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29 July 2026 FIRST ADJUSTMENTS BUDGET 2026/2027

FIRST ADJUSTMENTS BUDGET 2026/2027

Notice Number: 69/2026

Notice is hereby given that the Garden Route District Municipal Council’s First Adjustments Budget for the period 2026/2027-2028/2029, 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, 28 July 2026.

This document will be available for public inspection and comments on the GRDM municipal website www.gardenroute.gov.za from
29 July 2026.

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.

Click on the links below to download the documents: 
2026/27 First Adjustment Budget Public Notice (28 July 2026)
2026/27 First Adjustment Budget B-Schedules (28 July 2026)
2026/27 First Adjustment Budget Report (28 July 2026)

M G Stratu
Municipal Manager
54 York Street
PO Box 12
GEORGE
6530

Tel: 044 803 1300
Notice number: 69/2026

28 July 2026: Media Statement: GRDM Council and Municipal Manager Part Ways by Mutual Agreement

Media Statement: GRDM Council and Municipal Manager Part Ways by Mutual Agreement

For Immediate Release
28 July 2026

During an In-Committee Council meeting held today, 28 July 2026, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Council and Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, mutually agreed to terminate his employment contract. Mr Stratu served as the Municipal Manager since March 2017, leading the municipality for almost two full consecutive terms over a period of more than nine years.

A MESSAGE FROM EXECUTIVE MAYOR, ALD. MARAIS KRUGER

Executive Mayor, Ald. Marais Kruger said the following after the Council meeting took place: “I want to thank MM Stratu for approaching me and the way our conversations and consultations was handled. In my nearly 15 months of working with the MM, he has always treated me, council, and the officials with respect. I know his decision was not one he takes lightly, but I do want to wish him all the best. We are proud to have obtained 5 consecutive clean audits under his tenure and will continue to build on his work.

I want to thank him for his work, his knowledge, and his professionalism that he added to the Garden Route District Municipality. I wish him and his family all the best in health, love, and well-deserved rest. Thank you, MM, for the past 9 years at GRDM we appreciate it”.

STRATU’S TENURE

Highlights during Stratu’s tenure was ensuring the GRDM attained five (5) consecutive Clean Audits from the Auditor General of South Africa. The GRDM saw its first municipal-owned regional fire station.

The Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) was also established during Mr Stratu’s tenure, creating a regional platform that brings together government, industry, academia and communities to address skills development, employment and economic growth across the district. The Garden Route Skills Mecca is the first-of-its-kind in Africa.

Under his leadership, the GRDM’s Municipal Health Services also received multiple provincial accolades, including Gold Certificates of Recognition from the Western Cape Government, while maintaining a Municipal Health Compliance Rate of 88% and achieving an exceptional 97.8% score for technological advancement in Environmental Health Norms and Standards during 2025/26. The municipality’s Communication, Marketing and Brand Management Unit  earned national recognition as South Africa’s most proactive and innovative district communications team, as well as a SALGA award for the country’s most updated social media platforms.

GRDM also pioneered South Africa’s first Municipal Health Dashboard, presented nationally on SALGA TV. The GRDM was also  recognised for developing one of the Western Cape’s most simplified Integrated Development Plans. Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), recognised the GRDM’s One Plan as one of the best countrywide.

The GRDM’s name was also changed from Eden to Garden Route in 2018. This was done to better align the district municipality’s brand name with one of South Africa’s best-known tourism identities, recognised worldwide, whereas “Eden” was far less familiar to visitors and investors.

Lastly, Stratu also oversaw the development to date of the Regional Waste Management Facility, a landmark infrastructure project that will provide a long-term, environmentally sustainable waste disposal solution for the Garden Route while strengthening regional cooperation in waste management.

STRATU’S FINAL ADDRESS TO COUNCIL

During his farewell address to Council, outgoing Municipal Manager Monde Stratu expressed gratitude for the opportunity to have served the people of the Garden Route, reflecting on both the rewards and challenges of his tenure. He described his time at the GRDM as a period of significant personal and professional growth, saying, “I leave this municipality a changed man. I have learned a lot in terms of the actual work, made wonderful friends, met good comrades, brothers and sisters.”

He acknowledged that while his first term had been fulfilling, his second term had been more challenging, noting that difficult experiences had given him a greater appreciation for “the small things in life”. Stratu thanked colleagues for their support throughout his tenure and said he was proud to leave behind an institution that remained one of the country’s top-performing districts.

