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Mediaverklaring: Opdatering 2 van Dysselsdorp grondeise deur Gona-Hesse! Khwe en konstruktiewe gesprek met gemeenskapsverteenwoordigers

Mediaverklaring: Opdatering 2 van Dysselsdorp grondeise deur Gona-Hesse! Khwe en konstruktiewe gesprek met gemeenskapsverteenwoordigers

28 Februarie 2024

‘n Afvaardiging van die Tuinroete-distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM) het vroeër vandag ‘n konstruktiewe gesprek gehad met verteenwoordigers van die Dysselsdorp-gemeenskap. ‘n Deurslaggewende ooreenkoms is bereik dat geen plaaslike inwoners uitsetting in die gesig staar nie.

Die TDM gaan voort met sy regstappe teen die Gona-Hesse! Khwe Royal Koninkryk wat tans ‘n deel van Erf 2 en Erf 975 huur en nie kontraktuele verpligtinge nakom nie.

Gesprekke met die Oudtshoorn Munisipaliteit en ander sleutelbelanghebbendes sal voortgaan om gemeenskapskwessies verder aan te spreek.

Die gemeenskapverteenwoordigers van Dysselsdorp het die geleentheid om direk met die GRDM-afvaardiging te gesels hartlik verwelkom en die positiewe uitkomste van die verbintenis waardeer. Na afloop van die produktiewe vergadering het die gemeenskap takke en klippeuit die paaie verwyder en sodoende normale verkeersvloei en toegang tot Dysselsdorp herstel.

Die Tuinroete-distriksmunisipaliteit (GRDM) betuig sy dank aan die Suid-Afrikaanse Polisiedienste, gemeenskapsleiers en die inwoners vir hul bereidwilligheid en samewerkende gees om te werk aan ‘n vreedsame en konstruktiewe oplossing.

EINDIG

Dysselsdorp se gemeenskap is gelukkig met die uitkomste van die gesprekke wat plaasgevind het tussen TDM en die Dysselsdorp-gemeenskap se verteenwoordigers. (Foto: Bonisile Desha)

Media Statement: Update on Dysselsdorp property land-claims by Gona-Hesse! Khwe and the outcomes of fruitful discussions with Dysselsdorp Community representatives

28 February 2024

A delegation from the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), earlier today, held a constructive dialogue with representatives of the Dysselsdorp community, reaching a crucial agreement that no local residents will face eviction.

The GRDM is set to continue its legal actions against the Gona-Hesse! Khwe Royal Kingdom who are currently leasing a part of Erf 2 and Erf 975 and who are in breach of the contract they entered into with the GRDM.

Discussions with the Oudtshoorn Municipality and other key stakeholders are set to proceed to further address community concerns.

The Dysselsdorp community warmly welcomed the opportunity to engage directly with the GRDM delegation, appreciating the positive outcomes of the engagement. Following the productive engagement, the community removed obstacles from the roads, thereby restoring normal traffic flow and access to Dysselsdorp.

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) extends its thanks to the South African Police Services, community leaders, and the residents for their patience, understanding, and collaborative spirit in working towards a peaceful and constructive resolution.

ENDS

‘n Foto geneem tydens die gesprekke wat plaasgevind het deur ‘n afvaardiging van Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (links) en gemeenskapsverteenwoordigers van Dysselsdorp (regs).

Media Statement: Dysselsdorp property land-claims by Gona-Hesse! Khwe

Media Statement: Dysselsdorp property land-claims by Gona-Hesse! Khwe

28 February 2024

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is aware of the land-claims of two of its properties in Dysselsdorp (Erf 2 and 975) and remains committed to a fair and humane process to be followed going forward. The GRDM will engage several stakeholders to find a fair resolution for the situation.

Background
In 2021, the Gona-Hesse! Khwe Royal Kingdom, a non-profit entity, approached the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) with a proposal to lease land within the district’s jurisdiction. Their initial interest was in Kleinkrantz, a small community situated between Wilderness and Sedgefield. However, they were informed that Kleinkrantz was unavailable, but alternative land within the municipality’s area of jurisdiction could be leased, in particular erf 2 in Dysselsdorp.

