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10 December 2024 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality ready for the 2024/2025 Summer Fire Season

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality ready for the 2024/2025 Summer Fire Season

10 December 2024

Last week, on 5–6 December 2024, the National Fire Services Indaba took place at the King George Hotel in George. Fire service delegates from across South Africa gathered under the theme, “Strengthening Fire Services and Building Resilient Communities Across South Africa.” This event brought together industry experts to discuss critical fire-related topics, share best practices, and foster collaboration, all aimed at enhancing fire services and community resilience nationwide.

On the first day of the event, the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel, one of the guest speakers, launched and affirmed GRDM’s readiness for the 2024/2025 Summer Fire Season to the media, fire services, and dignitaries present.

The GRDM, in collaboration with its stakeholders, declared its readiness for the fire season, highlighting its commitment to protecting communities, property, and the environment from the threat of wildfires.

Elevated Risks During the Summer Season

The fire season, spanning the Summer months until March, brings heightened risks of veld and mountain fires due to rising temperatures, climatic conditions like lightning strikes, and human-related causes. Mayor Andrew Stroebel emphasized that while wildfires can occur year-round, this period demands increased vigilance and proactive measures.

Collaboration: Fire Is Everyone’s Fight

Acknowledging that effective fire management requires a collective effort, GRDM extends its gratitude to its Integrated Fire Management partners, including:

  • The Southern Cape Fire Protection Association
  • CapeNature
  • SANParks
  • The Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment
  • PG Bison Forestry and Mountain-to-Ocean Forestry
  • Working on Fire
  • Local municipalities of Bitou, Knysna, George, Mossel Bay, Hessequa, Oudtshoorn, and Kannaland

“Their dedication to fire prevention and suppression is a testament to the power of collaboration,” Mayor Stroebel stated.

He also highlighted the critical role of farmers, landowners, and residents in fire prevention and early detection. “Together, we must remain vigilant and proactive, especially with the increased temperatures predicted this season,” he added.

Strengthened Resources and Capacity

To enhance its firefighting capabilities, GRDM has appointed 20 temporarily  seasonal firefighters to support its three fire stations across the district. The newly established regional fire station, strategically located along the N2, operates 24/7 with international standard facilities, ensuring rapid and effective responses to emergencies.

Aerial firefighting services, provided by Kishugu-WoF and Savannah Helicopters, will play a pivotal role in containing fires swiftly, supported by the Western Cape Government and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE).

Additionally, GRDM’s Disaster Management Centre remains fully operational, managing over 25,000 emergency calls per month through its Joint Operational Command and advanced communication systems.

Featured Image Caption: GRDM Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel and Portfolio Chairperson of Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, alongside GRDM firefighters proudly dressed in blue.

A Call for Vigilance

As the festive season approaches, GRDM urges residents, visitors, and all emergency authorities to prioritize safety and remain vigilant. “Protecting our communities, environment, and economy from wildfires requires collective responsibility,” Mayor Stroebel emphasized.

In closure Mayor Stroebel expressed gratitude to the residents of the Garden Route,  for their ongoing vigilance and cooperation. “Your role in safeguarding our district is invaluable, and together with our stakeholders, we are here to support you every step of the way,” he said.

To visitors, the Mayor extended a warm welcome: “The Garden Route is a place of unparalleled beauty and vibrant communities. We are committed to ensuring your safety as you enjoy our region.”

GRDM calls on everyone to celebrate responsibly, cherish the environment, and stay alert to potential hazards during the festive season. “Together, we can protect this treasure we call home, ensuring it remains safe and thriving for generations to come,” the Mayor Stroebel concluded.

-END-

Closure of Offices on Friday, 13 December 2024 at 12h00

Public Notice: Closure of Offices on Friday, 13 December 2024 at 12h00

10 December 2024

Notice is hereby given that the offices of the Garden Route District Municipality will close on Friday, 13 December 2024 at 12:00 and re-open on Monday, 6 January 2025 at 07:30. All emergency services will continue to be rendered during this period. The number 044 805 5071 can be contacted at all hours for such services.