Stratu also paid tribute to his family, thanking his wife and children for standing by him through what he described as “really painful periods” during his tenure. Quoting from Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s Ulysses, he concluded with the words, “To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield,” before thanking the Executive Mayor, councillors, municipal leadership and staff for their support and expressing his hope that he would leave the Garden Route without any hard feelings.

Caption: The GRDM Executive Management seated in front during a Council meeting on 28 July 2026 from left to right: Lusanda Menze (Executive Manager: Integrated Planning and Economic Development), John Daniels (Executive Manager: Roads and Transport Planning Services), Rian Boshoff (Executive Manager: Corporate-/and Financial Services), Monde Stratu (Municipal Manager), Nthabeleng Raisa-Mlandu (Executive Manager: Community Services) next to the Speaker, Ald. Georlene Wolamarans (behind the screen). 
ENDS

27 July 2026 Media Release: Climate Resilience Tops the Garden Route Agenda

Media Release: Climate Resilience Tops the Garden Route Agenda

27 July 2026

The Garden Route can no longer prepare for yesterday’s climate. Building resilience is now essential for protecting communities, the economy and the environment.

This was the overriding message from the recent Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) Extreme Weather Summit hosted in collaboration with NMU and GRDM, where renowned climate, environmental and disaster management experts shared the latest science and practical solutions for adapting to a changing climate.

Presentations suggested that a strong El Niño event may develop towards 2027, potentially bringing drought conditions to parts of the region. At the same time, experts warned that climate change is driving more frequent and intense extreme weather events, including severe storms, floods and wildfires.

GREF Convener, Cobus Meiring, said the Garden Route has already experienced the enormous social and economic costs of climate-related disasters.

“Climate resilience is no longer an option but a necessity. Every investment in protecting our natural environment and strengthening community preparedness will reduce future disaster risks and economic losses”, said Meiring.

Delegates heard that local communities are increasingly adapting through rooftop solar energy, rainwater harvesting, improved water management and the clearing of invasive alien plants that reduce water availability and increase wildfire risks.

One of the Summit’s strongest conclusions was that protecting and restoring natural infrastructure—including mountain catchments, wetlands, rivers and estuaries—is among the most effective ways to improve water security and reduce flood impacts.

Recent disasters illustrated the urgency. The extensive damage to Meiringspoort disrupted transport and tourism, while increasingly frequent heavy truck accidents on the Swartberg Pass highlight the growing challenges posed by difficult weather conditions and climate-related risks.

The Summit demonstrated that building climate resilience requires collaboration between government, business, scientists and communities to prepare for an increasingly uncertain future.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for environmental managers and serves as a climate change think tank. Visit grefecsf.co.za for more information.

Caption 1: A panel discussion about preparing for a changing climate in the Garden Route and beyond.

Caption 2: Nelson Mandela University’s George Campus Principal, Dr Kaluke Mawila, engaging with one of the attendees.

Caption 3: Garden Route District Municipality’s Head of Disaster Management, Mr Gerhard Otto, giving an overview of disaster management in the Garden Route.

– END –

23 July 2026 Media Release: Garden Route Skills Mecca Explores Partnership with David Tlale Academy

Media Release: Garden Route Skills Mecca Explores Partnership with David Tlale Academy

 23 July 2026

The Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM), which forms part of Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) flagship programmes, is set to expand skills development opportunities for unemployed youth following a strategic engagement with the David Tlale Academy to explore a collaborative partnership focused on the textile and fashion industry.

On Wednesday, 22 July 2026, a meeting, led by the Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, brought together renowned South African fashion designer David Tlale, representatives from the David Tlale Academy, ABSA, and Member of the National Assembly, Major Sokopo, who coordinated the engagement.

The discussions focused on establishing a partnership that will provide unemployed young people in the Garden Route District with access to specialised training, industry exposure, entrepreneurship opportunities, and career pathways within the textile and fashion value chain, including fashion design, garment manufacturing, and artisan-related occupations.  The objectives of the partnership are aligned to the GRDM Growth and Development Strategy and anchored through the implementation clusters. The programme will lead to innovation, enterprise development and employment opportunities within the textile industry.

ABSA, an existing partner of the David Tlale Academy, currently supports approximately 120 beneficiaries through its skills development initiatives. “The proposed partnership with the Garden Route Skills Mecca will build on this success by uniting government, the private sector, and industry leaders to address youth unemployment through skills development and economic empowerment,” said Thembani Loliwe, GRDM Strategic Manager.