Subsequently, the Gona-Hesse! Khwe decided to pursue a lease for erf 2 near Dysselsdorp, specifically the area known locally as ‘Bloupunt’. Initially, they made a deposit, but failed to fulfill their monthly rental obligations as per the lease agreement. By September 30, 2022, they had accrued rental arrears amounting to nearly R60 000,00. Despite repeated requests for payment, the Gona-Hesse! Khwe did not settle their debt, prompting the GRDM to implement measures in accordance with its Credit Control Policy to recover the owed amounts.

On February 2, 2024, the GRDM filed a notice of application pursuant to section 4(2) of the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act, No 19 of 1998 (the PIE Act), against the Gona-Hesse! Khwe. The group, despite neglecting their lease obligations, controversially issued illegal title deeds, falsely asserting ownership over the land based on their claimed royal status. This action was contrary to official deeds records. Consequently, the GRDM had no option but to take legal action to protect its property rights.

The one eviction notice pertains to erf 2. The other eviction is of the illegal occupation of erf 975, but the GRDM Council has decided to withdraw this eviction notice. The contractual violation specifically involves erf 2 and is associated with the Gona-Hesse! Khwe group. The individuals protesting are residents of erf 975 and have been misled by the Gona-Hesse! Khwe, who have failed to honour their contractual obligations regarding erf 2.

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Council is set to deliberate on the situation concerning erf 975 with the Oudtshoorn Municipality, aiming for a harmonious resolution.

For more information, please contact the GRDM Communication Manager, Herman Pieters at 044 803 1419 or at herman@gardenroute.gov.za.

-END-

Mediaverklaring: Dysselsdorp grondeise deur Gona-Hesse! Khwe

28 Februarie 2024

Die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM) is bewus van die grondeise van twee van sy eiendomme in Dysselsdorp (Erf 2 en 975) en bly toegewyd om ‘n regverdige en menslike proses te volg om die situasie te beredder. Die TDM onderneem om verskeie belanghebbendes te betrek, om sodoende ‘n regverdige oplossing vir die situasie te vind.

Agtergrond
In 2021 het die Gona-Hesse! Khwe Koninklike Koninkryk, ‘n nie-winsgewende entiteit, die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM) genader met ‘n voorstel om grond binne die distrik se jurisdiksie te huur. Hulle aanvanklike belangstelling was in Kleinkrantz, ‘n klein gemeenskap tussen Wildernis en Sedgefield, maar was egter ingelig dat Kleinkrantz nie beskikbaar is nie. Alternatiewe grond binne die munisipaliteit se jurisdiksie wat wel beskikbaar was vir huur, Erf 2 in Dysselsdorp was aanbeveel. Erf 2 is ongeveer 100 km in afstand vanaf Kleinkrantz, waar die Gona-Hesse! Khwe Koninklike Koninkryk aanvanklik ‘n eiendom wou huur.

Later het die Gona-Hesse! Khwe besluit om ‘n huurkontrak vir Erf 2, in Dysselsdorp na te streef, spesifiek die gebied wat plaaslik bekendstaan as ‘Bloupunt’. Hulle het aanvanklik ‘n deposito betaal, maar het versuim om hul maandelikse huurverpligtinge na te kom soos bepaal in die huurooreenkoms. Teen 30 September 2022 het hulle agterstallige huurgeld tot R60 000,00 opgeloop. Ten spyte van herhaalde versoeke om betaling, het die Gona-Hesse! Khwe versuim om hul skuld te vereffen, en wat daartoe genoop het dat die TDM maatreëls inplementeer in ooreenstemming met sy Kredietbeheerbeleid om sodoende die verskuldigde (uitstaande) bedrae terug te eis.

Op 2 Februarie 2024 het die TDM ‘n kennisgewing ingedien ingevolge artikel 4(2) van die Wet op die Voorkoming van Onwettige Uitsettings en Onwettige Besetting van Grond, No 19 van 1998 (die PIE Wet), teen die Gona-Hesse! Khwe. Die groep het, ten spyte van die nalating van hul huurverpligtinge, omstrede onwettige titelaktes uitgereik, waardeur hulle valse eienaarskap oor die grond beweer het, op grond van hul beweerde koninklike status. Hierdie optrede was teenstrydig met die amptelike aktes se rekords. Gevolglik het die TDM geen ander opsie gehad as om regstappe te neem om sodoende sy eiendomsregte te beskerm.

