Media Statement on behalf of Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel: Findings of Wasteful Expenditure relating to Senior Management Payouts
21 October 2024
As the newly appointed Executive Mayor of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), I, Andrew Stroebel, along with the Council, am committed to urgently addressing the concerns raised by the Western Cape Government’s Department of Local Government, led by Minister Anton Bredell, responsible for Local Government, Environmental Affairs, and Development Planning.
In August 2024, I tabled a detailed report to the Council regarding alleged wasteful expenditure, which pertained to the financial years prior to my appointment – 2017 to 2022. The Provincial Government’s Section 139(1)(a) Notice as per the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, included directives concluding that irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditure in the form of salary payouts be addressed.
A report will be tabled to the Council for consideration and implementation, outlining specific proposed actions to address these alleged overpayments made to senior officials. These identified overpayments specifically relate to benefits that resulted in certain senior officials receiving annual salary packages exceeding the upper limits as set out in the relevant promulgated upper limits document.
I remain committed to fulfilling my obligations under the Municipal Finance Management Act, with the support of the GRDM administration, to reinforce our dedication to accountability. Therefore, the GRDM Administration, Council and I will work closely with provincial authorities to resolve the issues and restore public trust in the district municipality. This is one of the matters that I pledged to address upon appointment as Mayor, and I am fully committed to successfully resolving it and rebuilding the trust between the GRDM and taxpayers.
Media updates will be provided as this matter evolves.
“Paying a heavy price for development and road infrastructure, the iconic Kaaimans Gorge between Wilderness and George has lost much of its environmental and historical significance,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF). The iconic gorge symbolises everything the Garden Route represents but is subjected to the full impact of one of South Africa’s busiest highways.
Kaaimans Gorge is a vital conservation corridor linking the Indian Ocean with the Outeniqua mountains and is a marine and terrestrial biodiversity treasure chest. Periodic land- slides, the formation of erosion gullies, unprecedented growth of invasive alien plants and the damming of water flow upstream of Kaaimans Gorge collectively pushed the Kaaimans balance of nature and sense of place to a point of no return.
In addition to the above, an indigenous creeper has in less than a decade covered much of the northern slope of the Kaaimans indigenous forest. This development led to the collapse of the forest under the weight of the creeper and no doubt will cause further land-slides as dead biomass and water-logged soils with no plant cover to keep it in check, will at some point give way to gravity.
More often than not, the environment has to give way to development and the growing needs of resource-hungry populations. If the Garden Route is to retain any of its allure as an international point of interest, those living in it should make special efforts to conserve what remains of one of the most special natural spaces on the African continent.
Garden Route river systems are essential conservation corridors which are essential to the survival of biodiversity and land owners in their catchments can contribute to their optimal functionality by clearing their land of invasive alien plants.
The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for environmental management agencies and a climate change think- tank. (grefscli.org.za)
Media Release: EHPs of the Garden Route District Municipality celebrate Global Handwashing Day
17 October 2024
In a quest to raise awareness about the critical importance of hand hygiene, Global Handwashing Day was celebrated across the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) the past few days, joining the rest of the world in promoting handwashing as a simple but powerful tool in preventing diseases.
The annual Global Handwashing Day, which takes place on October 15, promotes the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent the spread of diseases. To curb the spread of illnesses like diarrhea, respiratory infections, and other communicable diseases, the day focused on educating communities about washing hands, especially before meals and after using the bathroom.
Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) play a fundamental role in preventing disease transmission. Throughout the year, they conduct health education outreach programs, equipping communities with knowledge on how to prevent communicable diseases.
Shaping ‘Little Minds’ for a Greater Impact
This year, EHPs carried out a series of interactive activities across the region, focusing on educating young children. Their aim was to influence “little minds” at schools with the hope that these children would, in turn, pass the message to “big minds” at home, creating a ripple effect of improved hygiene practices. These efforts are part of the district’s broader campaign to promote public health and prevent the spread of communicable diseases.
George Office
The GRDM George Region EHPs celebrated Global Handwashing Day with the Grade R – 2 learners of Geelhoutboom VGK Primary School, just outside George. The learners were very excited to participate in this life-changing lesson taught by educators from GRDM.
