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Garden Route Weather: Multi-Agency Command Centre Update 2 on 4 June 2026 @ 08h10

Garden Route Weather: Multi-Agency Command Centre Update 2 on 4 June 2026 @ 08h10

Issued by GRDM Communications
04 June 2026

SITUATION SUMMARY

The Garden Route has experienced moderate but persistent rainfall over the past 24 hours, with periods of intense showers reported overnight. While no major weather-related incidents have been reported to the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Emergency Call Centre, several impacts are being experienced across the district. The GRDM Multi-Agency Command Centre (MACC) remains activated, with municipal and emergency services personnel on standby and actively monitoring conditions throughout the district.

Dozens of low-lying bridges and river crossings are currently flooded, making it dangerous for motorists to attempt crossings. As a result, a number of roads remain closed due to flooding, rockfalls, landslides and other weather-related hazards.

COMMUNITIES STILL RECEIVING SHELTER

A total of 93 community members who were precautionarily evacuated from De Rust and Welgeluk remain accommodated at the Toekomsrus Community Hall, where support continues to be provided by the Western Cape Provincial Government Department of Social Development.

MOTORISTS EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION

* Water is pooling in several urban areas, causing some manhole covers to lift due to pressure from stormwater systems.
* Most road closures are due to flooding of low-lying bridges and river crossings.
* Rockfalls have been reported on the N12 near Chandelier Game Lodge, Nature’s Valley, Wittedrift (road closed), and the Kaaimans area.
* Water pooling has also been reported on the N2 between Sedgefield and George, shortly after the Waves Garage.
* Several trees that fell along Saasveld Road have been cleared by George Municipality, but more is expected to fall and this area is extremely dangerous to travel through.

Garden Routers and tourists are advised to avoid flooded roads, low-water crossings and riverbanks, and to remain alert to official weather and safety updates published by the GRDM and Local Municipalities.

River levels remain under close observation. Water levels in the Keurbooms, Knysna, Great Brak, Kandelaars and Olifants river systems have increased significantly, while higher inflows from the Gamka Dam and increased releases from Stompdrift Dam are also being monitored. Emergency services are conducting regular assessments of communities and low-lying areas adjacent to these river systems. The Garden Route Dam is overflowing, the first time this year.

Localised flooding has been reported in Nature’s Valley, while emergency teams continue to monitor vulnerable areas throughout the district.

Roads authorities will continue to assess the road network and provide updates as conditions change.

SCHOOLS REMAIN CLOSED FOR TODAY, 4 JUNE

Disaster-related updates are published by Local Government here:

Garden Route District Municipality
– https://www.facebook.com/gardenroutedm

Hessequa Municipality
– www.facebook.com/hessequamunicipality

Mossel Bay Municipality
– www.facebook.com/mosselbaymun
– https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaObfDbBadmjaxmERb0d

George Municipality
– www.facebook.com/george.municipality
– https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaRHVS9HAdNXTJPKis3k

Knysna Municipality
– www.facebook.com/knysnamunicipality
– https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaddGzkKwqSX9z7fPm2V

Bitou Municipality
– www.facebook.com/bitoulocalmunicipality
– https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb5xx5wGE56kaY90693M

Greater Oudtshoorn Municipality
– www.facebook.com/oudtmun
– https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VagZwTjHgZWmFke9An2N

Kannaland Municipality
– www.facebook.com/kannaland.munisipaliteit.5

Report Provincial Road Issues via Download the Roads4U app
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=za.gov.westerncape.roadsforyou
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/za/app/roads4u/id6752285666

Garden Route District Municipality encourages the public to report flood-related incidents to the regional 24/7 Emergency Call Centre on 044 805 5071 or WhatsApp 081 709 5193

03 June 2026 Media Release: Youth explore Future Careers at GRDM and MSC Shosholoza Ocean Academy Roadshow

Media Release: Youth explore Future Careers at GRDM and MSC Shosholoza Ocean Academy Roadshow in George

For immediate release
03 June 2026

Today, 3 June 2026, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and the MSC Shosholoza Ocean Academy hosted a highly anticipated career roadshow in George. Designed to create life-changing opportunities, the event connected potential candidates with exciting vacancies for those looking to start their careers at sea with MSC Cruises.

This second public awareness session successfully hosted residents from the Garden Route in the George Civic Hall, to inform locals about these job opportunities that will continuously become available across the globe on MSC cruise ships.

