Persvrystelling: TDM reik uit na Dysselsdorp Gemeenskap tydens waterkrisis
Vir onmiddelikke vrystelling 27 Februarie 2025
Vanoggend, 27 Februarie 2025, het Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM) begin om hulp te verleen aan die Dysselsdorp gemeenskap in die Klein-Karoo, met die verskaffing van ‘n 10 000 liter water.
Die Dysselsdorp gemeenskap ontvang water nadat tien duisend (10 000) liter vanoggend deur TDM in hul area afgelewer is.
Volgens Burgemeester Andrew Stroebel is die versoek gerig nadat die area probleme ondervind het met ‘n kabel wat beskadig was weens die onlangs kragonderbrekings (loadshedding) in die gebied. “Ons spanne het spoedig gereageer en het vanoggend die 10 000 liter water na die Dysselsdorp gemeenskap Vervoer”.
“TDM sal in noue samewerking met Oudtshoorn Munisipaliteit verseker dat die water by die nodige gebiede afgelewer word.”
Die Oudtshoorn Munisipaliteit se Tegniese Afdeling het hul dank uitgespreek teenoor die TDM se Rampbestuurseenheid vir die hulp in ‘n tyd van nood aan die gemeenskap van Dysselsdorp. Indien die pyp nie spoedig herstel word nie, sal verdere hulp vanaf die TDM aan hierdie gemeenskap volgende week voortgaan.
Update 5: Gwaiing Road upgrade planned to continue from early April
27 February 2025
The Gwaiing Road (DR1618) construction project when completed by the Garden Route District Municipality will see a 4.4 km stretch, between the R404 (Blanco side) and the R102 (George Airport side), upgraded from gravel to a tarred surface. The project has previously been halted when teams were redeployed to areas impacted by heavy rains.
“Firstly, I extend my sincere gratitude to the residents and road users who have shown remarkable patience during the construction delays,” said Mayor Andrew Stroebel.
“During April, in line with the new budget cycle for Provincial Government, the Gwaiing road is planned to commence. The project should take a minimum of 10-months to be completed”.
Some insights on tarred road construction
The construction of tarred surfaced roads, like the Gwaiing one, consists of various underlying gravel layers, finished with a sealed (tarred) surface layer.
The layer works specific to the Gwaiing project are:
Lower Selected Subgrade (Roadbed): The natural soil prepared to support the road.
Upper Selected Subgrade (SSG): A layer of material placed on the roadbed to provide additional support.
Cemented Subbase: A layer of material placed on the subgrade to provide additional support.
Base Course: The main load-bearing layer, crucial for structural integrity.
Bituminous Surface (Tarring): The uppermost layer sealing the underlying layerworks and providing a smooth and durable surface.
Of the five layers, the base course is next in line to be prepared and completed. Surfacing (tarring) is the final step and is anticipated to be completed two weeks after the curing phase of the base course has been done. The GRDM therefore anticipates having one fully completed lane ready by the middle of the 2025 calendar year. Keep in mind again that every step of the process is dependent on the weather.
The second lane has been completed up to the SSG layer. Materials for the remaining layers will be procured and delivered over a 30-day period per layer, once the first lane has been successfully completed. This phased approach is designed to minimize traffic disruptions for residents, as traffic will be shifted to the completed lane, allowing for construction to take place on the last lane. As material is being delivered, processing, compaction, and testing will be done continuously on the remaining layers.
Mayor Stroebel also shared that “the entire project is done by GRDM. Fully in-house with our permanent staff, and with the utilisation of the Expanded Public Works Programme where we appoint labour on a contract basis for developing their skills”.
Feature image: Processing and compacting of a subbase layer previously done on the 4.4km Gwaiing Road (DR1618) between the R404 (Blanco side) and the R102 (George Airport side).
Notice is hereby given that the Garden Route District Municipal Council’s Second Adjustments Budget for the period 2024/2025-2026/2027, was compiled in accordance with the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act
2003 (Act 56 of 2003).
This document was approved by the Garden Route District Municipality at a District Council meeting held on Tuesday, 25 February 2025.
This document will be available for public inspection and comments on the GRDM municipal website www.gardenroute.gov.za.
Members of the public are invited to submit written comments or representations to the municipality in respect of this document. All comments and inputs must be directed to “The Municipal Manager, Garden Route District Municipality, 54 York Street, George 6530”.
Please contact the Budget Manager (Ms Louise Hoek) at 044 803 1300 with any enquiries.