During the meeting, David Tlale presented the Academy’s vision and outlined opportunities for collaboration with the Garden Route Skills Mecca, Economic Development and Tourism Section. Tlale highlighted the important link between agriculture and the textile industry, explaining how agricultural products such as natural fibres provide the foundation for textile manufacturing and fashion production. He encouraged the partners to explore opportunities across the entire value chain, enabling young people to build careers in fashion, manufacturing, design, production, and entrepreneurship. The proposal was welcomed in principle by GRDM, as it aligns with the goals of the Garden Route Growth and Development Strategy and the Garden Route Skills Mecca to develop skills, promote entrepreneurship, and create sustainable employment opportunities across the district.

Caption fltr:  Major Sokopo – Member of the National Assembly, Phumla Hobe-Yabo – Absa Citizenship Project Specialist and David Tlale – South African fashion designer.

The GRDM Tourism Section also took part in the discussions, recognising the close connection between tourism and the fashion and textile industry. A vibrant local fashion sector enhances the visitor experience through cultural events, fashion shows, locally produced apparel, and authentic craft products, while creating opportunities for designers, manufacturers, artisans, and entrepreneurs. The proposed partnership therefore has the potential to support both skills development and tourism-led economic growth by promoting locally designed and manufactured products as part of the Garden Route’s unique visitor offering.

The parties agreed to work towards the conclusion of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), which will formalise the partnership and provide a framework for its implementation. “This partnership represents an exciting opportunity to harness the expertise of the David Tlale Academy, the financial and developmental support of ABSA, and the coordinating role of the Garden Route Skills Mecca and Economic Development and Tourism to equip unemployed youth with industry-relevant skills. It also reinforces the Garden Route District Municipality’s commitment to building strategic partnerships that drive inclusive economic growth, support local industries, and create sustainable livelihoods for the people of the Garden Route,” Loliwe conclude.

-END-

22 July 2026 Media Release: Environmental Health Practitioners Conduct Joint Spaza Shop Blitz in Thembalethu

Media Release: Environmental Health Practitioners Conduct Joint Spaza Shop Blitz in Thembalethu

20 July 2026

Today, Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) from the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) George Municipal Health Section conducted a joint compliance blitz at spaza shops in Zone 9, Thembalethu.

The operation was carried out in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS), the George Municipality’s Planning Department, and George Municipality Law Enforcement officers.

Among those participating in the operation were GRDM Executive Mayor, Alderman Marais Kruger, and George Municipality Councillor Stag Cronjé. During a briefing held at Thembalethu Square before the inspections commenced, Executive Mayor Kruger expressed his appreciation to all stakeholders for working together towards a common goal.

He encouraged the various departments to continue conducting joint operations more frequently, emphasising that collaboration strengthens relationships between the different spheres of government  while ultimately benefiting the community. He also thanked everyone for their dedication and hard work.

The inspections primarily focused on:

  • Compliance with Regulation 638, which sets out structural and hygiene requirements for food premises.
  • Adherence to Labelling Regulation 146, including the correct use of “best before”, “sell by”, and “use by” dates.
  • Verification of accurate ingredient labelling.
  • Identification and removal of damaged, expired, or otherwise non-compliant food products.

Similar joint blitz operations are conducted regularly across all municipal areas in the Garden Route. These inspections form part of the Garden Route District Municipality’s ongoing commitment to protecting public health, promoting food safety, and ensuring that food businesses comply with the relevant food safety legislation.

-END-

Save the Date: Notice of a Council Meeting on 28 July 2026 at 11h00

NOTICE OF A COUNCIL MEETING ON 28 JULY 2026 AT 11:00

Notice Number: 67/2026

Notice is hereby given that a COUNCIL MEETING of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the CA Robertson Council Chambers, 54 York Street, George, and via Zoom on 28 July 2026 at 11:00.

YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/live/m6ExybFB4GU

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

21 July 2026 Training Opportunities: Occupational Certificate: Cook x 12

12 x OCCUPATIONAL CERTIFICATE: COOK TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

A Skills Mecca Initiative

Garden Route District Municipality invites unemployed persons between ages of 18 to 35 male or female residing within the Garden Route District Municipal area, to apply for an opportunity to be trained in the Occupational Qualifications as Cook, as part of a Garden Route Skills Mecca Initiative. Opportunities are currently available within the following municipal areas of the Garden Route district.

The total number of opportunities for the George Municipal Area.

Applicants must register and apply using the online UNEMPLOYMENT SOLUTIONS (RED BUTTON) on the Skills
Mecca Web site at https://skillsmecca.gardenroute.gov.za/ or browse https://tinyurl.com/34unespk.

Click here to download the Official Advert.