A completely packed hall with eager individuals gathered for presentation that were delivered by officials from both organisations. This initiative highlights the massive variety of careers available at sea, offering exciting pathways in areas like hospitality, culinary arts, and guest services, to name a few.

Reginald Salmons, Training and Skills Development Coordinator at GRDM, as well as Coordinator of the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) initiative, welcomed everyone to the event and explained the significance of the GRSM in creating opportunities for the youth of the Garden Route. His address specifically focused on the opportunities of the MSC cruise ships created through the GRSM.

“Through this initiative, young people are exposed to recruitment processes, required documentation, and industry standards, while also receiving career guidance and access to both local and international opportunities,” Executive Mayor of GRDM, Ald. Marais Kruger, highlighted. Referring to the success of these roadshows, Mayor Kruger further added: “Approximately 60 young people from the Garden Route district have already benefited through opportunities linked to this programme”.

Allister Joubert and Nicole Niewenhuis from the MSC Shosholoza Ocean Academy, have proudly shared their humble beginnings and journeys from when they started entry-level roles at the Shosholoza Ocean Academy and climbing the ranks within MSC Cruises. Their inspiring stories highlight incredible career growth and serve as a powerful motivation for aspiring interested candidates looking to apply and transform their futures at sea.

MMC for Corporate Services at GRDM, Cllr Nompumelelo Ndayi, delivered the vote of thanks and expressed her gratitude on behalf of GRDM to the representatives of the MSC Shosholoza for their valued partnership with the GRDM. “As a Municipality, we remain committed to supporting these initiatives. Together, we can continue to create pathways that empower our youth and contribute to a more prosperous future for the Garden Route district, ” Ndayi said.

Members of the public or prospective cruiser, specifically the youth that were unable to attend the roadshow, are invited to visit the following website or join the webinar for information on opportunities and processes to apply for vacancies in the MSC cruise ships:
Discover the World with MSC Cruises Webinar.

Career opportunities can be accessed at:
https://careers.msccruises.com/gb/en

Feature Image: Reginald Salmons (GRDM), Nicole Niewenhuis (MSC Shosholoza Ocean Academy), Ald. Marais Kruger (Executive Mayor, GRDM),  Allister Joubert (MSC Shosholoza Ocean Academy) and Dineo Ramasesane (GRDM) during the MSC Shosholoza Ocean Academy & Garden Route District Municipality Roadshow.

ENDS

Garden Route Weather Update: Multi Agency Command Centre Update 1 on 3 June 2026 @ 11h30

Garden Route Weather Update: Multi Agency Command Centre Update 1 on 3 June 2026 @ 11h30

Issued by GRDM Communications
03 June 2026

SITUATION SUMMARY

The Garden Route has experienced light to moderate consistent rainfall. At this stage, local municipal stormwater systems are mostly coping and no major life-threatening weather-related incidents have been reported.

We are, however, closely monitoring low-lying areas across the district. In the Oudtshoorn municipal area, for instance, some residents from Welgeluk and De Rust were evacuated as a precautionary measure due to rising river levels. Monitoring of these areas remains ongoing.

The South African Weather Service has reported that certain mountainous areas have already received more than 60 mm of rainfall between last night and the early hours of this morning. Additional rainfall is expected, and we will continue to work proactively with local municipalities to address any issues that may arise.

We are also aware of electricity outages affecting some areas. These incidents are being assessed and will be attended to by Eskom and/or the relevant local municipalities as conditions allow.

Schools within the Garden Route region remain closed until 4 June 2026.

Disaster-related updates are published by Local Government here:

Garden Route District Municipality
– https://www.facebook.com/gardenroutedm

Hessequa Municipality
– www.facebook.com/hessequamunicipality

Mossel Bay Municipality
– www.facebook.com/mosselbaymun
– https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaObfDbBadmjaxmERb0d

George Municipality
– www.facebook.com/george.municipality
– https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaRHVS9HAdNXTJPKis3k

Knysna Municipality
– www.facebook.com/knysnamunicipality
– https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaddGzkKwqSX9z7fPm2V

Bitou Municipality
– www.facebook.com/bitoulocalmunicipality
– https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb5xx5wGE56kaY90693M

Greater Oudtshoorn Municipality
– www.facebook.com/oudtmun
– https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VagZwTjHgZWmFke9An2N

Kannaland Municipality
– www.facebook.com/kannaland.munisipaliteit.5

Report Provincial Road Issues via Download the Roads4U app
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=za.gov.westerncape.roadsforyou
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/za/app/roads4u/id6752285666

Garden Route District Municipality encourages the public to report flood-related incidents to the regional 24/7 Emergency Call Centre on 044 805 5071 or WhatsApp 081 709 5193

Picture caption: A low-lying area in Nature’s Valley (Bitou Municipal Area) showing how the water has risen since last night.