Mossel Bay Office:
EHPs from the Mossel Bay office provided education on proper handwashing at Tao Tao Kleuterskool and St. Blaize Kleuterskool in Mossel Bay. A total of 79 children, along with their teachers, attended these sessions.
Bitou Office:
The EHPs from the GRDM Bitou sub-office, Zoleka Goniwe and Nokuphiwa Mbali, visited Khwezi Lokusa Educare in KwaNokuthula, Plettenberg Bay, to refresh learners and educators on the importance of handwashing.
The children enjoyed the hands-on activity demonstrated by the officials, showing the correct way to wash hands. The principal of the facility expressed gratitude to the GRDM team for reaching out to the crèche and supporting the fight against diseases that can be prevented by proper and frequent handwashing.
Oudtshoorn Office:
EHPs from the Oudtshoorn office held awareness and education sessions at schools and crèches in the Kannaland and Oudtshoorn areas, emphasizing that handwashing is the easiest, simplest, and most effective way to prevent bacterial illnesses. Health and hygiene awareness sessions were conducted by Environmental Health Practitioners in the Klein Karoo region at Roodewal Primary School near Oudtshoorn and The Heuwel Speelskool Crèche in Bergsig, Calitzdorp. A total of 60 learners participated in these handwashing awareness sessions.
Outeniqua Office
On Monday, 14 October 2024, representatives including Councillors and officials from the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Municipal Health and Disaster Management Units, visited two crèches in George as part of the municipality’s national celebration of Global Handwashing Day, observed today 15 October 2024, to promote hygiene awareness.
Read the separate statement about this visit here.
Councillors with EHPs at a creche in Borchards.
Rub hands together briskly and thoroughly.
Did you know?
Critical point for washing of hands are:
Before, during, and after preparing food
Before and after eating food
After using the toilet
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
After touching waste
Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea
Did you know?
Hand washing benefits both young and old and is the first line of defence in preventing the spread of disease and must be embraced vigorously by families, schools and health care professionals.
Media Release: Water security the most important need
For immediate release 16 October 2024
“Forget about load shedding and bad roads, the lack of water security is without a doubt the most serious problem South African communities can face,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).
The installation of water tanks to harvest rain water from rooftops coupled with measures to reduce consumption do contribute to water security, but consistent availability is critical to all.
Dam levels in the Western and Southern Cape is presently looking good going into summer with no immediate threat to water security. The long term challenge facing the region is exponential population growth and the pressure it will put on finite water resources.
Johannesburg and Pretoria are increasingly plagued by long water outages with reservoirs running dry despite storage dams being at acceptable levels and sufficient run- off from primary catchments. The water crises facing Gauteng is serious, was entirely preventable and is the result of poor planning, failure to upgrade infrastructure and incompetence at many levels of the water management chain.
Water supply infrastructure can be fixed and it is vital that it is approached with urgency, because a more serious threat to water security is the global change in climate and unpredictable rainfall patterns.
Water security demands a holistic approach including the management of catchments and rivers free of invasive alien plants, planning and maintenance of water infrastructure, evaporation suppression and compliance by water users implementing water saving measures.
The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for environmental managers and a climate change think- tank. (grefscli.co.za)
GRDM Municipal Health Services celebrate Global Handwashing Day at Crèches in Borchards, Donating Supplies to Enhance Learning Environments
On Monday, 14 October 2024, representatives including Councillors and officials from the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Municipal Health and Disaster Management Units, visited two crèches in George as part of the municipality’s national celebration of Global Handwashing Day, observed today 15 October 2024, to promote hygiene awareness.
Visit to Kekkel and Kraai Crèche
At Kekkel and Kraai Crèche in Borchards, Johan Compion, Senior Manager for Municipal Health at GRDM, emphasised the importance of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of illnesses. He underscored the need to instil good hygiene practices from an early age. Following his remarks, Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) from GRDM, conducted a practical demonstration teaching young learners a step-by-step approach to proper handwashing, while stressing the importance of regular and thorough hand cleaning.
GRDM Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, reminding all present regarding the importance of Global Handwashing Day.
GRDM Cllrs Jobieth Hoogbaard (left) and Monique Simmers (2nd right), Principal Jacoline Muller (2nd left) and George Municipality’s Cllr Melvin Roelfse (right) during the handover.
Johan Compion, GRDM’s Senior Manager for Municipal Health, emphasised the importance of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of illnesses.