Persverklaring: TDM help Kannaland Munisipaliteit tydens Waterkrisis
26 Februarie 2025
Die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM) het vinnig opgetree om ‘n waterkrisis in Ladismith te help verlig nadat fase 6-beurtkrag die afgelope naweek onverwags ingestel is.
Op Sondag, 23 Februarie, om 20:00, is die Tuinroete Rampbestuursentrum ingelig dat verskeie areas in Ladismith sedert die oggend sonder water was weens ontwrigtings in die watervoorsiening. As gevolg van die ernstigheid van die situasie, het die Uitvoerende Burgemeester van TDM, Andrew Stroebel, die onmiddellike ontplooiing van watertenks goedgekeur om inwoners van noodsaaklike water vir huishoudelike gebruik te voorsien.
Die TDM Brandweerstasie in Ladismith het onmiddellik reageer en ‘n 5 000 liter water tank gestuur om verligting te bring, terwyl die Rampbestuursentrum ‘n bykomende 10 000-liter en 6 000-liter watertenk vanaf George versoek en laat ontplooi het. Hierdie pogings was nie net daarop gemik om inwoners in nood te voorsien nie, maar ook om die dorp se hoofwaterreservoirs, wat tot kritiek lae vlakke onder 5% kapasiteit gedaal het, aan te vul.
Om die krisis verder te verlig, het die Rampbestuursentrum ‘n 100 KVA diesel-aangedrewe rugsteunopwekker beskikbaar gestel om waterpompbedrywighede tydens uitgebreide beurtkragperiodes te ondersteun.
Vanaf 14:00 gistermiddag het die gesamentlike pogings tussen Kannaland Munisipaliteit, TDM Brandweerdienste en TDM Rampbestuur die situasie aansienlik verbeter. Die hoofreservoir in Ladismith het gestyg tot bo 35%, terwyl die Jan F. Le Grange- en Government-damme herstel het tot vlakke tussen 25% en 30%.
Die Distriksmunisipaliteit sal voortgaan om die situasie noukeurig te monitor en voortdurende hulp aan die Kannaland Munisipaliteit en ander wat hulp nodig het, te verleen.
Vir verdere opdaterings word inwoners aangemoedig om Kannaland Munisipaliteit se amptelike kommunikasiekanale te volg.
Inwoners van Ladismith besig om water by die watertenks te haal.
Media Release: Garden Route & Klein Karoo’s Successful Showcase at the 21st Annual Caravan Show
26 February 2025
The Garden Route & Klein Karoo (GR&KK), in collaboration with Oudtshoorn & De Rust Tourism, participated in the past weekend’s 21st Annual Caravan Show, held from 21 – 23 February 2025 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand. The event proved to be a great success, attracting many visitors eager to explore the diverse tourism offerings of this breathtaking region.
Showcasing the Best of the Garden Route & Klein Karoo
At the event, the GR&KK exhibit provided visitors with a wealth of information about the region’s spectacular landscapes, outdoor activities, and must-visit attractions. The stand, which was managed in partnership p with Oudtshoorn & De Rust Tourism, engaged with travelers by offering:
Personalised travel recommendations
Itinerary planning assistance
Promotional materials
Networking opportunities with tourism representatives
The show created a platform for meaningful engagement with caravan and outdoor enthusiasts, reinforcing the region’s appeal as a top camping and caravanning destination.
Importance of the Caravan Show for Regional Tourism
The Caravan Show remains one of South Africa’s most significant platforms for the caravanning and outdoor tourism industry, allowing the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) to highlight its premier caravan-friendly properties, which include:
Victoria Bay Caravan Park
Swartvlei Caravan Park
De Hoek Mountain Resort
Calitzdorp Hot Springs
Spotlight on Emerging Travel Trends
The Caravan Show also provided an opportunity to highlight emerging trends in the camping and caravan sector. Visitors showed keen interest in:
Glamping” (glamorous camping) – a luxury camping experience for those seeking comfort while being close to nature. Solar-powered campsites – an increasing number of establishments have adopted eco-friendly solutions to minimize their environmental impact. Adventure and eco-tourism – with more travelers prioritising sustainable travel, the region’s nature reserves, hiking trails, and outdoor experiences received significant attention.
