Plett Tourism
  • Emily Moon
  • Simola Hotel Country Lodge & Spa
  • Crags Country Lodge
  • George Wilderness & Uniondale
  • Wilderness Hotel
  • Redberry Farm
  • Hessequa Tourism
  • Seeplaas
  • Cape Saint Blaize
  • Offshore Adventures
  • Issaquena Heights Boutique Hotel
  • Visit Knysna
  • Lithemba Arts & Crafts
  • Parkside Guesthouse
  • Rooiberg Lodge
  • Cango Caves
  • De Zeekoe Guest Farm
  • RJ Tours

For those who are in Cape Town over the next few days, pop-in at the GR&KK exhibition to connect, explore and support our regional and local tourism offices.

Featured Image Caption:  A photo from a previous year’s World Travel Market (WTM) Africa, showcasing various products at the Garden Route & Klein Karoo stand.

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07 April 2025 Media Release: Garden Route coastline and estuaries protected as the Wild Coast falters

Media Release: Garden Route coastline and estuaries protected as the Wild Coast falters

For immediate release
07 April 2025

“Via the Garden Route Estuaries Forum and the Garden Route Marine and Coastal Committee (MCC) encompassing all layers of governmental authorities and mandated entities including SANParks, Cape Nature Conservation (CNC) and inclusive of all civil conservation bodies an effective monitoring system guarding the regional coastline and estuaries has been established, ” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) and MCC Chairperson.

The functioning of these Forums are vital in order to ensure and maintain a high level of oversight preventing invaluable natural infrastructure from further decline to the point where unique coastal habitats and eco- systems completely collapse and disappear.

In contrast a recent report by the Daily Maverick on the state of the Eastern Cape Wild Coast by esteemed South African environmental practitioners and investigative journalists reflect upon “Environmental Anarchy” destroying with what is no doubt one of Africa’s most precious and vulnerable coastlines. Unregulated sand mining, illegal land occupation, complete disregard for environmental legislation, corrupt traditional authorities, clearing of invaluable ancient dune forests, the destruction of wetlands as well as unbridled harvesting of all manner of marine life already impacts on the Eastern Cape Wild Coast’ s sustainability.

Until fairly recently the Garden Route boasted a much richer bio-diversity and interlinked marine and coastal habitats and eco- systems which today resemble but a fraction of what once thrived unbounded. Today the Garden Route is subjected to dense linear coastal development, commercial agriculture, mega invasive alien plant impact as well as exponential human influx with much more on the way as the Western Cape proves to be a must- see local and global destination.

The Southern Cape population prospers and continue to grow socio-economically as local market values rise along with increasing popularity from local and international tourism as the region is globally recognized as an iconic and safe destination.

The preservation of the Eastern Cape coastline should be elevated to a national priority, and it has to start with the collaboration of all governmental structures with the political will to ensure its preservation for future generations also facing challenges posed by a changing climate. The Wild Coast has the potential to be an easy match for the Western Cape environmental management success, but environmental lawlessness has to make way for responsible conservation, tourism, job creation and prosperity to follow.

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

ENDS

3 April 2025 Media Release: GRDM Community Services Portfolio Chairperson visits Environmental Health Practitioners at 2025 KKNK 

Media Release: GRDM Community Services Portfolio Chairperson visits Environmental Health Practitioners at 2025 KKNK 

3 April 2025

Garden Route District Municipality Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) provide and facilitate comprehensive, pro-active and needs-based services to ensure a safe, healthy and clean environment and thereby preventing detrimental environmental conditions and related diseases.

The Klein Karoo National Arts Festival (KKNK) in Oudtshoorn commenced on Tuesday 1 April 2025, and will continue until Sunday, 6 April 2025. Food quality control and health surveillance of premises are key performance areas of EHPs.

According to Mayor Andrew Stroebel, “the KKNK has an excellent track record in food quality control. Now in its 29th year, the festival has never experienced an outbreak of foodborne illnesses or food poisoning”.

Today, the Portfolio Chairperson (MMC) of Community Services Department at GRDM, Councillor Jobieth Hoogbaard, also visited the KKNK to observe the functions and activities carried out by EHPs who ensure food safety and prevent environmental conditions that could negatively impact public health.

