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18 September 2024 Media Release: GRDM’s Emile Conrad achieved bronze (3rd place) in World Firefighter Games in Denmark

Media release: GRDM’s Emile Conrad achieved bronze (3rd place) in World Firefighter Games in Denmark

For immediate release
18 September 2024

This month, from 7 to 14 September 2024, Emile Conrad, Senior Firefighter and current South African Toughest Firefighter Alive, competed in the World Firefighter Games in Denmark.

Victorious moments as Emile Conrad, Senior Firefighter at GRDM won 3rd place (a bronze medal) at the World Firefighter Games.

After competing in his age category (40-44), Conrad won the third place, placing him fourteenth overall on the world ranking list of the Toughest Firefighter Alive (TFA)! This is proof of a remarkable achievement. Sharing his experience of the event and his overall performance, he said: “The challenge demanded skill, strength, and endurance to push through against the best competitors in the World in a rapidly growing sport”.

Further describing the stair running event, he said that the event proved to be a thrilling test of cardiovascular fitness. In terms of the Indoor rowing event, “it was another opportunity to hold on through mental and physically tough times,” he added. “By the grace of God and strength, I could improve on my personal best times and achieved one Gold medal in my age category, as well as being placed the third best time overall of 2:57 for the 1000m row”.

Senior Firefighter at GRDM, Emile Conrad, hard at work during the World Firefighter Games in Denmark.

Described being back at home, he said: “It is so great to be back home in South Africa after an exhilarating trip to Denmark, where I had the privilege of representing our country and our Municipality in the World Firefighter Games 2024”. In addition, he described the experience as an unforgettable event, as he pushed his limits in events like the TFA, Indoor Rowing and Stair Running, which tested his physical and mental endurance and all the hard work and preparation. Conrad also mentioned that the camaraderie among fellow firefighters from around the globe left them with invaluable lessons, new friendships, and unforgettable memories. “Denmark’s warm hospitality and vibrant culture made the experience even more enriching,” he highlighted.

In conclusion he said: “I’ve returned home feeling proud of our team South Africa and blessed that God has given me these opportunities to be an ambassador for Christ. Lastly thank-you to each and every one for their support, kind words of encouragement and prayers – God is truly Faithful”.

GRDM Executive Mayor, Cllr Andrew Stroebel, and the Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, on behalf of the Council and staff of GRDM, congratulated Emile for his stirling performance at the competition and for bringing home a medal to the people of South Africa, especially to the residents of the Garden Route.

Very well done Emile Conrad!

Read related article:
https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/2024/09/04/3-september-2024-media-release-emile-conrad-senior-firefighter-at-garden-route-district-municipality-set-to-attend-and-participate-in-the-world-firefighter-games/

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16 September 2024 Media Release: Ozone Day – International Day of the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

Media Release: Ozone Day – International Day of the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

For immediate release
16 September 2024

Ozone Day, or formally called the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, is celebrated annually on September 16. This day is commemorating the date (in 1987) of the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. The closure of the hole in the ozone layer was observed 30 years after the protocol was signed, but due to the nature of the gases responsible for ozone depletion their chemical effects are expected to continue for between 50 and 100 years.

The ozone layer is important as it protects earth from the harmful UV rays coming from the sun. It also helps to keep the temperature of the earth moderate by reflecting the harmful sun rays which makes the life of living organisms suitable on earth.

Climate change is linked to ozone depletion as many of the same gases that are causing ozone depletion are also contributing to climate change. These gases, such as the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), are greenhouse gases, absorbing some of the infrared radiation emitted by the Earth’s surface, thereby effectively heating the Earth’s surface.

Conversely, changes in the climate of the Earth could affect the behaviour of the ozone layer, because the ozone is influenced by changes in the meteorological conditions and by changes in the atmospheric composition that could result from climate change. Ozone loss can also impact climate change, as ozone depletion in the lower stratosphere can create a cooling effect on the earth.