02 June 2026 Public Notice: Intention to Alienate Municipal Properties by Public Auction

Public Notice: Intention to Alienate Municipal Properties by Public Auction

Notice Number: 28/2026

Notice is hereby given in terms of Section 14 of the Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (Act No. 56 of 2003) (“MFMA”), read together with the Municipal Asset Transfer Regulations (Government Notice R. 878 of 2008), that the Garden Route District Municipality intends to alienate certain municipal (council-owned) immovable properties by way of public auction.

Notice is further given that the Municipal Council of the Garden Route District Municipality, at a duly constituted meeting held on 23 April 2025 via item H.2, adopted a resolution in terms of Section 14(2) of the MFMA, wherein it was resolved that the identified properties are not required to provide the minimum level of basic municipal services and may be alienated.

A list of the properties proposed for alienation, including their locations, erf numbers, extent, and any applicable conditions, will be made available for public inspection at the GRDM offices and on the municipal website. The local community and other interested parties are invited to submit comments or make representations in respect of the alienation of the properties.

Any comments and/or objections to the proposed alienation, with your reasons for such objection(s), must be submitted in writing and addressed to the Municipal Manager, Garden Route District Municipality, P O Box 12, George, 6530, by no later than 30 June 2026.

Any comments and/or objections which are received after the above-mentioned closing date, may possibly not be taken into consideration. In terms of section 21(4) of the Systems Act, notice is hereby given that people who cannot write may approach the Integrated Planning and Economic Development Department during office hours, where a member of staff will assist them in converting their comments or objections into writing.

Any enquiries may be directed to Dzivhuluwani Mashila, at telephone number (044) 803 1335 or via email to Dzivhuluwani@edendm.co.za / kayleigh@gardenroute.gov.za.

Click here to download the Official Notice and List of Properties

02 June 2026 FINAL AMENDED 2022-2027 INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN (IDP), 2026/2027 MEDIUM-TERM REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE FRAMEWORK AND MULTI-YEAR BUDGET

Notice 49/2026

FINAL AMENDED 2022-2027 INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN (IDP), 2026/2027 MEDIUM-TERM REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE FRAMEWORK AND MULTI-YEAR BUDGET

Notice is hereby given that the Garden Route District Municipality’s Final Amended Integrated Development Plan for the period 2022-2027 and the Medium-Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework (MTREF) Multi-Year Budget for the period 2026/2027-2028/2029 were compiled in accordance with the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 2000 (Act 32 of 2000) and Municipal Finance Management Act 2003 (Act 56 of 2003).

These documents were approved by the Garden Route District Council at a Council meeting held on 27 May 2026.

These documents will be available at all main local libraries, satellite offices and the Garden Route District Municipality’s IDP Unit, 54 York Street, George, as well as on the GRDM municipal website www.gardenroute.gov.za

Please contact the District IDP Manager (Ms Mercy James) or the Budget Manager (Ms Louise Hoek) at 044 803 1300, rekords@gardenroute.gov.za  with any enquiries.

M STRATU
MUNICIPAL MANAGER
GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

 

Click here to download the Official Notice

Click here to download/view all documents

28 May 2026 Media Release: Tourism in the Garden Route & Klein Karoo remains resilient and continues efforts to achieve sustainable growth

Media Release: Tourism in the Garden Route & Klein Karoo remains resilient and continues efforts to achieve sustainable growth

For immediate release
28 May 2026

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) through its regional tourism office hosted a two-day Garden Route and Klein Karoo Regional Tourism Industry Workshop in the towns of George and Oudtshoorn, on 26-27 May 2026. During these workshops, various stakeholders engaged in an information-sharing session about the status quo of the tourism sector.

This engagement was in partnerships with the National Department of Tourism, South African Tourism, the Tourism Business Council of South Africa, the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa, and attended by various tourism businesses and industry stakeholder across the region such as SANPARKS, CapeNature, Wesgro, Local Tourism Offices, established and emerging business enterprises, and the hospitality industry.