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

10 December 2024 Media Release: GRDM Waste Management Section Hosts Chemicals and Waste Management Training for Local Municipalities

Media Release: GRDM Waste Management Section Hosts Chemicals and Waste Management Training for Local Municipalities

10 December 2024

During the week of 2–6 December 2024, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Waste Management Section in collaboration with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) facilitated Chemicals and Waste Management training sessions for officials from local municipalities across the district.

The refresher training sessions, presented by DFFE, were extended to municipal officials across various roles. They focused on critical aspects such as legislation, policies, standards, regulations, and education & awareness in waste management. Participants included waste section officials, drivers, landfill operators, team leaders, LED officials, street sweepers, portfolio councillors, and recyclers within specific local municipalities.

“Waste management is a local government function, and it is crucial to refresh everyone’s knowledge on an ongoing basis of the best practices and trends.” The training aims to empower all stakeholders to improve waste management practices effectively in their communities, “ said GRDM Waste Management official Innocentia Sikweyiya.

While this week’s sessions focused on coastal municipalities, the inland local municipalities are scheduled to undergo similar training in 2025, ensuring that the entire district benefits from this comprehensive capacity-building initiative.

Training session held in Mossel Bay

Training session held in George.

Training session held in Knysna.

Training session held in Bitou.

-END-

2024 12 09 Tender Notice: Subcontract Tender N.002.078.2023/2 – The Routine Road Maintenance of National Route 2 Section 7 to 8 from Rondeheuwel (Km 3.4) to Natures (Km 80.85)

SUBCONTRACT TENDER: SANRAL N.002.078.2023/2 FOR THE ROUTINE ROAD MAINTENANCE OF NATIONAL ROUTE 2 SECTION 7 TO 8 FROM RONDEHEUWEL (KM3.4) TO NATURES (KM 80.85)

TENDER NOTICE
CLOSING DATE: 24 January 2025

Rainbow Civils invites tenders from experienced EME/QSE subcontractors for Contract SANRAL N.002-078-023/2 FOR THE ROUTINE ROAD MAINTENANCE OF NATIONAL ROUTE 2 SECTION 7 TO 8 FROM RONDEHEUWEL (KM 3.42) TO NATURES VALLEY (KM 80.85) on behalf of Rainbow Civils in accordance with the requirements of The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL). This project is in the province of Western Cape and in the Garden Route District Municipality.

  • The approximate duration is 15 months for the Minor Maintenance packages and 30 months for the General Maintenance package. CIDB Regulation 25 (1B) will be applicable to this contract.
  • Only tenderers who are at least 51% Black owned, who is an EME/EME start up or QSE and meet the definition of a Targeted Enterprise as defined in C3.2.2.5 are eligible to tender.
  • Only tenderers that meet all the eligibility criteria under clause 4.1.1 of the Tender Data will be considered.
  • Only tenderers who meet the minimum functionality score as stated in clause 5.11.9 will be evaluated further on price and preference.
  • The tenderers attention is drawn to clause 4.1.1 of the Tender Data for each work package when submitting their tender.
  • Tenders from tenderers registered as potentially emerging enterprises but with a CIDB contractor grading designation lower than a contractor grading designation determined in accordance with the sum tendered, or a value determined in accordance with Regulation 25(1B) or 25(7A) of the Construction Industry Development Regulations, will be accepted.
  • Only locally produced or locally manufactured products and components for construction with a stipulated minimum threshold for local content and production as stated in the Tender Data will be considered.
  • Preferences are offered to tenderers who comply with the criteria stated in the Tender Data.
  • A tenderer’s representative cannot represent more than one tenderer at the compulsory meeting.

CLOSING TIME, COMPLETION AND DELIVERY OF TENDERS
The Closing Time for receipt of tenders is 11:00 on Friday, 24 January 2025 at 66 Main Road, Knysna (Rainbow Civils Office).

Click here to download the Official Advert

06 December 2024 Media Release: GRDM EHPs continue with Spaza Shop Blitz Operations and Food Safety Workshops to prevent foodborne illnesses in the district

Media Release: GRDM EHPs continue with Spaza Shop Blitz Operations and Food Safety Workshops to prevent foodborne illnesses in the district

For immediate release
6 December 2024

During this week and the latter part of the last week, Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) from the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) conducted a series of spaza shop-focused initiatives to address the outbreak of foodborne illnesses. These efforts aimed to ensure that spaza shops comply with health, safety, and legal regulations.