“We can protect the ozone by banning ozone-depleting substances which will allow the ozone layer to slowly recover,” said Dr Nina Viljoen, Head of Environmental Management at Garden Route District Municipality. In addition, Viljoen emphasised that a healthy ozone layer protects millions of people from skin cancer and eye cataracts, safeguards ecosystems and slows down climate change – as many ozone-depleting substances ODSs are also potent greenhouse gases with high Global Warming Potential (GWP) that contribute to climate change.

Click here to read a related Facebook article.

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16 September 2024 Media Release: Explaining climate change is a challenge

Media Release: Explaining climate change is a challenge

For immediate release
16 September 2024

“It took scientists globally a very long time to convince governments to come to terms with the fact that climate change is a reality and that it is something to consider for the sake of the future well-being of communities and humanity as a whole,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

The effects of a changing climate are numerous and complex. Those charged with interpreting the changing climate for the sake of planning, experience considerable challenges in educating and informing affected communities. Present-day humanity can no longer regard climate as business-as-usual to provide a stable and consistent environment supporting life on planet Earth exactly as it has done for millennia, for it is posing many new threats.

Persistent and frequent drought, rising sea levels, severe storms and flooding, loss of vital biodiversity, and dramatic changes in rainfall patterns and volumes are but some of the issues communities must get to grips with if they are to survive and prosper entering an uncertain future.

Public communication and education hold the key to the well-being of humanity, and authorities globally must make a sustained and concerted effort to simplify the climate change message to ensure communities understand what is taking place and how they should respond in order to adapt in time to climate-related challenges.

An example of where communities suffered severely as a result of not responding to pending threats of climate change is where communities established informal settlements on Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal flood planes with deadly consequences as severe floods swept many to a watery grave and destroyed billions of Rand of infrastructure and property.

The take-home message is that governments must invest in developing and rolling out communication campaigns to inform and educate communities as climate change takes effect.

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

Photo: Storm surges, damaging winds and waves are but some of the results of a changing climate, and communication is a vital tool in educating and informing communities about potential dangers.

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16 September 2024 Opportunities: Financial Assistance towards Further Studies 2025

OPPORTUNITIES: FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TOWARDS FURTHER STUDIES 2025

Applications are invited from students currently receiving tuition at Accredited Learning Institutions and learners who are currently Grade 12 or have passed Grade 12, for financial assistance towards further studies during the 2025 academic year. The financial contribution by GRDM, is restricted to full-time study and attendance at SAQA accredited Tertiary, or TVET institutions. This is ONLY applicable to students whose parents permanently reside within the Garden Route municipal area.

Application forms are available at the GRDM and satellite offices during normal office hours (Monday – Thursday 07:30 – 16:30; Friday 07:30 – 13:30). Application forms are also available from the GRDM’s website.

THE GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY WILL ONLY CONSIDER COMPLETED APPLICATIONS AND IF THE DOCUMENTS MENTIONED BELOW HAVE BEEN INCLUDED.

A detailed Curriculum Vitae and cover letter, application form, and certified copies of the following documentation must be attached: Latest or Grade 12 results or equal qualification; latest examination results of students currently enrolled at tertiary institutions; certified copy of I.D.; affidavit of parents’ combined income and proof of residential address (municipal account).

Please forward the application form and all documents to: Records, Garden Route District Municipality, 54 York Street, P.O. Box 12, George 6530, for attention: Training and Development Section.

For any enquiries, do not hesitate to contact Mr Reginald Salmons at 044 803 1363, Mrs Alvera Josephs at 044 803 1410 or Mrs Nolwando Sambokwe on 044 803 1345 during office
hours.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Should candidates not be contacted within two months of the closing date, they must consider their application as unsuccessful.

Closing date: 31 October 2024

Notice number: 117/2024

Click here to download the Official Advertisement

12 September 2024: Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Hosts Violence and Harassment Capacity Building Workshop

Media Release: Route District Municipality Hosts Violence and Harassment Capacity Building Workshop

12 September 2024

Yesterday, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) hosted a Violence and Harassment Capacity Building Workshop at the Protea King George Hotel in George. The workshop was attended by Councillors, Union and Labour Relations Representatives, Human Resource officials and senior management of GRDM. The focus of the workshop was on raising awareness, development of policies, and implementation strategies to address violence and harassment in the workplace.