Die een uitsettingskennisgewing het betrekking op Erf 2. Die ander uitsetting is vir die onwettige besetting van Erf 975, maar die TDM Raad het intussen besluit om hierdie uitsettingskennisgewing terug te trek. Die kontraktuele oortreding het spesifiek betrekking op Erf 2 en word geassosieer met die Gona-Hesse! Khwe groep. Die individue wie protes aanteken, is inwoners van Erf 975 en word mislei deur die Gona-Hesse! Khwe, wat nie hul kontraktuele verpligtinge met betrekking tot Erf 2 nagekom het nie. ‘n Administratiewe en politieke delegasie is tans oppad na Oudtshoorn om met die gemeenskapsverteenwoordigers te praat.

Met die oog op die toekoms is die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM) Raad en die administrasie besig om te beraadslag oor die situasie met betrekking tot Erf 975 met die Oudtshoorn Munisipaliteit, met die doel om ‘n harmonieuse oplossing te bereik.

Vir meer inligting, kontak asseblief die TDM Kommunikasiebestuurder, Herman Pieters by 044 803 1419 of by herman@gardenroute.gov.za.

-Einde-

28 February 2024 Public Notice: Special Council Meeting on 28 February 2024 at 09h00

Notice of a Special Council Meeting on 28 February 2024 at 09h00

Notice nr. 23/2024

Notice is hereby given that a SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the GRDM Council and via Zoom on 28 February 2024 at 09:00.

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

Click here to download the official notice

27 February 2024 For Public Comment: Third Adjustment Budget 2023/2024

27 February 2024 For Public Comment:  Third Adjustment Budget 2023/2024

Notice 22/2024

THIRD ADJUSTMENT BUDGET 2023/2024

Notice is hereby given that the Garden Route District Municipal Council’s Third Adjustment Budget for the period 2023/2024-2025/2026, 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, 27 February 2024.
This document will be available for public inspection and comments on the GRDM municipal website www.gardenroute.gov.za from 28 February 2024.

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.

M G Stratu
Municipal Manager
Garden Route District Municipality

Click here and download the full advertisement.

Click here and download the Third Adjustment Budget for 2023/24.

27 February 2024 Frequently Asked Questions about African Swine Fever (ASF)

Frequently Asked Questions about African Swine Fever (ASF)

For Immediate Release
27 February 2024

What is African Swine Fever (AFS)?

  • African swine fever (ASF) is a SERIOUS VIRAL DISEASE that affects wild and domestic pigs and can lead to serious economic and production loss in the pork industry.
  • It is a controlled animal disease under the Animal Diseases Act, Act 34 of 1984 and must be immediately notified to the Department of Agriculture (State Veterinarian).
  • There is no vaccine for treatment of affected pigs.
  • Warthogs and bush pigs can carry the virus but do not show signs of the disease.

How do pigs get sick from ASF?

  • Contact with sick domestic/wild pigs.
  • Ingestion of contaminated material (such as food, waste, feed and garbage).
  • Contact with contaminated people, shoes, clothing, vehicles and equipment.
  • Soft ticks

What are the Symptoms of sick pigs?

  • Redness of skin of the ears, abdomen and legs.
  • High fever.

Does ASF affect the health of people?

  • ASF is not transmitted to humans. However, it is not recommended to eat the meat of any sick animal or animal that has died.
  • The public must only consume meat that was approved by a meat inspector at an approved abattoir.
  • All meat must be cooked thoroughly before consumption.

 Good bio-security measures will help to prevent the spread of the disease from affected areas:

  • carcasses should be disposed of in a safe manner,
  • pigs should be confined in order to prevent roaming and potentially picking up and spreading the disease,
  • hands, shoes, clothing and equipment should be sanitised before and after being in contact with pigs,
  • any meat products should be thoroughly cooked before being fed to pigs and
  • pigs should only be bought from known ASF-free herds
  • Community members must not remove any pigs or pig products from the ASF affected area in order to prevent further spread of the disease.