Cllr Hoogbaard first visited the office of the EHP in Oudtshoorn, where an informative discussion took place to inform him about the inspections and monitoring activities carried out by EHPs during the KKNK. These activities include ensuring food safety, water quality, public toilet facilities, solid waste storage and disposal, waste-water disposal, etc.

Photo caption: Councillor Hoogbaard visited food stalls with Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs), engaged with food stall owners, and handed over Certificates of Acceptability. He also visited the stalls of GRDM and the Department of Health and Wellness.

Thereafter he accompanied EHPs to the KKNK to observe the daily health inspections and activities first-hand.  MMC Hoogbaard also visited the KKNK Joint Operation Centre (JOC).

Food stalls must comply with Regulation 638 of 2018 and possess a Certificate of Acceptability (COA). He further visited food stalls with EHP’s, engaged with food stall owners, and witnessed COAs being handed over to food stalls.

He welcomed a comment from a food stall owner from outside the GRDM, who stated that, “the quality of service provided by the EHPs and the application process to obtain a COA for his food stall was impressive and seamless”.

Featured image caption: Councillor Hoogbaard with EHPs from the Oudtshoorn Office.

FLTR: Francois Koelman, Anelisa Fuzani, MMC Jobieth Hoogbaard (Portfolio Chairperson of Community Services), Desmond Paulse (Manager: Municipal Health Services, Klein Karoo), Johan Smith, and Maxwelline Fatuse.

-ENDS-

1 April 2025 Public Notice: DRAFT REVIEWED 2025-2026 INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN (IDP), DRAFT 2025/2026 MEDIUM TERM REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE FRAMEWORK AND MULTI-YEAR BUDGET

Notice 30/2025

DRAFT REVIEWED 2025-2026 INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN (IDP), DRAFT 2025/2026 MEDIUM TERM REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE FRAMEWORK AND MULTI-YEAR BUDGET

Notice is hereby given that the Garden Route District Municipal Council’s Draft Integrated Development Plan for the period 2025/2026 and the Medium Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework (MTREF) Draft Multi-Year Budget for the period 2025/2026-2027/2028,
were compiled in accordance with the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 2000 (Act 32 of 2000) and Municipal Finance Management Act 2003 (Act 56 of 2003).

These documents were considered by the Garden Route District Council at a District Council meeting held on Tuesday, 25 March 2025.
These documents will be available for public inspection and comments at all main local libraries, satellite offices and the Garden Route District Municipality’s IDP Unit, 54 York Street George and on the GRDM municipal website www.gardenroute.gov.za.

All comments and inputs must be directed to “The Municipal Manager, Garden Route District Municipality, 54 York Street, George 6530”,
rekords@gardenroute.gov.za.

Persons who are unable to read or write are encouraged to contact the Garden Route District Municipality during ordinary office hours, where they will be assisted to formulate their written comments or objection.

Written comments and inputs regarding the above documents must reach the Office of the Municipal Manager on or before 30 April 2025.

Please contact the District IDP Manager (Ms Mercy James) or Budget Manager (Ms Louise Hoek) at 044 803 1300, rekords@gardenroute.gov.za with any enquiries.

Click and download the IDP documents

Click below and download the financial documents:

2025/26-2027/28 Draft Budget Quality Certificate (25 March 2025)

2025/26-2027/28 Draft Budget Report (25 March 2025)

2025/26-2027/28 Draft Budget Public Notice (25 March 2025)

2025/26-2027/28 Draft Budget Council Resolution (25 March 2025)

2025/26-2027/28 Draft Budget A-Schedules (25 March 2025)

M STRATU
MUNICIPAL MANAGER
GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

28 March 2025 Media Release: GRDM adds award to its cap for over-achieving EPWP job targets

Media Release: GRDM adds award to its cap for over-achieving EPWP job targets

For Immediate Release
27 March 2025

The Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) EPWP Section received an award from the Western Cape Department for the outstanding performance of the municipality’s EPWP during the 4th Phase. The achievement of these targets reflects the number of people employed and the economic impact on our region, which amounts to R78 532 000,00 over the past five years (2019–2024).