Hidden Gems & Must-Visit Camping Destinations in the Garden Route
Among the top attractions and hidden gems highlighted at the show were:
Jongensfontein Caravan Park (Hessequa)
Buffalo Bay Caravan Park (Knysna)
Keurboom Lagoon Caravan Park (Plettenberg Bay)
Kleinplaas Holiday Resort (Oudtshoorn)
ATKV Camping & Caravan Site (Hartenbos)
George Caravan Park
Op die Plaas Kamp (Ladismith)
Looking Ahead: Future Plans for Caravan & Outdoor Tourism in the Garden Route
While no specific promotions were launched at the Caravan Show, the event provided valuable insight into future tourism development strategies. Plans are underway to:
Enhance accessibility and facilities at existing caravan and camping sites
Introduce new promotions and special packages for campers and caravanners
Expand the region’s adventure tourism offerings to cater to a broader audience
How to Plan a Trip to the Garden Route & Klein Karoo
“For those who missed the event but are eager to explore this remarkable region, comprehensive travel information is available on the GR&KK Tourism website: Explore | Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism – South Africa, where you can access detailed information on every town within the district.
The GR&KK Team extends its thank yous to all the visitors who engaged with them at the Caravan Show and looks forward to welcoming you to our stunning region, where adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty await!
Feature Image Caption: GRDM Tourism Officer, Denver Johnson, and other tourism personnel interacting with exhibition visitors.
Some of the activities that took place at the Garden Route & Klein Karoo stand.
Media Release: Successful Demonstration of Honeybush Retort is good news for Garden Route wild harvesters and small-scale farmers23 February 2025
23 February 2025
Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning recently congratulated the different entities that worked together to make progress with a project to support emerging farmers, wild harvesters and local producers of honeybush herbal infusion in the Garden Route District.
“This project is another good example of how different government entities can plan, budget, and execute together to the benefit of our residents.”
The Western Cape Department of Local Government (DLG), Department of Agriculture (DOA), Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), successfully demonstration an innovative honeybush processing unit at the ARC Infruitec/Nietvoorbij facility in Stellenbosch. This technology, developed by ARC, has the potential to be upscaled and rolled out to the agriculture sector, enhancing economic opportunities for local communities.
The Garden Route Agro-processing Support Project aims to strengthen the honeybush tea value chain, and this demonstration marks a significant milestone in the project. At the demonstration event Prof. Bongani Ndimba, the ARC research director, welcomed the stakeholders and provided opening remarks, highlighting the importance of this initiative and its history dated back to 1992. “This project is part of a broader effort to support Agro-processing and food security in the region. The Garden Route District Municipality has sourced R1 million in funding for the project, which will help to expand production and processing of agricultural products,” Prof Ndimba said.
Ivan Meyer, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism said: “The honeybush processing plant is a platform that empowers smallholder farmers and communities. It enables them to access the value chain, which includes packaging and marketing honeybush. Their role is not just significant but integral to the success of this project.
Our support for developing smallholder and commercial propagation of honeybush is not just a standalone initiative. It is backed by the Western Cape Government’s Growth from Jobs Strategy, a testament to the government’s commitment to increasing the contribution of SMMEs to economic growth in the Western Cape.
Our aim is not just to provide affordable honeybush processing to communities, but to stimulate local understanding of the product and health benefits. We are committed to promoting inclusivity in the Honeybush value chain, making everyone feel included and part of a larger community. This commitment will advance a sustainable, resilient, diverse, and prosperous honeybush industry that inspires confidence, hope, and prosperity for all.”
Garden Route District Municipality Mayor, Andrew Stroebel said: “This initiative aligns with the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan and the Garden Route Growth and Development Strategy, focusing on expanding Agro-processing capabilities in the region.”
Project costs of R4 million was shared between the DLG, providing R2 million, and the DOA, also investing R2 million.
The project has three phases: Phase one being the design and construction of the honey bush retort, phase two will be the construction of an Agro-processing hub and the housing infrastructure on land belonging to the Garden Route District Municipality close to the Cango Caves outside Oudtshoorn, and phase three involves branching out to Agri-tourism, with a focus on training tea sommeliers.
ENDS
Photo supplied by Nomkhosi Ngcobo: From left to right:
Minister Anton Bredell; Andrew Stroebel, Executive Mayor for the Garden Route District Municipality; Prof Bongani Ndimba, Research Director at the ARC.
Media Release: GRDM facilitates Basic Veldfire Training conducted at Gourikwa Nature Reserve
For immediate release 21 February 2025
The Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Fire Services was formally requested by the management of the Gourikwa Nature Reserve in Gouritsmond to present basic veldfire training to their personnel. The training was conducted on Tuesday, 18 February 2025, in collaboration with the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association (SCFPA), an Association frequently involved in GRDM’s responses to wildfires and a key stakeholder for the municipality.
Staff from the Gourikwa Nature Reserve welcomed the training conducted by Garden Route District Municipality in collaboration with the South Cape Fire Protection Association.