The Executive Mayor, Alderman Marais Kruger welcomed everyone present under the theme “Unlocking Opportunities, Support & Benefits Across Key Tourism Institutions” reflecting our collective commitment to strengthening tourism growth, collaboration, and sustainable development across the Garden Route and Klein Karoo region.

These industry leading voices dissected a myriad of areas that requires improvement and highlighted opportunities across the entire tourism value chain. If this is realised, it could potentially open pathways for increased collaboration – a shared commitment to grow the region’s tourism industry.

South African Tourism representative responsible for stakeholder relations, Tony Nkadimeng, acknowledged that although the Garden Route had experienced natural disasters such as fires and the recent floods, the tourism industry remained resilient despite these challenges. “Regardless of these challenges, we are encouraged to see that the industry is still thriving,” he said.

Capitalising on its recognition as the best scenic route, the Garden Route and Klein Karoo Tourism Regional Office, together with the stakeholders at workshops, explored existing opportunities for the region to entrench its brand equity among both domestic and international travellers.

Dealing with matters pertinent to the Sector, the discussions centred around strengthening tourism marketing initiatives, promoting sports tourism such as golfing, supporting small businesses, especially women-led enterprises and positioning the Garden Route and Klein Karoo as the preferred tourism destination.

Chief Director-Enterprise Development & Transformation from the National Department of Tourism, Sbonelo Nzimande, said: “We have made a concerted effort in supporting women-led businesses, digitising services offered by small businesses and enabling transactions for operators in the rural areas as well”. Nzimande added that Micro-, Small and Medium Enterprises needed to embrace research, technology, innovation and creativity to move the needle in the trajectory of their entrepreneurship endeavours.

Smalls businesses were also encouraged to apply for grading through the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.

Hospitality businesses called for strategic coordination from the GRDM to ensure the sector becomes more attractive to investment. Funding and compliance were cited as the biggest stumbling blocks for entrepreneurs who emphasised the need to bridge the gap in the dissemination of information and mentorship.

Tourism, LED and EPWP Manager at the GRDM, Richard Dyantyi, recognised small businesses and various stakeholders for their contributions in the region and how these efforts made a tangible difference to the tourism landscape.

“This engagement will not be another talk-shop. I will ensure that the GRDM management and political leadership reflect on the issues raised at this platform so that when we meet again, I will be able to report back on what we have done from our side,” he said.

Caption: Presenters of the day representing the GRDM and various key stakeholders after an insightful engagement at the George leg of the Garden Route and Klein Karoo Tourism Industry Workshop held at the George Civic Centre.

ENDS

26 May 2026 Media Release: GR&KK Tourism Team represents the region at the Africa Travel Indaba

Media Release: GR&KK Tourism Team represents the region at the Africa Travel Indaba

For immediate release
26 May 2026

“Africa’s annual Travel Indaba is one of the largest tourism marketing events on the African calendar and one of the top three ‘must visit’ events of its kind on the global calendar,” says Denver Johnson, Garden Route and Klein Karoo Tourism (GR&KK) Coordinator at the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM).

Hosted in Durban at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, during the second week of May, the event showcased the widest variety of Africa’s best tourism products and attracted international buyers and media from across the world.

Representatives from GR&KK and two of the region’s Local Tourism Offices George, Wilderness & Uniondale Tourism, as well as Visit Knysna Tourism at the Indaba.

The Indaba brought together Southern African tourism products and services for the international travel trade. Exhibitors included provincial authorities, provincial products and African countries, accommodation, tour operators, game lodges, transport, online travel, luxury products, hidden gems, media publications and industry associations. Outdoor exhibitors included transport, camping and safari companies.

This year, the GR&KK team again exhibited their tourism offerings at this well-known marketing platform with a secured 12 m2 space at the DEC Hall. “By exhibiting on the GR&KK platform with two of the region’s Local Tourism Offices including George, Wilderness & Uniondale Tourism, as well as Visit Knysna Tourism, sent a strong unified message to all tourism and travel markets domestically and internationally,” Johnson highlighted. “This platform provided the region the opportunity to engage with tour operators, travel agents and travel media to direct more tours and travels to the GR&KK,” he added.

Officially opened with an address by President Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, the event reflected on a government that understands that tourism is a central pillar of growth, jobs, investment, and transformation.