The workshop was organised  by the Western Cape Provincial Government (WCG) Department of Local Government: External Human Rights Specifically Project (DLG-HRD) and the WCG Commission for Gender Equality (CGE). It was opened with a welcoming address by GRDM Speaker, Ald. Georlene Wolmarans, who expressed her appreciation for the informative and engaging discussions.

The purpose of the workshop was to foster collaboration and partnership between local government entities and the GRDM by promoting gender equality through gender mainstreaming programs. They emphasised the need for a collective approach involving workers, labour union representatives, and employer/employee representatives to ensure the successful implementation of a comprehensive Violence and Harassment Policy.

Workshop Discussions and Highlights

The workshop featured discussions on the barriers to implementing a Violence and Harassment Policy within organisations. Participants were encouraged to propose fair procedures for reporting incidents, conducting disciplinary hearings, and establishing the necessary structures to ensure fairness and equality in policy enforcement. Speakers also highlighted the successes and challenges faced by the municipality in addressing violence and harassment, and the need for proactive and reactive approaches to policy implementation.

Calvyn Scheepers, GRDM Human Resources Assistant Manager, provided an update on the progress made regarding the amendment and development of the GRDM Violence and Harassment Policy. After that, representatives from DLG-HRD and CGE discussed various topics, including violence and harassment and the importance of having such a policy.

Anele Mgubasi, Commissioner at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) delivered a comprehensive presentation on policy implementation and its impact in the workplace. Key topics included:

  • employer obligations,
  • disciplinary procedures,
  • consequences of policy implementation, and
  • advice on the roles needed to address workplace violence and harassment effectively.

Leonard Macakati, from CGE, also presented guiding principles on the prevention, elimination, and management of harassment, as well as procedures for reporting such incidents.

During her closing remarks, Cllr Nompumelelo Ndayi, Portfolio Chairperson of Corporate Services, emphasised the importance of collective action: “I was honoured to be present here today. I’ve learned so much. Let us leave this room as collective champions for gender equality. Let us find new ways to do more, together, to accelerate progress and strengthen our partnerships. And let us make the case, powerfully, for gender equality.”

The GRDM remains committed to fostering a safe and inclusive work environment for all its employees and stakeholders.

Highlights of the attendees and activities during the workshop.

Did you know:

Gender Mainstreaming is the process of assessing the implications for women and men of any planned action, including legislation, policies or programmes, in all areas and at all levels.  The goal of gender mainstreaming is to achieve gender equality.

Gender Equality means that the rights, responsibilities and opportunities of individuals will not depend on whether they are born male or female.  Equality does not require that girls and boys, women and men be the same or that they be treated exactly alike.  Equality involves ensuring that the perceptions, interests, needs and priorities of women and men (which can be very different because of the differing roles and responsibilities of women and men) will be given equal weight in planning and decision-making.

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12 September 2024 Media Release: Basic Wildland Firefighting Training Facilitated by GRDM and Southern Cape Fire Protection Association

Media Release: Basic Wildland Firefighting Training Facilitated by GRDM and Southern Cape Fire Protection Association

12 September 2024

In collaboration with the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association (SCFPA), the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) this week facilitated a Basic Wildland Firefighting training session for participants from the Fransmanshoek Conservancy. The training also included representatives from the ’Boggomsbaai, Vleesbaai, and Springerbaai’ conservancies, as well as Buffelsfontein and the EPC Farm.

The training initiative aimed to equip local communities and conservancy members with essential firefighting skills to enhance their preparedness and ability to respond effectively to wildland fires. By including representatives from various local communities and conservancies, the training promoted a collaborative approach to managing vegetation and veld fires.

Essential topics covered, includes:

  1. Fire weather and danger index.
  2. Fire behavior and safety precautions.
  3. Detection and notification protocols.
  4. Personal protective clothing and equipment.
  5. Fire environment and risk assessment.
  6. Basic and incipient suppression techniques.
  7. Fuel load management and risk management practices.
  8. Fire prevention activities.
  9. Scope of practice for community first responders

This training will also empower participants with the knowledge and skills to safely manage incipient vegetation and veld fires, reducing the risk of larger fires that could damage properties, infrastructure, and the environment.