“I want to convey my heartfelt appreciation and congratulations to the HOD, MMC, our dedicated staff and the management team in achieving this award, collectively,” said Andrew Stroebel, GRDM Executive Mayor.

The two departments within GRDM that made the most significant contributions to meeting EPWP targets are the Corporate Services Department, led by Trix Holtzhausen, and the Roads Services Department, under the leadership of John Godfrey Daniels. Over the past financial year, the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM), which is part of Corporate Services, facilitated 315 EPWP job opportunities, while the Roads Services Department contributed 104 EPWP jobs towards achieving the target.

The overall objective of the EPWP is to provide unemployed individuals with meaningful work opportunities. This is done through the delivery of community assets and services, while also fostering economic inclusion to empower sustainable livelihoods and contribute to the country’s development agenda. Over the past four phases, GRDM provided numerous formal and informal training opportunities and contributed to the capacity building of local municipalities’ EPWP programs.

Within the region, three municipalities were awarded this certification: Garden Route District, Mossel Bay, and Hessequa Municipalities.

Featured image caption:  FLTR, Lusanda Menze – Executive Manager: Planning & Economic Development, Cllr Hilton Stroebel – Portfolio Chairperson: Property and Asset Management , Andrew Stroebel – GRDM Executive Mayor and Richard Dyantyi – EPWP Manager.

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27 March 2025 Public Notice: DRAFT REVIEWED 2025-2026 INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN (IDP), DRAFT 2025/2026 MEDIUM TERM REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE FRAMEWORK AND MULTI-YEAR BUDGET

Notice 30/2025

DRAFT REVIEWED 2025-2026 INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN (IDP), DRAFT 2025/2026 MEDIUM TERM REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE FRAMEWORK AND MULTI-YEAR BUDGET

Notice is hereby given that the Garden Route District Municipal Council’s Draft Integrated Development Plan for the period 2025/2026 and the Medium Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework (MTREF) Draft Multi-Year Budget for the period 2025/2026-2027/2028, were compiled in accordance with the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 2000 (Act 32 of 2000) and Municipal Finance Management Act 2003 (Act 56 of 2003).

These documents were considered by the Garden Route District Council at a District Council meeting held on Tuesday, 25 March 2025.

These documents will be available for public inspection and comments at all main local libraries, satellite offices and the Garden Route District Municipality’s IDP Unit, 54 York Street George and on the GRDM municipal website www.gardenroute.gov.za.

All comments and inputs must be directed to “The Municipal Manager, Garden Route District Municipality, 54 York Street, George 6530”, rekords@gardenroute.gov.za.  Persons who are unable to read or write are encouraged to contact the Garden Route District Municipality during ordinary office hours, where they will be assisted to formulate their written comments or objection.

Written comments and inputs regarding the above documents must reach the Office of the Municipal Manager on or before 30 April 2025.

Please contact the District IDP Manager (Ms Mercy James) or Budget Manager (Ms Louise Hoek) at 044 803 1300, rekords@gardenroute.gov.za with any enquiries.

Click below and download the relevant documents:

2025/26-2027/28 Draft Budget Quality Certificate (25 March 2025)

2025/26-2027/28 Draft Budget Report (25 March 2025)

2025/26-2027/28 Draft Budget Public Notice (25 March 2025)

2025/26-2027/28 Draft Budget Council Resolution (25 March 2025)

2025/26-2027/28 Draft Budget A-Schedules (25 March 2025)

M STRATU
MUNICIPAL MANAGER
GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

24 March 2025 GRDM Hosts Fun Run to Raise Awareness for World TB Day

Media Release: GRDM Hosts Fun Run to Raise Awareness for World TB Day

24 March 2025

In commemoration of World Tuberculosis (TB) Day which is today, 24 March, the Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) from the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Hessequa Office, in collaboration with the local Child Welfare South Africa office in Hessequa, hosted a 5km fun run on Saturday to celebrate and raise awareness about TB.

The fun run took place in Riversdale, starting at the Town Sports Stadium (“Steg”). Approximately 120 community members, including councillors, and local rugby players, participated in the event.

The event was officially opened by Councillor Jobieth Hoogbaard, the Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services. During a brief speech, Hoogbaard welcomed everyone and mentioned that it is always enjoyable to participate in community initiatives—not only for the fun of it but because there is always an important purpose behind them.