The compliance operations were carried out in collaboration with key stakeholders, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), Local Municipal representatives, Immigration authorities, and the Department of Home Affairs, among others.

Food safety inspections and workshops were held in several areas across the district, including Bitou, Mossel Bay, the Klein Karoo, Hessequa, George, and Knysna.

Bitou Municipal Area

On 2 December 2024, the GRDM Bitou Municipal Health team inspected four (4) spaza shops in the Wittedrift and Green Valley areas of the Bitou Municipality, focusing on health and safety regulations, hygiene standards, and legal compliance (e.g., COA certificates, permits). One (1) shop was closed due to non-compliance with relevant regulations.

On 3 December 2024, the team conducted inspections in the New Horizons, Pinetrees, and Bossiesgif areas, where a total of 21 spaza shops were inspected. Of these, four (4) shops were closed for failing to comply with health and safety requirements. Notices were issued to non-compliant shops, which included warnings or directives to address violations within a specified timeframe. Additionally, one (1) shop in Bossiesgif received a prohibition notice due to severe non-compliance and was temporarily shut down until specific health and safety concerns are resolved.

In total, twenty-five (25) spaza shops were inspected across the four areas (Wittedrift/Green Valley, New Horizons, Pinetrees, and Bossiesgif). Five (5) shops were closed due to non-compliance – one (1) in Wittedrift/Green Valley, three (3) in New Horizons, and one (1) in Bossiesgif. An additional shop in Bossiesgif was issued a prohibition notice.

Blitz operations conducted GRDM EHPs and stakeholders in the Bitou Municipal area.

Mossel Bay Municipal Area

On 27 November 2024, a Blitz Operation was conducted in the Kwanonqaba area, where five (5) shops were inspected. One (1) shop was temporarily closed, and a prohibition notice was issued to the owner.

On 28 November 2024, another Blitz Operation took place in the Great Brak River area. This operation included inspections of three (3) spaza shops and one (1) formal food premises. No closures were required during this operation.

Continuing efforts to enhance food safety, GRDM EHPs conducted Joint Informal Food Traders Workshops in several communities. On 3 December 2024, workshops were held in the Herbertsdale and D’Almeida communities to provide participants with valuable information about food safety. Another workshop was conducted at the Wolwedans Hall in Great Brak River on 4 December 2024, which was attended by three (3) spaza shop owners and employees. The workshop received positive feedback from participants.

Mossel Bay Municipality’s Waste Department, Building Control, and Town Planning Department formed part of the initiative.

Key topics discussed included:

  • Health and Safety – GRDM
  • Fire Safety – Mossel Bay Municipality
  • Building Plan Compliance – Mossel Bay Municipality
  • Waste Management – Mossel Bay Municipality

Informal Food Trader Workshops conducted in Herbertsdale, D’Almeida and Great Brak River by GRDM’s Mossel Bay based EHPs.

Knysna

In the Knysna area, a Blitz Operation was conducted on November 28, 2024, targeting identified areas including Nekkies, Kayalethu, Concordia, and Rheenendal. The operation was carried out in collaboration with the SAPS, Immigration authorities, and the Department of Home Affairs.

During the operation, EHPs seized and safely disposed of foodstuffs deemed unsound and unwholesome. Banned substances, including pesticides, were detained, and the National Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development will be contacted for their confiscation. Health and Hygiene education was also provided to food handlers at the inspected food premises during the operation.

Daily inspections will continue to ensure that quality food products are sold in communities served by these spaza shops.

EHPs from Knysna and stakeholders conducted Blitz Operations in the Nekkies, Kayalethu, Concordia, and Rheenendal areas of Knysna.

Klein Karoo

In the Klein Karoo, Spaza Shop Blitz operations were conducted by GRDM EHPs during the week in Calitzdorp, Ladismith, and Dysselsdorp. The operations involved key role players, including the SAPS, the Department of Agriculture, Immigration officials, and representatives from Local Municipalities’ Town Planning, Fire Services, and Building Control departments.