21 July 2026 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Employees celebrate International Mandela Day across the district

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Employees celebrate International Mandela Day across the district

For immediate release
21 July 2026

International Mandela Day campaign, celebrated across the globe during July, specifically on 18 July, is prioritised by the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) on an annual basis. On this day, employees across all offices in the Garden Route district organise and reach out to the most vulnerable persons and groups by extending a helping hand in more ways than one. Executive Mayor, Marais Kruger, also joined some of the initiatives throughout the region.

This year, the teams so far reached out to 9 locations to share their 67 minutes in celebration of this generous cause. One more outreach is furthermore planned to happen on Friday, 24 July 2026, which will be the final initiative of the listed events. The outreach will involve a school; however, the schools were close on Mandela Day.

How did GRDM celebrate International Mandela Day?

Blood Drive hosted for the community of George

On 16 July, the first initiative was rolled out by the Human Resources section in collaboration with the Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) and George Municipality, where they hosted a Mandela Day Blood Donation Drive. The event welcomed 45 generous volunteers of which 29 were returning supporters and 7 brand new donors, who all came together to support a vital community cause. This is the fourth year that GRDM forms part of this multi-stakeholder initiative.

Visit to the drop-in centre in Oudtshoorn managed by the Western Cape Department of Social Services

Staff from the Municipal Health Services in Oudtshoorn visited the drop-in centre in Oudtshoorn managed by the Western Cape Department of Social Services to present a handwashing session with the children and spoil 50 children who make use of the centre’s facility, with “boerewors” rolls.

Office of the Municipal Manager spoiled toddlers from Smart Kids Educare and Aftercare Centre

The Office of the Municipal Manager (OMM) partnered with Smart Kids Educare and Aftercare Centre in KwaNonqaba, Mossel Bay, to donate 36 fleecy blankets to children and also surprised them with hotdogs and sweet treats!

Corporate/Financial Services Department supported the Carpe Diem School in George

The visiting group donated and planted 170 vegetable seedlings and seeds to help restore the children’s food scheme, which was severely impacted by May’s devastating floods.

The group planted beetroot, baby spinach, lettuce, and onion seedlings, alongside carrot, pea, and tomato seeds.

Fire Service together with Working on Fire visited the Rosemoor Old Age Home

GRDM’s Firefighters assisted with a clean-up operation at the Rosemore Old Age Home. The team furthermore spent time with the residents, engaging in meaningful conversations and sharing a few smiles.

The Integrated Planning and Economic Development Department gave back to the Bethesda Child and Youth Care Centre

The Integrated Planning and Economic Development Department team visited children at Bethesda Child & Youth Care Centre in George to surprise the children with gifts leaving the children overjoyed with smiles and laughter.

The Disaster Management team generously reached out to the homeless people of George

The GRDM’s Disaster Management Centre gave back to the community of George after they have prepared and distributed warm soup and fresh bread to homeless people near the corner of South Cape College and at the parking area of the Shoprite Centre, especially now during the cold winter conditions.

Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) from George gave back to the George Night Shelter

The George based Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) visited the George Night Shelter to donate clothing items and purchased accommodation vouchers to help provide vulnerable members of the public with a safe place to sleep and access to a warm meal.

GRDM Plettenberg Bay Office participated in a beach clean-up operation to protect the coastline

In commemoration of Mandela Day on 17 July 2026, the Plettenberg Bay Office dedicated 67 minutes to giving back by participating in a beach clean-up. Together, the team collected litter and helped protect the Garden Route’s beautiful coastline, demonstrating that every small act of service can make a meaningful difference.

By reaching out to these organisations/facilities in need, the GRDM team successfully celebrated Mandela Day by turning their 67 minutes of community service into lasting support and dignity for local residents. The municipality deeply thanks all participating staff, partner departments, stakeholders, and community members for making this year’s event a great success.

ENDS

Cancelled / Notice of a Special Council Meeting on 23 July 2026 at 10h00

Please note that this meeting was cancelled on 23 July 2026

NOTICE OF A SPECIAL IN-CLOSED COUNCIL MEETING ON 23 JULY 2026 AT 10:00

Notice Number: 68/2026

Notice is hereby given that a SPECIAL IN-CLOSED COUNCIL MEETING of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the CA Robertson Council Chambers, 54 York Street, George, and via Zoom on 23 July 2026 at 10:00.

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

Download the Official Notice here:

Save the Date: Notice of a Special Council Meeting on 21 July 2026 at 11h00

NOTICE OF A SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING ON 21 JULY 2026 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, 54 York Street, George, and via Zoom on 21 July 2026 at 11:00.

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

Notice Number: 64/2026
16 July 2026