It further proceeded with palpable energy and a clear sense of purpose on its Business Opportunity Networking Day (BONDay), on 11 May, setting a visionary tone for the continent’s premier leisure tourism trade show. The BONDAY programme launches critical conversations around policy, entrepreneurship, destination competitiveness, sports tourism, culture, and digital transformation. These are all designed to showcase new growth opportunities for African tourism economies.

By collaborating with African neighbours (e.g., Namibia, Botswana, Kenya), the region expands into new markets, sustains visitor numbers, and balances the tourism season across all 12 months – although R835 million was spent on tourism it total, it supported more than 1,122 jobs across the region.

Feature Image: FLTR: Denver Johnson (GR&KK Tourism at GRDM), Thozeka Sikhali (Visit Knysna) and Sharon House (George, Wilderness & Uniondale Tourism) with the Western Cape Provincial MEC of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, at the Africa Travel Indaba.

ENDS

25 May 2026 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Receives Gold Recognition for Municipal Health Excellence

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Receives Gold Recognition for Municipal Health Excellence

Issued on behalf of the Office of the Executive Mayor, Marais Kruger

25 May 2026

“It is a proud moment to announce that Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Community Services Department has been awarded a Gold Certification of Recognition by the Western Cape Provincial Government (WCG) Department of Health and Wellness,” said Marais Kruger, GRDM Executive Mayor. The award reads: For technological advancement in Environmental Health Norms and Standards during the 2025/26 financial year and achieving 97.8%”.

“The Gold Certification positions GRDM as a provincial leader in Municipal Health innovation and climate-responsive service delivery,” said Mayor Kruger.

According to the GRDM Snr. Manager: Municipal Health, Waste Management and Air Quality, “My Unit achieved a score of 97.8% for Municipal Health initiatives and Climate Change programme”. The Silver Recognition Certificate was awarded to a Metropolitan Municipality – the City of Cape Town, while the Bronze Recognition Certificate was presented to the West Coast District Municipality.

Mayor Kruger also extended his congratulations to the Mayoral Committee Chairperson for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard; Municipal Manager Monde Stratu; Executive Manager, Nthabeleng Raisa-Mlandu; her Senior Manager, Chiefs and all EHPs – congratulations on your achievement, professionalism, and innovation.”

“The award acknowledged GRDM’s comprehensive community educational material developed as part of its Climate Change Programme, aimed at strengthening public awareness and resilience regarding climate-related health and environmental risks.”

“The municipality’s innovative technology-driven Municipal Health Programme received commendation for enabling EHPs to work smarter and more efficiently in serving communities across the district.”

The Provincial Department also recognised the critical role played by the GRDM EHPs during the George building collapse disaster response. “Municipal Health officials were instrumental in monitoring and ensuring the safe provision of food and water to rescue workers operating on-site during the emergency operation,” concluded Mayor Kruger.

Feature Image: Proudly displaying the Gold Certificate of Recognition Award that GRDM’s Municipal Health Services won, from left to right are the GRDM leaders pictured: Nthabeleng Raisa-Mlandu, Executive Manager: Community Services; Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, MMC: Community Services, Marais Kruger, Executive Mayor; Monde Stratu, Municipal Manager; and Johan Compion, Snr. Mgr: Manager: Municipal Health, Waste Management and Air Quality.

ENDS

25 May 2026 Progress Update 2 on the GRDM Regional Waste Management Facility Construction

Progress Update 2 on the GRDM Regional Waste Management Facility Construction

25 May 2026

Construction full steam ahead.

The contractor, Civils 2000, appointed for the construction of Phase 1 of the Regional Waste Management Facility, is progressing well. The recent severe weather conditions raised concerns about potential damage and delays; however, the contractor had put measures in place to minimise any impact. No serious damage was reported, and the contractor remains on track with the construction programme despite the adverse conditions.

Construction is approximately 33% complete, and the completion date remains set for 24 February 2027.

Ends

Public Notice: Notice of a Continuation of a Municipal Public Accounts Committee Meeting on 25 May 2026 at 10:00

Notice of the Continuation of a Municipal Public Accounts Committee Meeting on 25 May 2026 at 10:00

Notice No. 45/2026

Notice is hereby given that a continuation of the Municipal Public Accounts Committee Meeting (MPAC) of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the CA Robertson Council Chambers and via Zoom, 54 York Street, George, on 25 May 2026 at 10:00.

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

Notice Number 45/2026
22 May 2026