EHPs conduct a practical demonstration teaching young learners a step-by-step approach to proper handwashing.
During the event, Councillors Jobieth Hoogbaard, Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services and Chief Whip of the GRDM Council, Monique Simmers, accompanied by Councillor from George Municipality, MMC Melvin Roelfse, donated new mattresses to the crèche’s principal. These gifts are intended to improve comfort for both children and staff. Cllr Hoogbaard used the occasion to further highlight the broader significance of Global Handwashing Day, stating that the day serves as a reminder of the role that proper hand hygiene plays in preventing the spread of diseases.
Hoogbaard also praised the educators, saying that the role of teachers cannot be overstated in shaping the future of the community. The crèche’s principal, Jacoline Muller, expressed deep gratitude for the support, noting how these contributions would enhance the learning environment for the children in Borchards.
Visit to Paddavoetjies Crèche
The GRDM delegation continued their outreach at Paddavoetjies Crèche, also located in Borchards, where they were warmly welcomed by staff and learners in bright yellow crèche branded t-shirts. Compion reiterated the day’s message, focusing on the importance of hygiene education, particularly handwashing, in safeguarding public health.
The Principal of Paddavoetjies Crèche extending words of appreciation to the GRDM for reaching out to crèche and addressing the needs of the children.
GRDM’s Johan Compion, enjoyed the eagerness of the children while addressing them regarding the importance of hand hygiene.
Paddavoetjie Crèche learners enjoying themselves while participating in the demonstration presented by the GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners.
GRDM’s Yonwaba Sifo (left) and Jessica Erasmus (right) demonstrating proper handwashing techniques to the children at Paddavoetjies Crèche.
Once again, the EHPs with a practical demonstration, engaging the young learners with a hands-on lesson on how to properly wash their hands to prevent the spread of germs.
In addition to the hygiene demonstrations, Councillors Hoogbaard, Simmers and Roelfse also handed over new mattresses to the crèche. Cllr Hoogbaard encouraged the educators to maintain overall cleanliness, noting that while handwashing is essential, keeping the entire environment hygienic is just as important.
The principal of Paddavoetjies Crèche also expressed her sincere thanks, stating that the new mattresses would significantly improve the daily experience for both the children and the staff.
The GRDM’s outreach and donation efforts, aligned with Global Handwashing Day, highlight the importance of supporting Early Childhood Development through both hygiene education and practical resources that enhance learning environments.
What are the IMPORTANT steps linked to washing hands properly?
Wet hands with clean, preferably running water.
Apply soap to cover all surfaces of hands and wrists.
NOTICE OF A COUNCIL MEETING ON 30 OCTOBER 2024 AT 11:00
Notice is hereby given that an 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 30 October 2024 at 11:00.
Impact-Based Severe Weather Warning: Level 2 for Damaging Winds
The Cape Town Weather Office has issued an Impact Based Warning for damaging winds valid for Monday, 14 October 01:00 until Wednesday, 16 October 00:00.
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
Media Release: GRDM plays its part in World Food Day, celebrating it in Uniondale
11 October 2024
Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel, has reflected on the Municipality’s contribution to food security to the Garden Route region at a World Food Day celebration. This year’s theme is the “Right to Foods for a better life and a better future: Leave no one behind”. Collective action across over 150 countries worldwide is what makes World Food Day (16 October) one of the most celebrated days in the United Nations calendar.
GRDM Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel addresses the attendees of the World Food Day event in Uniondale today, 11 October 2024. He shared some of the key initiatives of the district municipality that drive and promotes food security.
The community came together at the World Food Day event in Uniondale in their numbers.
During Mayor Stroebel’s address at the Uniondale Sports Grounds, he said: “One of our many promising initiatives is our Municipality’s Resilient Agriculture Niche Support Programme (Agri-processing), which focuses on honeybush tea processing”.
Agri-processing refers to the transformation of raw agricultural products into different forms that add value, enhance usability, or extend shelf life.
“Honeybush, indigenous to our region, has immense potential not only as a health product but also as an agricultural crop that drives economic development. We have thus far facilitated investments in processing equipment for local honeybush production. The establishment of this processing plant has been made possible through funding provided by the Western Cape Government, particularly from the Provincial Departments of Local Government and Agriculture.”