“The purpose of this fun run is, first and foremost, to raise awareness about TB and to convey the message that TB can be prevented and is easily treatable. Too many people in our communities die from TB every year, and enough is enough,” said Hoogbaard.

The theme for the 2025 World TB Day is ‘YES! WE CAN END TB: COMMIT, INVEST AND DELIVER.

Among the participants were several dedicated young athletes who took the fun run very seriously.

The GRDM Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel, who is also a local resident, attended the celebrations. Stroebel used the opportunity to engage with residents and handed out water and cool “ysies” to participants at the water point, encouraging them along the way. Towards the end of the festivities, Mayor Stroebel conducted the lucky draw and handed over the power bank prize, to the lucky winner. He delivered the closing remarks, thanking the participants and everyone present, especially the children, for their support.

The Riversdale Municipal Health Office wants to use this opportunity to thank all individuals and shop owners for the donations received. “We were quite surprised with the turnout this morning as well as with the support we received from both our superiors and our local community,” said Bronwen Moolman, one of the organising members from the Riversdale office.

A special word of gratitude to:

Sponsors:

  • GRDM Communications
  • Child Welfare SA – Riversdale
  • Riversdale Superspar
  • JC Butchery
  • Era Soda
  • Klein Begin Ice
  • Bubble Boys Space
  • The staff of the local FNB branch
  • Engen One Stop – Riversdale
  • Riversdale Hospital
  • EMS
  • Droom
  • CPF Riversdale
  • DJ – Ethan du Preez
  • Sandra Daries
  • Hessequa Municipality

Acknowledgments:

Riversdale Blues Rugby Club – for assisting with the setup and cleanup of the stadium.

Riversdale Town Rugby Club – for allowing the use of their home field.

Caption: Exciting Activities from This Morning’s Fun Walk/Run!

-END-

 

24 March 2025 Media Release: 8th Climate Change Indaba to be hosted in June 2025

Media Release: 8th Climate Change Indaba to be hosted in June 2025

24 March 2025

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) Annual Climate Change and Environmental Management Indaba will be co- hosted by the Garden Route District Municipality and the Nelson Mandela University on 27 June 2025,” says GREF Convener Cobus Meiring.

The Climate Change Indaba was introduced to the GREF bouquet of deliverables in 2018 following the devastating Knysna and Outeniqua wildfire disasters which coincided with severe drought affecting large areas of the Garden Route and the unfolding Day Zero scenario in the Western Cape.

Through the years the Climate Change Indaba succeeded in attracting environmental experts and high level delegations from all over South Africa and abroad to share their knowledge and input on climate change and environmental management issues with local practitioners and all levels of government.

Perhaps not as hard- hit as KZN in the recent past, the Garden Route is no stranger to environmental disasters and regularly suffers from drought, heavy rain and floods, strong wind and storm surges, loss of bio- diversity and infrastructure and regular wild fire disasters. Keeping track of the impact of a changing climate and how best to mitigate its impact is vital to regional environmental stability and disaster management.

Through entities such as the Nelson Mandela University, SANParks, Cape Nature and many others the Garden Route is blessed with some of South Africa’s leading experts in environmental management and the Indaba is a showcase of regional collaboration and cooperation.

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

Those interested to attend the Indaba can contact Louise Mare at louisemare@gmail.com

(www.grefscli.co.za)

Feature image: Climate change has an impact on Garden Route environmental sustainability and bio- diversity

ENDS

24 March 2025 Media Release: District Leadership Discusses rehabilitation of Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe Railway line, Budget Pressures, Water Security, and Waste Management at DCF and MMF Forum

Media Release: District Leadership Discusses rehabilitation of Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe Railway line, Budget Pressures, Water Security, and Waste Management at DCF and MMF Forum

For Immediate Release
24 March 2025

The District Coordinating and Municipal Managers’ Forums took place on 19 March in Knysna. These engagements drew several stakeholders from the private sector, as well as mayors from all municipalities in the Garden Route and their respective municipal managers and support staff. There were many items discussed, with some including a review of the Garden Route Bulk Water Master Plan, enacting a District Firefighting Services Bylaw, Licensed Drone Operations for Municipalities, Mossel Bay Courts, and the rehabilitation of the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe Railway Line, to name a few.