For more information, please contact one of the Environmental Health Practitioners of the Garden Route District Municipality at 044 803 1300.

-END-

27 February 2024 𝐖𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐓: 𝐃𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐒

𝐖𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐓: 𝐃𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐒
The South African Weather Service issued a Level 2 warning regarding damaging winds predicted from 26 February to 28 February. Strong and gusty south-easterly winds (50-70km/h) are expected, with wave heights 3 to 4 metres.

23 February 2023 Media Release: Home Composting Workshop Empowers Garden Route Communities to embrace sustainable Waste Management

Media Release: Home Composting Workshop Empowers Garden Route Communities to embrace sustainable Waste Management

For Immediate Release

23 February 2024

The Waste Management Section of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in collaboration with Mossel Bay Municipality and Landmark, successfully organised and hosted a Home Composting Workshop on 16 February 2024. This workshop aimed to educate and empower community members on effective home composting practices as part of the broader initiative to divert organic waste from landfill sites and promote sustainable waste management in the Garden Route District.

The workshop, attended by 30 enthusiastic community members, focused on two main composting techniques: Bin Composting and Vermicomposting. Participants gained hands-on experience and practical knowledge to implement these composting methods in their homes.

The key takeaways from the workshop included:

Bin Composting: Participants learned the art of composting using dedicated bins. The session covered the basics of layering organic materials, managing moisture levels, and turning the compost to accelerate the decomposition process.

Vermicomposting: The workshop delved into the fascinating world of vermicomposting, where participants discovered how to use worms to break down organic waste into nutrient-rich compost. The importance of maintaining a healthy worm habitat was emphasised for optimal compost production.

As part of the initiative, each participant was provided with essential tools to kick-start their home composting journey. The GRDM donated composting bins and established worm farms for the attendees. Landmark, contributed by donating the worms necessary for vermicomposting success.

Each participant also received a comprehensive guideline to assist them in implementing and maintaining effective composting practices at home. These guidelines serve as a valuable resource to ensure the continued success of their composting efforts.

The Home Composting Workshop exemplifies the commitment of the Garden Route District Municipality to develop a community-driven approach to waste management. By educating and empowering communities, the municipality aims to create a more sustainable and environmentally conscious community.

Participants who attended the Home Composting Workshop on 16 February 2024.

-End-

23 February 2024 Media Release: GRDM funds training for 120 unemployed youth as Patrol Officers

Media Release: GRDM funds training for 120 unemployed youth as Patrol Officers

For immediate release
23 February 2024

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) was granted funding by Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA) to train 120 unemployed learners as Patrol Officers across the Garden Route district. This programme includes all the (7) b-municipalities, under the coordination of the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) program – a skills development initiative owned by the GRDM.

Training commenced on 30 October 2023 and will conclude on the 1st of March 2024.

Management and officials from Garden Route District Municipality, with beneficiaries of the Patrol Officer Training Programme.

The allocation per municipal area includes: Bitou – 17, Knysna – 14, George –13, Mossel Bay – 10, Kannaland – 31, Hessequa – 20 and Oudtshoorn – 15.

The course consists of both theory and practical experience that includes the following unit standards:

  • How to perform basic firefighting.
  • Carry out basic first aid treatment in the workplace.
  • How to use security equipment.
  • Conduct a security patrol in an area of responsibility.
  • Handle complaints and problems.
  • Perform handover and take-over responsibilities.
  • Give evidence in court.
  • Apply legal aspects in a security environment.
  • Explain the requirements for becoming a security service provider.

Training takes place at various venues across the region and learners are hosted at different workplaces to complete their practical part of the programme. Apart from learners receiving a monthly stipend, each student will furthermore receive a certificate for General Security Practices Skills Program: Patrol Officer NQF 3, when successfully completed.