“We are committed to working together with key stakeholders, such as the SCFPA, to ensure that our communities are well-prepared to handle the threat of veld fires,” said Mayor Andrew Stroebel. Stroebel added: “The training at the Gourikwa Nature Reserve is but one of many steps in equipping local personnel with the necessary skills and knowledge to respond effectively and safely to fire incidents”.
The training that was facilitated by officers from GRDM aimed to equip the staff and Nature Conservation students with the necessary knowledge and skills to respond effectively to the breakout of veld fires on their property.
The Basic Veldfire training focused on key elements such as the fundamentals of veldfires, fire behaviour and associated risks.
The session focused on key elements such as the fundamentals of veldfires, fire behaviour and associated risks.
In addition, the following topics were further unpacked:
– proper procedures for detecting and reporting veld and wildfires.
– basic wildfire suppression techniques and safety protocols during such.
– How on-site personnel can support, the Fire & Rescue Services during an active fire incident.
The session was led by GRDM Station Commander, Heinrich Leslie, and Senior Firefighter, Luciano James. Participants actively engaged in discussions, asked insightful questions, and took part in practical exercises designed to simulate real-life fire scenarios.
The training will be re-enforced when a burn permit is obtained for a pre-scribed fire later in the year.
If you would like to request similar training for a community, including but not limited to farm workers who are often faced by wildfires, kindly contact the GRDM Fire Chief, Deon Stoffels on 083 941 1994.
Feature Image: Teams from the Garden Route District Municipality’s Fire Services and the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association (SCFPA), during the basic veldfire training presented to personnel of the Gourikwa Nature Reserve in Gouritsmond.
Media Release: First Garden Route District Safety Forum for this year hosted by the Garden Route
For immediate release 21 February 2025
Yesterday, 20 February 2025, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) hosted the first District Safety Forum meeting for this year at the Joint Operation Centre of the municipality.
Stakeholders at the District Safety Forum meeting held at the Joint Operation Centre of the GRDM.
The Portfolio Chairperson of Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, highlighted the importance of working together, not only as spheres of government but a whole of society approach to ensure a safer District for all. Hoogbaard informed the meeting that the GRDM is currently in discussions with the South African Police Service on how the District might be able to share and strengthen collective resources. “This will be to ensure a more coordinated and effective response to address the current situation, as well as foreseen safety and security challenges of the District”.
The main objectives of the meeting was for all stakeholders to provide progress reports on their current safety and security related programs and projects funded as part of the Provincial Whole of Society Approach grant. In addition, the meeting also endeavoured to prioritise the projects and programs to be funded for the remainder of this financial year.
The seven local municipalities of the Garden Route (Kannaland, Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Oudtshoorn and Bitou), were requested to compile business plans that speak to their specific needs as captured – as part of their local safety plans. They were also prompted to indicate their specific needs for inclusion as part of the 25/26 Garden Route District Safety Forum business plan. This proactive approach will ensure that GRDM’s future project proposals are aligned with the district’s most pressing safety priorities.
Feature Image: The first Garden Route District Safety Forum of the year held on 20 February 2025.
Media Release: GRDM and stakeholders roll out a Recognition of Prior LearningOccupational Firefighting Certificate
For immediate release 21 February 2025
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is pleased to announce the commencement of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Occupational Firefighting Certificate Programme. “This initiative reflects GRDM’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the skills and expertise of firefighters in the region,” said Ald. Nompumelelo Sumeia Ndayi, MMC for Corporate Services.
Information sessions with candidates from the Heidelberg and Riversdale regarding the RPL Programme.
The Occupational Certificate: Firefighting, is a national qualification that equips firefighters with the necessary skills and knowledge to respond to emergency situations. Being designed to recognise the prior learning and experience of firefighters, it will allow them to obtain the Occupational Certificate without undergoing the full training program.
The RPL programme offers several benefits to firefighters, including enhanced career prospects as it is a recognised qualification that can enhance career prospects and opportunities for advancement. It will furthermore provide firefighters with recognition of their prior learning and experience, boosting their confidence and self-esteem.
The RPL programme will be implemented in partnership with the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) and other stakeholders, including Hessequa Municipality, Kannaland Municipality, Bitou Municipality, Central Karoo District Municipality, Prins Albert Municipality, and Beaufort West Municipality. The rollout will occur in phases, with Phase 2 focusing on Candidate Self-Evaluation and the Formative Assessment Agreement.
Mayor Andrew Stroebel also added that the GRDM is committed to providing opportunities in the field of firefighting and providing necessary skills and knowledge to respond to emergency situations. “This RPL programme is an important process, aiming to improve their career prospects, by formally recognising their skills, knowledge and experience.”