A total of twenty-six (260 spaza shops were inspected during the operations, with two (2) shops closed due to poor hygienic conditions.

Additionally, EHPs conducted Health and Hygiene workshops in Ladismith on 2 December 2024, and in Oudtshoorn on 3 December 2024. These workshops were well-attended, with twenty-eight (28) spaza shop owners participating in Ladismith and seventy-eight (78) spaza shop owners attending in Oudtshoorn. Read related article: https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/2024/12/03/3-desember-2024-persverklaring-gesondheids-en-higiene-werkswinkel-vir-spaza-winkel-eienaars-en-informele-kosverkopers-gehou-in-ladismith/

Hessequa

On 2 December 2024, EHPs from the GRDM Riversdale based Municipal Health office, conducted a Food Hygiene Workshop in Riversdale.

The workshop was attended by representatives from eighty-six (86) spaza shops, including shop and property owners.

The EHPs expressed their gratitude to all participants for their strong attendance and commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the Hessequa residents.

Additionally, a Blitz Operation was carried out in Slangrivier on 28 November 2024. During the operation, ten (10) spaza shops were inspected, and one (1) shop was closed due to poor hygienic conditions.

EHPs from the GRDM Hessequa office hosted a Food Hygiene Workshop in Riversdale where eighty-six (86) spaza shops were represented.

George

In the George area, although no shops were visited for inspections, one (1) spaza shop was closed.

Possible Compliance Issues addressed during the operation

In terms of Health and Hygiene violations, shops that were closed may be linked to unsafe food handling practices, unsanitary conditions, or inadequate pest control. In terms of Safety Hazards where shops posed a direct risk to public health and safety, these shops could have been shut down or notices issued until improvements were made.

The Way Forward

  • Follow-Up Inspections: The Municipal Health teams serving the various regions will conduct follow-up Inspections to ensure that the spaza shops that were closed or issued notices have rectified their non-compliance issues.
  • Enforcement of Notices: Ensure that any prohibition or closure notices are enforced, and shops are only allowed to reopen once they meet the necessary compliance requirements.
  • Continued Education and Support: Ongoing training for spaza shop owners to understand and meet health, safety, and legal requirements, helping them avoid future violations.

These collaborative efforts highlight the proactive approach of EHPs and stakeholders in maintaining safe, legal, and hygienic conditions at spaza shops.

While inspections are crucial, continuous education campaigns and workshops are equally important. These initiatives aim to prevent foodborne illnesses, reduce shop closures, and support the communities that rely heavily on these businesses as valuable local assets.

ENDS

05 December 2024 Media Release: Initiation Schools – GRDM’s Roles, Responsibilities, and Frequently Asked Questions

Media Release: Initiation Schools – GRDM’s Roles, Responsibilities, and Frequently Asked Questions

5 December 2024

Within the jurisdiction of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), initiation forums play a central role in ensuring the safe and culturally respectful management of initiation processes. Similarly, Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) ensure that public health standards are upheld throughout these traditional practices.

Structure of Initiation Forums

Each town in the district has an Initiation Forum comprising representatives from the GRDM, the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Western Cape Government Department of Health (WCG DOH), the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), Local Municipalities, Garden Route District Municipal Health Services, and members of the public.

Frequency of Initiation Seasons

Initiation seasons occur twice a year, in June and December. To prepare stakeholders, EHPs facilitate education sessions in schools and communities ahead of these months.

Education sessions for the summer season focus areas

  • Awareness of communicable diseases (including tuberculosis, sexually transmitted infections, and HIV screening);
  • Health and hygiene practices;
  • Guidelines and prohibitions before attending an initiation school; and
  • Community and high schools.

Over the past few months, all high schools and secondary schools were approached for education sessions. Similar training was also conducted within communities, including sessions for parents.

Key messages

  • New Processes: Parents must follow specific steps, starting with completing registration forms granting permission for their child to undergo traditional initiation;
  • Parental Involvement: Fathers, in particular, are encouraged to participate actively during health screenings;
  • Health, Hygiene, and Nutrition: Importance of maintaining food safety, providing healthy meals three times a day, and ensuring a father figure is present 24/7 for each boy;
  • The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (WCG DCAS) donated water bottles, first aid kits, and other essential supplies to various towns in the Garden Route District; and
  • Local municipalities will ensure clean water is available at all initiation school sites.