Benefits of this training include:

  • Enhanced firefighting knowledge and skills in the area.
  • Improved collaboration and coordination among local communities, conservancies, and authorities.
  • Increased awareness of wildland fire risks and prevention strategies.
  • Better equipped and trained personnel to handle vegetation fires.
  • Reduced risk of property damage and environmental impact.
  • More knowledgeable residents, especially regarding the notification of risks to authorities.

Assisting conservancies with basic firefighting training is important for enhancing quick detection and potential suppression while firefighting authorities are en-route to a fire notification.

To continue providing participants with thorough basic training and reinforcing safety measures for vegetation fires, a second phase of practical training will be added.

Featured Image caption: Fire Chief Deon Stoffels and Station Commander: Operations Heinrich Leslie facilitating the training session.

 

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05 September 2024 Media Release: Food Control: Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM)

Media Release: Food Control: Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM)

5 September 2024

Food control is a vital responsibility carried out by national and local authorities, such as the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), to ensure that food is safe, wholesome, and suitable for human consumption. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines food control as a “mandatory regulatory activity of enforcement” designed to protect consumers by overseeing every stage of food production, handling, storage, processing, and distribution.

To achieve these objectives, legislation plays a key role in regulating the food industry. Significant laws include the Foodstuffs, Cosmetic and Disinfectant Act (54 of 1972), the Labelling and Advertisement of Foodstuffs Regulations (GNR 146 of 2010), and the Tobacco Products Control Act (83 of 1993). These regulations are in place to ensure that public health and safety are upheld.

In the GRDM, Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) are responsible for various duties that ensure food safety. Their tasks include:

  1. Inspections: EHPs conduct regular, often unannounced inspections of food premises, including formal establishments, informal vendors, factories, and dairy farms. These inspections assess structural compliance of buildings, the condition of vehicles transporting food, the availability of water and hand-washing facilities, proper refuse disposal, pest control, and whether food handlers wear protective clothing.
  2. Food Sampling: EHPs perform food sampling to ensure that storage and hygiene practices meet required standards, helping to detect potential contamination and confirm that food products are safe for consumption.
  3. Investigation of Food-borne Illnesses: In cases of reported food-borne illnesses, EHPs investigate to identify the source of contamination and take necessary actions to prevent further spread.
  4. Health Education: EHPs educate food handlers, industries, and consumers about food safety, promoting practices based on the WHO’s “Five Keys to Safer Food” to prevent contamination by harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, or chemical substances.

The role of EHPs is essential in preventing foodborne diseases and ensuring the safety of food consumed by the public. Their work helps minimize risks associated with unsafe food handling, such as food poisoning, and ensures that food products meet the stringent safety standards required by law.

For more information, or for reporting, contact the following GRDM Municipal Health offices within the Garden Route:

Region Person in Charge Contact Number Address
Klein Karoo Region & Kannaland Region Desmond Paulse
Manager: Municipal Health		 083 678 6530 94 St John Street, Oudtshoorn
Mossel Bay Monique Anthony
Acting Chief:  Municipal Health		 061 445 1932 C/O Sampson & Marling Street, Ext 23, Mossel Bay
George Outeniqua Emmy Douglas
Chief: Municipal Health		 078 457 282 Mission Street, Industrial Area, George
George
Wilderness		 Khanyisa Joja
Acting Chief: Municipal Health		 071 883 6335 Mission Street, Industrial Area, George
Knysna Region James McCarthy
Chief: Municipal Health		 082 805 9417 26A Queen Street, Knysna
Bitou Region Gawie Vos
Chief: Municipal Health		 083 557 1522 4 Virginia Street, Plettenberg bay
Hessequa Region Haemish Herwels
Chief: Municipal Health		 083 678 6545 24 Michell Street, Riversdale

Johan Compion
Senior Manager: Municipal Health & Solid Waste and Air Quality
E-mail: info@gardenroute.gov.za
Cell: 082 803 5161

EHPs play a crucial role in maintaining high standards of food safety, protecting public health, and fostering consumer confidence in the GRDM.