According to GRDM Mayor, Andrew Stroebel, the engagements were insightful. Solutions to possible cross-cutting risks and solutions, collaboration, and educational content were on the table for discussion.

Some extracts of discussions, include the following:

Rehabilitation of the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe Railway line

A tender was advertised by Transnet on 6 April 2023 to invite interested respondents to submit bids to rehabilitate the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe railway line. An award letter was issued on 28 August 2024. At the moment contract negotiations are underway. The branch line between George and Knysna is 67km long and it is also envisaged to attract rail cargo like waste and timber.

Water and Sanitation: A Critical Priority

During these forums, participants reaffirmed the need for a long-term strategy to address water security. While past drought measures were somewhat effective, sustainable solutions for a future that caters for all towns, are essential. The Garden Route District Municipality has formally requested information from sub-regions, including Oudtshoorn, Kannaland, Mossel Bay, Hessequa, Bitou, and Knysna, to develop bulk infrastructure funding proposals. Water shortages not only impact households but also threaten business sustainability, particularly industries reliant on water and energy.

Regional Waste Management and Energy Solutions

Progress on the Regional Waste Management Facility was discussed, with a call for Hessequa to consider participation and Knysna to finalise them joining the initiative. Waste transfer stations must be relocated, and municipalities are encouraged to explore energy solutions, such as gas-to-energy projects. The importance of power purchase agreements to ensure project viability was emphasized, along with the need for cost-reflective tariffs across the district.

Collaboration in Fire Prevention and Governance Challenges

The forum acknowledged collaborative efforts in fire prevention and the challenges posed by conflicting legislation between fire and environmental acts. The review of the White Paper on Local Government and municipal demarcation was noted as critical, given that many municipalities face sustainability issues due to financial constraints.

Municipal Support and Economic Impacts

Kannaland Municipality expressed appreciation for GRDM’s support, particularly with water tankers. However, concerns were raised over infrastructure collapse and the decline in population, which affects economic growth and service delivery. Over-extraction of boreholes and industrial water demands continue to pose significant risks.

As the region navigates these challenges, the GRDM remains committed to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure a resilient governance.

Feature image: GRDM Executive Manager for Integrated Planning and Economic Development, Lusanda Menze, GRDM MM, Monde Stratu, GRDM Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel and Cllr Beauty Charlie, representing the Mayor of Knysna

More images captured during the DCF and MMF. Presentations were done via MS Teams and in-person.

ENDS

20 March 2025 Media Release: GRDM Waste Management take hands in celebrating Global Recycling Day

Media Release: GRDM Waste Management take hands in celebrating Global Recycling Day

20 March 2025

Earlier today, the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Waste Management Section who have an office in Mossel Bay, in collaboration with the Mossel Bay Municipality and Henque Waste, celebrated Global Recycling Day with Denneprag Primary School.

Global Recycling Day was officially celebrated for the first time on 18 March 2018 and has since been held annually on 18 March to acknowledge and promote recycling as a vital tool for environmental preservation and sustainability.

“As the Garden Route Municipality, we believe that initiatives like these are essential in shaping environmentally responsible future generations. Educating our youth about the importance of recycling empowers them to make a positive difference in preserving our planet. I applaud and fully support our Waste Management Section, Mossel Bay Municipality, Henque Waste, and Denneprag Primary School for their commitment to fostering a culture of sustainability,” said the Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel.

During the celebration, the excited group of learners was tasked with creating an object or product from recyclable materials. The main objective of this activity was to educate learners that waste can be reused or recycled into another product.

The learners proudly showcased their final projects, which were judged based on the following categories:

  • Design
  • Materials used
  • Purpose and functionality
  • Importance of recycling

Each category had four winners, and participants were awarded medals and goodies to reward their enthusiastic participation.

“We were very surprised and impressed with the creative learning experience and the imaginative and innovative ideas the learners came up with. They created various products such as pencil holders, clothing, shoes, pot plants, and clutch bags,” said Innocentia Sikweyiya, GRDM Waste Management Officer.

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