Monitoring and Registration

Members of the WCG DCAS, along with Initiation Forum representatives, conduct regular visits to initiation schools. Parents are expected to remain available 24/7, with fathers taking leave to take responsibility for their children during initiation.

All initiation school sites, traditional surgeons, and traditional nurses must be registered with the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) for each season, in accordance with the Customary Initiation Act, No. 2 of 2021.

Contact Information
Johan Compion
Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Solid Waste, and Air Quality
Email: info@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1300 | Cell: 082 803 5161

Feature Image: Mail & Guardian

ENDS

03 December 2024 Save the Date: Notice of Special Council Meeting – 11 December 2024 at 11:00

NOTICE OF A SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING ON 11 DECEMBER 2024 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 at 54 York Street, George, on 11 December 2024 at 11:00.

Members of the public are invited to following the proceedings through the Municipality YouTube channel at:
https://youtube.com/live/mSQ0Vd-tfXY?feature=share

Click here to download the Official Notice

03 Desember 2024 Persverklaring: Gesondheids- en Higiëne Werkswinkel vir Spaza winkel eienaars en informele kosverkopers gehou in Ladismith

Persverklaring: Gesondheids- en Higiëne Werkswinkel vir Spaza winkel eienaars en informele kosverkopers gehou in Ladismith

3 Desember 2024

Die Omgewingsgesondheidspraktisyns (OGP) van die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM) se Klein Karoo Munisipale Gesondheidkantoor, in samewerking met Kannaland Munisipaliteit, het gister ’n opvoedkundige werkswinkel aangebied om informele voedselhandelaars in die Ladismith omgewing te bemagtig.

Die werkswinkel het gevolg na ’n week van blitsoperasies wat plaasgevind het en  verskeie rolspelers soos die OGP’s van die TDM, die Suid-Afrikaanse Polisiediens (SAPD), Immigrasiedienste, en verskeie departemente binne Kannaland Munisipaliteit, onder andere die  Brandweerdienste, Wetstoepassing, Boubeheer en Stadsbeplanningsdienste ingesluit het.

Op die foto, van links na regs: TDM OGP Desmond Paulse, saam met die Waarnemende Munisipale Bestuurder van Kannaland Munisipaliteit, Hendrik Barnard; Eric Schutte – Kannaland Stadsbeplanning; Marc Rensburg – Kannaland Boubeheer; CC Cornelius Willemse – Kannaland Veiligheid en Wetstoepassing; en Wilmie Viljoen van Kannaland Munisipaliteit.

Gesondheid- en Higiëne Opvoeding deur OGP

Tydens die werkswinkel, het die OGP’s ‘n omvattende gesondheids- en higiëne opvoedingsessie aangebied wat op die volgende aspekte gefokus het:

  • Die Regulasies wat Algemene Higiënevereistes vir Voedselpersele, die Vervoer van Voedsel en Verwante Sake beheer, naamlik Regulasie R638 van 2018, afgekondig kragtens die Wet op Voedsel, Skoonheidsmiddels en Ontsmettingsmiddels, Wet 54 van 1972. Hierdie regulasie vereis dat alle voedselbesigheidsoperateurs by die higiëne- en veiligheidsprotokolle hou en oor ‘n geldige Sertifikaat van Aanvaarbaarheid beskik.
  • Geen voedselperseel mag voedsel aan die publiek verkoop sonder ‘n geldige Sertifikaat van Aanvaarbaarheid nie.
  • ‘n Sertifikaat van Aanvaarbaarheid kan slegs verkry word deur aansoek te doen by die plaaslike munisipale gesondheidsdiensowerheid. Hierdie sertifikaat word slegs uitgereik nadat  die voldoening aan Regulasie R638 van 2018 deur ‘n inspekteur geverifieer is.

Indien ‘n OGP, nadat ‘n inspeksie uitgevoer is, tevrede is dat aan die volgende vereistes voldoen word, sal hulle ‘n Sertifikaat van Aanvaarbaarheid (COA) uitreik:

  1. Strukturele vereistes.
  2. Temperatuurbeheer.
  3. Skei van rou en gaar kos.
  4. Aangewese voedselbergingsareas.
  5. Higiënevereistes.
  6. Plaagbeheer en verbode plaagdoders.
  7. Persoonlike higiëne van voedselhanteerders.
  8. Gereelde handewas.
  9. Beskerming van voedsel.
  10. Identifisering van onveilige kos.
  11. Datumbeheer: Verduideliking van “verkoop teen,” “gebruik teen,” en “beste voor” datums.
  12. Belangrike feite oor etikettering van voorafverpakte voedsel.

Drie tipes Sertifikate van Aanvaarbaarheid (COA’s) wat aan voedselhandelaars uitgereik kan word:

  1. Sertifisering vir die verkoop van voedselprodukte: Vir handelaars wat voedselprodukte aan die publiek verkoop.
  2. Voedselvoorbereiding: Vir die voorbereiding van kos op die perseel.
  3. Voedselverwerking: Vir fabrieke wat voedselprodukte vervaardig.

Belangrike Nota:
Voldoening aan Regulasie 638 van 2018 bied nie outomaties goedkeuring om besigheid op voedselpersele te bedryf nie. Alle ander relevante vereistes van die plaaslike owerheid en toepaslike wetgewing moet ook nagekom word.

Vyf sleutels vir veiliger kos:

  1. Hou skoon.
  2. Skei rou en gaar.
  3. Kook deeglik.
  4. Berg kos by veilige temperature.
  5. Gebruik skoon water en rou materiaal.

Higiëne 10-punt plan vir voedselpersele:

  1. Was altyd jou hande voordat jy kos hanteer en nadat jy die toilet gebruik het.
  2. Rapporteer enige vel-, neus-, keel- of diarreeprobleem by jou toesighouer en bedek enige snye met ‘n waterdigte pleister.
  3. Moet nie oor kos of werkoppervlak hoes of nies nie.
  4. Was jou liggaam goed en dra altyd skoon, beskermende klere.
  5. Onthou, rook in die kosbereidingsarea is verbode.
  6. Werk netjies in kosareas, hou altyd die kombuistoerusting en eetgerei skoon.
  7. Hou kos skoon, bedek en op die regte temperatuur (warm of koud) soos benodig. Hou rou en gaar kos apart.
  8. Hou jou kaal hande so ver as moontlik van die kos af.
  9. Hou die deksel op die vullisdrom.
  10. Moet nie die wet oortree nie! Vra die persoon in beheer as jy nie die regulasies verstaan nie.

Vir navrae met betrekking tot COA’s uitgereik deur OGP’s in die Oudtshoorn en Kannaland munisipale gebiede, kontak:

Desmond Paulse, Bestuurder Munisipale Gesondheidsdienste: Klein Karoo – 044 272 2241, desmond@gardenroute.gov.za

Hooffoto:  Spaza Winkel eienaars van Ladismith wie die werkswinkel bygewoon het

-END-

02 December 2024 Media Release: Garden Route Skills Mecca initiative invests millions of Rands in Skills Development opportunities in the Garden Route

Media Release: Garden Route Skills Mecca initiative invests millions of Rands in Skills Development opportunities in the Garden Route

For immediate release
02 December 2024

The Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM), an initiative of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), has invested significantly in training and skills development programs across the district’s local municipal areas over the past three years.

Earlier this year, a group of participants from across the district with representatives of GRDM’s EPWP Unit, BIG Hearts and Oudtshoorn Municipality after the signing of their contracts to gain workplace experience at the GRDM, through the GRSM initiative.

Through these programmes, the GRSM continuously aims to collaborate, cooperate and integrate skills development activities across all GRSM roleplayers, ever-increasing its numbers of partnerships in support of Skills Development, as well as continue expanding its network of industry-based occupationally based programmes designed to meet the region’s needs.

The skills development programs implemented through GRSM include diverse fields such as cellphone repairs, construction, and more. These efforts highlight a steady increase in skills development initiatives within the Garden Route, contributing to noticeable growth in the region.

Since 2022, nearly R124.4 million has been invested across local municipalities, creating opportunities for more than 2191 individuals in the Garden Route district. An additional R114.26 million worth of projects are currently in the implementation phase. These efforts, made possible by the GRSM initiative, have included training in areas such as Training for Skills Mecca Technicians through the Expanded Public Works Programme, Project Management, Tourism and Hospitality, Small & Media Enterprise training and business support, Digital skills, Water and Sanitation, Firefighting and artisan development programmes such as plumbing, electrician training to name a few.

The breakdown of investment and programme rollout in local municipal areas includes:

  • Bitou: Programmes implemented in the area amounts to more than R12 million.
  • Knysna: An investment of nearly R35.5 million was made.
  • George: Approximately R23 million was invested in skills and training initiatives in the area.
  • Mossel Bay: Almost R13 million was allocated for the implementation of programmes.
  • Oudtshoorn: Received close to R14 million for the roll-out programmes.
  • Hessequa: Benefited from R8 million for skills development and training programmes.
  • Kannaland: Skills development investment amounted to almost R5.9 million.
  • Additionally, the GRSM furthermore invested approximately R5.3 million in the developing interns placed at various departments of the GRDM. These interns are placed at various departments of the municipality.

More Skills Development Programmes are in the pipeline to be implemented which include: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Skills, Maritime Training, Rural Development, cell phone repairs training etc. The establishment of training academies are also in the process to the completed and established.

The success of the GRSM can be attributed to key milestones achieved since its inception, including:

  • The hosting of three Skills Summits in various areas within the district.
  • Local skills Indabas also took place across all local municipal areas during this period.
  • A website was furthermore developed that serves as central information hub for training providers and stakeholders;
  • The municipality established an online recruitment system for all projects and programmes.
  • R36 million received from the National Skills Fund to the GRSM.
  • Skills Mecca technicians placed at each municipality to coordinate activities of the GRSM at local level thus ensuring a more coordinated approach that contributes towards the smooth operations of the broader GRSM initiative.

Although the GRSM continues to create possibilities for both employed and unemployed persons within the Garden Route to drive its vision which is the “the preferred destination for developing and honing specific skills and expertise that leads to employability,” it cannot exist without valued partnerships that involves local municipalities, the various SETAs, training providers and the private sector.

Feature Image: Fire Services participants who graduated after completing an Occupational Firefighting training programme through the GRSM, with their families at the event earlier this year.

ENDS

29 November 2024 Media Release: Marine Protected Areas – an ecosystem treasure chest

Media Release: Marine Protected Areas – an ecosystem treasure chest

29 November 2024

“The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and a team of specialist consultants responsible for drawing up the management plans for the Garden Route Marine Protected Areas (MPA’s) wrapped up their public participation effort on 27 November and will be collating the input received into a final report going forward”, says Chairperson of the Garden Route Marine and Coastal Committee Cobus Meiring.

Besides the demarcated Marine Protected Areas along the scenic Garden Route coastline, there are two seamounts located some four hundred kilometres offshore of Mossel Bay and two more east of Cape Agulhas. The seamounts are large submarine landforms that rises from the ocean floor without reaching the water surface and sustain invaluable marine ecosystems.

Because of their elevated position in the water interaction between seamounts and underwater currents attract plankton, corals , fish and marine animals alike. Seamounts are fish factories and their sustained survival is vital to South Africa’s commercial fisheries and future ocean economy.

Coastal Marine Protected Areas along the Garden Route coast are well controlled and monitored by the powers that be and serve as vital breeding ground for all marine life and eco- systems.

The seamounts deep in the Indian Ocean is, however, in a perilous position as South Africa no longer has the human capacity, littoral patrol and navy vessels nor aircraft capable of  monitoring and safeguarding the country’s natural infrastructural assets in the open ocean from plundering.

As the 2024/25 festive season is approaching recreational fishermen are encouraged to make sure they have their relevant permits in place, stay clear of Marine Protected Areas and stick to the rules that apply when practicing their sport. This is needed to ensure that our South African marine life has a sustainable future.

Happy fishing!

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is an environmental and climate change think- tank (www.grefscli.co.za).