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04 September 2024 Media Release: Garden Routers to benefit from LGSeta awarded Local Economic Development Programme – Students inducted

Media Release: Garden Routers to benefit from LGSeta awarded Local Economic Development Programme – Students inducted

For immediate release
04 September 2024

The Garden Route District Municipality has been awarded a LGSETA Discretionary Grant to fund the National Certificate in Local Economic Development (SAQA 36436) for the training of 50 employed individuals from the district. On 27 August 2024, participants attended an Induction Session held at the GRDM’s Council Chambers.

The session was conducted by the GRDM Human Resource Unit, in collaboration with the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM). During the session, officials thoroughly reviewed all necessary documents and outlined the operational aspects of the program.

This 18-month qualification serves as an entry-level credential in Local Economic Development (LED), marking the first step in a qualifications framework that culminates in a Level 6 qualification. This NQF Level 4 qualification thus serves as a stepping stone towards the National Diploma in Local Economic Development at Level 5.

Participants who complete the program will gain essential knowledge and understanding of LED, including the critical role that Local Government plays in it. This qualification lays the foundation for developing practical competence in LED, enabling learners to identify key values and frameworks necessary for effective governance of local economic initiatives.

The qualification will equip future LED Officers with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to operate professionally in their roles. It will also enhance their career prospects by providing them with the expertise required to implement policies and procedures effectively in their field.

The Garden Route District Municipality is proud to coordinate and facilitate this programme for the seven Local Municipalities within the region.

To read more about this qualification, browse here: https://allqs.saqa.org.za/showQualification.php?id=36436

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04 September 2024 Media Release: Emile Conrad, Senior Firefighter at Garden Route District Municipality Set to Attend and Participate in the World Firefighter Games

Media Release: Emile Conrad, Senior Firefighter at Garden Route District Municipality Set to Attend and Participate in the World Firefighter Games

4 September 2024

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is proud to announce that Emile Conrad, a Senior Firefighter, will be representing South Africa at the prestigious World Firefighter Games, set to take place in Aalborg, Denmark, from 7 – 14 September 2024.

The World Firefighter Games, a bi-annual event, brings together firefighters from around the globe to compete in a variety of sports and foster a spirit of camaraderie. This year, approximately 3,000 firefighters are expected to attend the event in Denmark, where they will participate in 40 different sports. The Games, which began in 1990 in Auckland, New Zealand, were most recently held in Lisbon, Portugal, in 2022. Aalborg, Denmark, aims to create an unforgettable experience with a focus on sport, community, and unique cultural exchanges.

Cllr Jobiet Hoogbaard, Portfolio Chairperson of Community Services under which the GRDM Fire Services reside, extends his best wishes to Emile Conrad, encouraging him to do his best, represent South Africa and the Garden Route District, and above all, enjoy himself at the World Firefighter Games.

Among the many competitions, the “Toughest Firefighter Alive” (TFA) event stands out as the pinnacle of the World Firefighter Games, renowned for being the most challenging firefighting competition globally.

Emile Conrad secured his place on the South African team after winning last year’s South African National TFA in Mossel Bay. At the previous World Firefighter Games in Lisbon, Portugal, in 2022, Conrad impressively ranked 10th overall and secured 2nd place in his age category (38-40). This year, Emile aims to surpass his previous achievements while continuing to promote fitness and conditioning within the firefighting community. Emile is scheduled to depart from George today, 4 September 2024 and return on 17 September 2024.

 

GRDM Council and Management extend their best wishes to Emile Conrad as he represents the Garden Route District Municipality and South Africa at the World Firefighter Games. May his strength, determination, and commitment guide him through this challenging and demanding event!

Featured image caption: GRDM Executive Mayor Alderman Stroebel wishing Emile Conrad well for the upcoming World Firefighter Games competition in Denmark, encouraging him to bring pride to the district and the nation.

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