Feature Image: Chief Fire Officer, Deon Stoffels (2nd from left), addressing the candidates from Hessequa during the information session.
GRDM Celebrates Home-Based Care Certificate Ceremony
20 February 2025
Today, the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM), under the umbrella of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), proudly celebrated the graduation of 72 home-based learners who have successfully completed their training program funded by the Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA). The ceremony, held at the African Skills Centre in George, was attended by political leaders, municipal officials, dignitaries from the private sector, learners, and their families.
The event was directed by Reginald Salmons, GRDM Coordinator of Skills Development, and officially opened by GRDM Mayoral Committee Chairperson for Community Services, Alderlady Ndayi, who welcomed guests and set the tone for the proceedings. Part and parcel of her work is to oversee everything relating to Corporate Services, of which the GRSM forms part of.
Ald. Sumeia Ndayi, MMC of Corporate Services, proudly handing over certificates during the ceremony.
Reginald Salmons, GRDM Coordinator of Skills Development.
Ald. Sumeia Ndayi was followed by Cllr Roelfse, George Municipality’s MMC for Social Development and Sport, who delivered a message of support on behalf of George Municipality, commending the District Municipality for rolling out this remarkable programme.
Pastor Clifford Sheldon of Hope Family Church delivered an inspiring message, using the Word of God to encourage and motivate the learners as they embark on their new journey. He concluded his remarks with an appeal to the learners, saying: “Don’t stop dreaming, don’t stop learning, don’t stop training yourself, because the best is yet to come. You have stood up in a time like this because this is not just work, but a calling you are entering.”
Clifford Sheldon, former GRDM employee, delivering an inspiring message during the ceremony.
Dr. Florus Prinsloo, former Project Coordinator of the GRSM and custodian of the programme, sharing valuable insights during the ceremony.
In 2023, GRDM received a R5.2 million investment to train unemployed individuals as Home-Based Care Personal Assistants across all seven local municipalities in the Garden Route. Throughout the programme, learners gained both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience at various training venues. They also received a monthly stipend, and late last year, they wrote their final IESA Exams, which served as their final assessment. Today, their hard work and dedication were rewarded as they received their certificates of completion, marking a significant milestone in their journey.
A very proud Dr. Florus Prinsloo, former Project Coordinator of the GRSM and custodian of the programme, provided a brief background and overview of the Skills Mecca Home-Based PA Project. He began his presentation with a powerful quote from Albert Einstein: “Once you stop learning, you start dying.” His reflections highlighted the importance of investing in skills development to empower communities and address unemployment.
Elsie Harmse, CEO of UXI/Africa Skills Village in George, shared insights into the students’ training experience, providing a glimpse into their journey toward successfully completing the programme. She encouraged the learners to make a difference wherever they go, emphasizing that this has always been the core objective of the African Skills Centre—to positively impact people’s lives.
The keynote address was delivered by Zubeyda January, Provincial Manager of HWSETA, who emphasized the importance of building partnerships to enhance skills development and create sustainable employment opportunities.
January expressed gratitude for the hard work and dedication that contributed to the project’s success. She stated: “It takes people with empathy, compassion, patience, and responsibility to choose a career in home-based care. At HWSETA, we have witnessed firsthand the rare characteristics you demonstrated during our visits to the different care centres, where learners practiced their skills under the supervision of their assigned mentors.”
In conclusion, January thanked all partners, including GRDM, African Skills Village, and officials from her department, and most importantly, the learners for their hard work and perseverance in making the project a success.
Zodwa Nqcwangu and Thobeka Jali, two beneficiaries of the programme, expressed their heartfelt gratitude on behalf of their fellow learners. They thanked GRDM and all partners present for the opportunity to be part of the programme and for the unwavering support provided throughout their training.
Many of the graduates have already secured employment opportunities, with some being offered positions at the host employers where they completed their practical training. This serves as clear evidence that investing in people is investing in the future.
Michelle Smit, Acting Executive Manager of Corporate Services, thanked all role-players for their invaluable contributions in making the project a tremendous success.
The Home-Based PA Project is an initiative rolled out by the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM). The project was coordinated by Dineo Ramasesane, one of twelve (12) Garden Route Skills Mecca Technicians, based at GRDM’s Economic Development Unit. She provided project management assistance, facilitated the programme’s monthly meetings, and ensured continuous feedback and updates to GRDM.
Featured Image Caption: A group picture of all the learners and stakeholders who attended the graduation ceremony, celebrating the success of the Home-Based Care Training Programme.