These learners were placed at various institutions to do their practical training. These institutions include:

  • George Municipality
  • Knysna Municipality
  • Oudtshoorn Municipality
  • Hessequa Municipality
  • Kannaland Municipality
  • Mossel Bay Municipality
  • Alert Patrol Securities (Mossel Bay)
  • Plett Security (Bitou)
  • Isolomzi Securities (Bitou)

Sisanda Sajini, one of the twelve (12) Garden Route Skills Mecca Technicians who is based at the GRDM’s Economic Development Unit, currently provides project management assistance by coordinating meetings and continuously gives feedback and updates to the GRDM.

Project Manager of the SASSETA, Boniswa Witbooi, on the 7th of September 2023, visited the GRDM for an induction session as part of a monitoring process organised by the Corporate Service Department of GRDM.

GRDM is grateful for the opportunity to work with the SASSETA, especially the team, including Wahida Moosa, Boniswa Witbooi and Katlego Pitso, in combating unemployment and poverty within the Garden Route district.

Did you know?

After completion of the Patrol Officer Training, learners will be able to work as Patrol Officers, Security guards and will operate mainly in the security sector.

This is an entry-level qualification which will enable individuals to enter the Security industry and develop competencies in standard security practices, such as access and egress control, security response and patrols, asset protection and visible security operations and will also enhance their career opportunities within the security environment.

ENDS

22 February 2024 Opportunity: The National Business Initiative (NBI)

Opportunity: The National Business Initiative (NBI)

14 February 2024

REQUIREMENT
The National Business Initiative (NBI) wishes to appoint a professional that will provide Construction Project Management and Quantity Surveying services to support the establishment of skills and enterprise development hubs (Installation, Repair and Maintenance Hubs) across various locations across the country. In the initial stages, the PM/QS will work as part of a team of consultants, to deliver concept and viability stages. At the point of handover
during stage 3, their role will shift to act as a client representative and to oversee the work of the professionals appointed to deliver stages 3-6.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The National Business Initiative (NBI) is the Project Executing Agency; for the establishment of 7 IRM Hubs across South Africa.

IRM hubs are multi-functional industrial facilities that act as interfaces between supply and demand of labour. They support all facets of job creation throughout the value chain in different kinds of installation, repair and maintenance businesses. The IRM hub is a public institution (facility) that serves entrepreneurs and SMMEs from the local community: It provides workspaces, technology, business development support and skills training to existing enterprises and start-ups. The hub also serves as a public institution (facility) that supports the delivery of short skills programmes to enable unemployed youth to access employment opportunities in entry level technical roles in installation, repair and maintenance. The IRM hub builds networks of the business community and acts as facilitator for SMMEs to access business opportunities.

Infrastructure-wise, the hubs will consist of a set of workshop spaces for different user groups, a maker space, meeting and training rooms and an entrance area that foresees a hall for multiple purposes as well as a space for selected businesses to open up the hub towards the community.

CONTRACT DURATION
It is envisaged that the construction programme will be completed in 2028 as such the contract period will be from the 15 th March 2024 until programme completion. Resource allocation will however not be full-time during the project duration. This will be reviewed annually.

TIME COMMITMENT
We are anticipating that the successful professional will be contracted for at least 10 days per month.

RESPONSE
Please provide your response via email to irm@nbi.org.za and copy shavillah@nbi.org.za no later than the 1st March 2024, indicating your availability and kindly provide the following for consideration:
• CV with relevant supporting documents.
• Evidence of having completed similar work.
• Proof of registration with the SACPCMP.
• A daily professional fee rate for the Provision of the aforementioned services

Click here to read more.

Issued: National Business Initiative (NBI)

20 February 2024 Public Notice: Council Meeting, 27 February 2024 at 10:00

Notice of a Council Meeting: 27 February 2024 at 10:00

Notice Number 13/2024

Notice is hereby given that a COUNCIL MEETING of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the CA Robertson Council Chambers and via Zoom, 54 York Street, George, on 27 February 2024 at 10:00.

MG Stratu
Municipal Manager
54 York Street
P O Box 12
GEORGE
6530

Tel: 044 803 1300
Notice Number 13/2024
20 February 2024

Click here to download the official Notice.