It is interesting to note that Honeybush has spinoffs for job creation, rural development, exports, biodiversity, and even tourism.
“The GRDM remains focused on building a district where food security cross-cuts society and where agriculture remains inclusive, innovative, and globally competitive. With the right partnerships and a shared vision, we are striving to position this region as one that continuously promotes sustainable development,” Stroebel concluded.
The event was arranged by the Western Cape Provincial Government’s Department of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, attended by its Western Cape MEC Dr Ivan Meyer, supported by both Garden Route District and George Municipalities.
Feature image: Items ready for collection by community members.
Notice of Public Participation Information Sessions: Renewal of the GRDM’s Air Quality Management Plan, 4 – 7 November 2024
Notice Number 32/2024
Notice is hereby given that public participation sessions will take place from 4 – 7 November 2024 in the Garden Route district to solicit inputs for the renewal of the Garden Route District Municipality’s Air Quality Management Plan. Herewith the schedule as follows:
4 November 2024, 09:00-12:00 HESSEQUA Civic Centre Side Hall (Glaskas), Van den Berg Street, Riversdale
4 November 2024, 13:00-16:00
KANNALAND Council Chambers, Queen Street, Ladismith
5 November 2024, 09:00-12:00
OUDTSHOORN Thusong Community Centre, 12th Avenue, Bongolethu, Oudtshoorn
5 November 2024, 13:00-16:00
MOSSEL BAY D’Almeida Community Hall, Mossel Street, D’Almeida, Mossel Bay
6 November 2024, 13:00-16:00
GEORGE Banqueting Hall, 71 York Street, George
7 November 2024, 09:00-12:00
BITOU Piesang Valley Community Hall, 7 Green Point Avenue, Plettenberg Bay
Work Experience Placement Opportunities: Tourism and/or Hospitality – another Garden Route Skills Mecca Initiative
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) invites unemployed persons currently residing within the Garden Route District Municipal area, to apply for an opportunity to be placed at a Tourism and/or Hospitality related organisation for an 18-month work experience opportunity as part of a Garden Route Skills Mecca Initiative. Preference will be given to persons with disabilities.
Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 35. Young people from rural areas are encouraged to apply. Opportunities are currently available in all areas of the garden route district.
Programme and Entry Requirements
This is an 18-month work experience placement programme at Tourism / Hospitality related organisation in the Garden Route.
Applicants will be selected based on the following sequentially prioritised criteria:
• 1st Criteria: Persons with a NATED N6 Tourism / Hospitality qualification that need 18-months work experience for a National Diploma.
• 2nd Criteria: Persons with any Local or International Tourism / Hospitality qualification that have had no work experience.
• 3rd Criteria: Persons with any Local or International Tourism / Hospitality qualification that have had less than six months work experience.
In addition, the GRDM, subject to receiving enough applications and available workplaces, will also attempt to allocate applicants evenly across all Municipal Wards in the District.
Scope of Work and Duties
• This will be determined by the Tourism / Hospitality organisation but could include administration, reception, room services, bar services, restaurant services, food services, customer services or any other typical work within tourism and hospitality.
• All shortlisted candidates will be required to complete an interview with the host employer.
Stipends will be paid for 18-months by GRDM. Stipends must be used for meals, accommodation and travel costs.
The Programme also does not include uniforms, PPE or any equipment unless supplied voluntarily by the host employer. Applicants must apply using the GRDM online system called Unemployed Solutions (red button) found at https://skillsmecca.gardenroute.gov.za/.
THE GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY WILL ONLY CONSIDER APPLICATIONS COMPLETED IN FULL AND IF THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS HAVE BEEN UPLOADED:
• A copy of a South African ID Document certified within the last six months.
• A copy of highest educational qualifications certified within the last six months.
• An affidavit certified within last six months that confirms previous work experience, including any Learnerships.
• A criminal record clearance report from the SA Police Service.
For any enquiries, do not hesitate to contact Mr Reginald Salmons at 044-803 1363, or Ms. Kayakazi Klaas 044 803 1434 during office hours (Monday to Thursday between 07:30 and 16:30 and Friday between 07:30 and 13:30) only. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Should candidates not be contacted 2 months after the closing date, they must consider their application as unsuccessful.
Legal notice:
