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Media Release: Empowering Food Handlers: Food Safety & Hygiene Training at Meals on Wheels Community Service

Media Release: Empowering Food Handlers: Food Safety & Hygiene Training at Meals on Wheels Community Service

For immediate release
21 May 2026

A Food Safety and Hygiene Training session was recently facilitated for the food handlers of Meals on Wheels Community Services (MOWCS). MOWCS serves some of the most vulnerable members of the community, including the elderly, the frail, and children. These individuals are at a higher risk of complications from foodborne illnesses. “This makes food safety not merely a regulatory requirement, but a direct expression of care and dignity for every person who receives a meal,” said Nonkosi Somwahla, Environmental Health Practitioner (EHPs) at the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM).

As a non-profit organisation involved in the preparation and serving of food, MOWCS is required to hold a valid Certificate of Acceptability (COA) and ensure that all food handlers receive adequate training in Food Safety and Hygiene.

The training was presented by GRDM’s EHPs. The aim was to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills required to handle, prepare, and serve food safely, while ensuring compliance with South African food safety legislation.

 The session covered key areas of food safety relevant to the day-to-day work of the MOWCS team, including the identification and control of food safety hazards, safe food handling practices, personal hygiene standards emphasise the importance of washing hands, and the maintenance of clean, pest-free premises. Participants engaged actively throughout the session, which was well received by all in attendance.

All attendees who participated in the Food Safety and Hygiene Training received Certificates of Attendance at the end of the session in recognition of their participation and commitment to improving food safety practices.

The training was well received, with positive feedback from Meals on Wheels leadership. The Regional Director of Meals on Wheels, Mr Jeremy Vlotman, shared the following feedback with the EHP, Nonkosi Somwahla: “Thank you for a professional and informative presentation. We have received positive feedback thus far; our next step is to ensure implementation.”

The EHP’s looks forward to supporting Meals on Wheels Community Services through this process, including follow-up visits and ongoing guidance as needed.

-END-

20 May 2026 Media Release: GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners conduct Blitz Operations in Albertinia

Media Release: GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners conduct Blitz Operations in Albertinia

For immediate release
20 May 2026

Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) from Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) conducted 17 joint blitz operations in Albertinia this month, whereby the the team inspected spaza shops operating within the area. The operation was conducted in collaboration with representatives of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Albertinia, the Department of Home Affairs and Hessequa Municipality’s Municipal Police Services.

The inspections primarily focused on:

  • Compliance with Regulation 638 (structural and hygiene requirements).
  • Adherence to Labelling Regulation 146, including “best before,” “sell by,” and “use by” dates.
  • Accurate ingredient labelling.
  • Identification of damaged or non-compliant products.

“The aim of the operation was not only to enforce health and legal standards, but also to raise awareness among spaza shop owners regarding regulatory requirements and the importance of maintaining high hygiene standards to safeguard public health,” said Haemish Herwels, Chief: Municipal Health (GRDM Sub-Office, Hessequa).

According to Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, MMC for Community Services: “This collaboration also enabled Home Affairs, SAPS and Hessequa Municipality’s Municipal Police Services to effectively perform their regulatory duties”.  Haemish Herwels added that the GRDM further appreciates the ongoing support received from these departments in ensuring the success of initiatives aimed at protecting the health and safety of communities.

The GRDM also appreciates the support received from members of the public through the lodging of complaints. While officials are not always present on the ground, the information provided by the public plays a vital role in assisting the GRDM to identify areas of concern and respond accordingly.

To report businesses in the Hessequa region that are operating without a Certificate of Acceptability, or who do not comply with standards, contact the Chief for Municipal Health (Hessequa), Haemish Herwels on 083 678 6545 or e-mail haemish@gardenroute.gov.za.

ENDS

18 May 2026 Media Release: Understanding the Drivers Behind Recent Extreme Weather in the Southern Cape

Media Release: Understanding the Drivers Behind Recent Extreme Weather in the Southern Cape

For immediate release
18 May 2026

Recent extreme weather events in the Southern Cape have raised serious concern among residents, infrastructure managers, and environmental practitioners.

GREF Convener, Cobus Meiring, requested Knysna-based climate systems expert, Peter du Toit, from FutureClimateIQ to shed some light on why the Southern Cape increasingly experience such extreme weather events.

“The region’s recent experience of intense rainfall, flooding, and an unprecedented period of gale force winds is consistent with evolving atmospheric and oceanic conditions affecting southern Africa”, says Du Toit.

Du Toit explains that the Southern Cape sits at the intersection of several dynamic weather systems. The region is influenced by mid-latitude frontal systems moving in from the South Atlantic, as well as moisture-laden air masses driven by warmer ocean temperatures. When these systems interact under unstable atmospheric conditions, they can generate highly concentrated storm events with strong wind fields and intense precipitation over short periods.

One of the key contributing factors highlighted is the increasing variability in large-scale climate drivers such as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation. These oscillations influence rainfall distribution and storm tracks across southern Africa, often intensifying weather extremes when atmospheric conditions align unfavourably.

The recent gale force wind event, described by local authorities as unprecedented in its sustained intensity and spatial reach, is linked to a deep low-pressure system that intensified rapidly offshore before making landfall along the Southern Cape coastline. This created a strong pressure gradient, resulting in damaging wind speeds across exposed coastal and inland areas.

Du Toit further notes that while these large-scale climate systems are natural, their behaviour is being modified by a warming global climate. Warmer sea surface temperatures increase atmospheric moisture and energy availability, which can enhance storm development and severity.

However, he cautions that climate drivers alone do not fully explain the scale of impacts experienced on the ground. Local factors such as land-use change, degraded catchments, and invasive alien vegetation significantly amplify run-off, windthrow, and infrastructure vulnerability during extreme events.

The combination of these global and local influences is making the Southern Cape increasingly susceptible to high-impact weather events, requiring improved understanding, preparedness, and long-term resilience planning.

Feature Image: Peter du Toit, from FutureClimateIQ –Photo Supplied

Written by: Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF)

The GREF is a public platform for environmental practitioners and a climate change think tank (grefecsf.co.za).

ENDS

18 May 2026 Public Awareness: Food safety during power outages

Public Awareness: Food safety during power outages

18 May 2026

During the recent storms experienced across the Western Cape, many areas in the Garden Route district were and are still left without electricity for hours and even days. This type of disaster may lead to great food safety risk that a lot of citizens and holiday-goers, are not aware of.  During this time, food can spoil quickly if it is not stored or handled properly. Knowing what to do can help protect everyone from foodborne illnesses.

Below find several simple, but important food safety tips.

How to keep your food colder for longer

  • One of the most important things to remember during a power outage is to keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed for as long much as possible. Although there is no electricity used while keeping the doors closed, the refrigerator maintains the temperature for an extended time and therefore delays the spoilage of perishable food.
  • If the outage in an area continues, consider using a cooler box with ice packs for foods that must remain cold, such as milk, meat, eggs and leftovers.

What are considered high risk foods: Food that spoils quickly?

Raw meat, chicken, seafood, dairy products and cooked leftovers are high-risk foods and should be checked carefully after an outage.

Shelf-stable foods such as tinned goods, unopened juices, peanut butter and dry cereals are generally safer during long power cuts.

Remember these important rules: if food smells strange, looks unusual, or feels warm when it should be cold, throw it away and thawed food cannot be refrozen.

What are safe temperatures?

Food safety depends heavily on temperature. If perishable food has been above safe temperatures for more than two hours, it is safest to discard it.

How to maintain hygiene during storms

  • Storms can sometimes affect water supplies. It is best to use safe water or boil the water before use.
  • Wash your hands with soap and clean water before handling food. If clean and safe water is limited, use hand sanitiser containing at least 60 percent alcohol.
  • Also make sure kitchen surfaces, utensils and containers are kept clean to prevent contamination or cross-contamination.

How can you prepare for emergencies?

Preparation can make a major difference during emergencies. Keep an emergency supply kit with:

  • Ice packs
  • A food thermometer
  • Bottled water
  • A torch
  • A manual can opener
  • Non-perishable foods

Being prepared helps reduce stress and keeps your household safer during extended outages.

For more information or to report unhygienic practices by food handlers, contact the following GRDM offices within the Garden Route:

Johan Compion
Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management and Air Quality
E-mail: info@gardenroute.gov.za
044 803 1300 / 082 803 516

Klein Karoo & Kannaland
Desmond Paulse – Manager: Municipal Health (Klein Karoo)
94 St John Street, Oudtshoorn
044 272 2241 / 083 678 6530

Mossel Bay
Rinay Cloete – Acting Chief: Municipal Health
C/O Sampson & Marling Street, Ext 23, Mossel Bay
044 693 0006 /  083 530 3709

George Outeniqua
Emmy Douglas – Chief: Municipal Health
Mission Street, Industrial Area, George, 6530
044 803 1501 /  078 457 2824

George & Wilderness
Lusizo Kwetshube – Acting Chief: Municipal Health
Mission Street, Industrial Area, George, 6530
044 803 1599 / 081 555 6992

Knysna
James McCarthy – Chief: Knysna
26A Queen Street, Knysna, 6571
044 382 7214 /  082 805 9417

Bitou
Gawie Vos – Chief: Lakes (Bitou)
4 Virginia street, Plettenberg bay, 6600
044 501 1600 / 083 557 1522

Hessequa
Haemish Herwels – Chief: Hessequa
24 Michell Street, Riversdale, 6670
028 713 2438 / 083 678 6545

55 Commis II Chef Positions Available onboard MSC Cruises

SHOSHOLOZA OCEAN ACADEMY – EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES: 55 COMMIS II CHEF POSITIONS AVAILABLE ONBOARD MSC CRUISES

Garden Route District Municipality invites unemployed persons male or female residing within the Garden Route District Municipal area, to apply for Commi II Chef opportunities as part of a Garden Route Skills Mecca Initiative. Opportunities are currently available within the following municipal areas within the Garden Route District.

The total number of opportunities for a municipal area (Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Bitou, Oudtshoorn and Kannaland), range between 7 and 8 each Municipality.

Applicants must register and apply using the manual application form found on the Garden Route District Municipality website https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/manual-job-applications/ and submit applications to the GRDM office in respective municipal areas/ towns.

Or register and Apply here with a PC/Laptop: https://tinyurl.com/34unespk

Application Document Requirements

  • Training certification qualification if required -With CV application.
  • Police Clearance.
  • Passport or Passport application.
  • Body Mass Index review must be below 35.

The GRDM will only consider applications in full and if the following documents have been attached: 

  • A copy of South African ID Document certified within last three months.
  • A copy of highest educational qualifications certified within last three months.
  • An updated copy of your CV that confirms previous work experience.

Program and Entry Requirements

  • Minimum 1 – 2 years’ work experience is required.
  • Relevant experience in a hotel or restaurant establishment.
  • Industry training from a reputable college/institution certification.
  • Exceptional personality and attitude.
  • Excellent grooming standards.
  • Passionate and career driven individual.
  • Company knowledge.
  • CV with photo-On Application.

For any enquiries, do not hesitate to contact MS Nolwando Sambokwe at 044-803 1363 1345, or Ms. Dineo Ramasesane at 044 803 1447 during office hours only.

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: 22 May 2026
Notice number: 42/2026

13 May 2026 Public Notice: Notice of a Municipal Public Accounts Committee Meeting, 20 May 2026 at 14:00

Public Notice: Notice of a Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) Meeting,
20 May 2026 at 14:00

Notice is hereby given that a Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) Meeting of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the Loerie Committee Room, and via Zoom, 54 York Street, George, on 20 May 2026 at 14:00.

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

Tel:   044 803 1300
Notice No. 45/2026

13 May 2026 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality and TETA Launch Milestone R4.7 million Driver’s Licence Project to Fuel Regional Employment

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality and TETA Launch Milestone R4.7 million Driver’s Licence Project to Fuel Regional Employment

For immediate release
13 May 2026

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), through the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM), officially launched the GRDM/TETA Rural Development Driver’s Licence Project on Friday, 8 May 2026.

The event, held at the GRDM Council Chambers, signalled the commencement of Phase 1 focusing on the George Municipal area. This phase includes the first 80 beneficiaries of the 560 participants set to benefit from this district-wide programme.

The project is coordinated by the GRSM and funded by the Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA). This initiative marks a significant investment in the socio-economic mobility of residents across the district.

While welcoming the group at the event, GRDM Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, said: “As a District Municipality, we ensure that the partnerships that we are developing with various stakeholders e.g. TETA, Victoria Driving Schools and many others, are maintained and that the funding allocated for these programmes is used for the purpose for which it was granted and intended”.  Stratu further referred to the shortage of certain skills within the economy and emphasised that, “this programme is an indication that our training interventions are aligned with the needs of the economy”.

Thembani Loliwe, GRDM Program Manager of the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) explained that the program originated through the GRSM – a product of the Knysna fire disaster, which created economic havoc across the district in 2017 and nearly destroyed the district’s main economic contributors, namely the Tourism and Hospitality industries. He said: “This disaster resulted in many job losses, but by turning it into an opportunity through the GRSM, R135 million have so far been invested in the program, already benefiting 2 760 youth district-wide”.

Elton Olivier represented Victoria Driving School at the event. The driving school has been appointed as the service provider to ensure high-quality training and high pass rates for all learners. Olivier inspired participants with his personal achievements and encouraged them to prioritise this programme for the betterment of their lives. He highlighted: “You were selected to be part of this opportunity to obtain your learner’s- and drivers’ licences and to equip yourselves to secure employment or better job opportunities”.

Stakeholders and participants during the launch of Phase 1 (George) of the GRDM/TETA Rural Development Driver’s Licence Project.

TETA’s Education, Development and Training Practitioner (EDTP), Malcolm Alexander, reaffirmed the funder’s commitment to rural development. He emphasised that professional driving skills are critical to the sustainability of the South African transport industry. Alexander also highlighted the excellent working relations between TETA and GRDM, before emphasising how opportunities like these do not often become available. Addressing the participants, Alexander said: “You have this one opportunity – stay focused and achieve it. We want to see you climbing the ladder of success – and having a driving licence is a significant step-up towards achieving that success”.

Lungiswa Bini and Liyema Magajana, both participants in the program, extending words of appreciation to the GRDM and stakeholders for their strong partnership in rolling out this program.  Although Bini acknowledged the difficulties unemployed youth face in obtaining a driver’s licence, Magajana commended the GRDM and stakeholders saying that “being part of this program not only help us to gain important skills, but it also opens doors for employment and a brighter future”.  On behalf of the group, he undertook “to make the most of this opportunity and use the knowledge and skills responsibly”. In addition, Liyema said: “Many of us would not have been able to afford this opportunity on our own, and for that reason we are immensely grateful”. In conclusion he thanked the TETA, facilitators, instructors, and everyone involved in making the programme a reality.

The Garden Route District Municipality extends its gratitude to TETA for the funding and to all local municipal partners for their cooperation in making this life-changing project a reality.

ENDS

Garden Route Multi-Agency Command Centre Update 17 on 12 May 2026 at 08h30

Garden Route Multi-Agency Command Centre Update 17 on 12 May 2026 at 08h30

Issued by Garden Route District Municipality

SITUATION SUMMARY

Today’s wind forecast for the entire region is 50 km/h (Orange Level 5), following severe gusts that exceeded 100 km/h on 11 May 2026. Damaging winds and waves along the coastline also remain a concern, with an Orange Level 4 warning currently in place.

Rainfall warnings of Orange Level 2 have been issued for George, Mossel Bay, and Hessequa, while Plettenberg Bay and Knysna is expected to experience more severe conditions, with an Orange Level 6 rainfall warning in effect today.

In addition, a Yellow Level 2 warning for storm surge conditions remains active along the entire coastline and is valid until midday on 13 May 2026.

HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE

With rainy weather conditions continuing, members of the public who have lost their homes will need to be accommodated in community halls. At present, approximately 650 people are being sheltered at various community halls across the region:
– George (25)
– Knysna (391)
– Bitou (116)
– Oudtshoorn (65)
– Kannaland (53)
– Hessequa (0)
– Mossel Bay (0)

Seventy (70) learners (mostly matriculants), from Klaarstroom, are stranded at De Rust. The Department of Education are planning for learners to return home.

PRIORITIES FOR TODAY, 12 MAY 2026

– As electricity is restored in affected areas, particularly in rural areas such as Kammanassie, Joncksrust, and Hartebees River (south-east of Uniondale), residents cut off from roads are increasingly able to contact authorities to request food supplies.
– Further aerial support may be required, although current weather conditions are unfavourable. The SANDF has made a specialised 4×4 vehicle available to assist, and it is hoped that this resource will improve access to affected communities.
– Fire and Rescue Teams will continue to monitor and control affected areas for tree removals, including the clearing of dangerous or partially hanging branches that may pose a safety risk.
– The District Roads Engineer is assessing damaged routes to determine where roads can be restored or where alternative access routes can be created.

HIGHLIGHTS: 11 MAY 2026

– We are pleased to announce that the lady who went into labour yesterday was safely transported by the South African Infantry School, using a specialised 4×4 ambulance, to the Oudtshoorn Provincial Hospital. She successfully gave birth to a healthy baby girl shortly after 17h00.
– The body of the deceased man who was swept away in Klaarstroom to Meiringspoort, was recovered yesterday afternoon by the EMS Provincial Ambulance Services. His body was carried approximately 1.2 km from the location where it was discovered.
– The GRDM water tankers (8 000L and 10 000L) continue to provide assistance in the Bitou municipal area.
– GRDM also provided support to Kannaland Municipality after the informal settlement at Varkieskraal in Ladismith was flattened. Affected community members are currently being accommodated at a community hall. GRDM supplied gum poles, 40 mattresses, and 100 blankets as part of the relief efforts.
– George Municipality also requested additional assistance, and GRDM provided its remaining mattresses along with 80 blankets to support affected residents.

STATUS OF ROADS

During emergencies, authorities may fast-track or temporarily exempt some of these approvals. Certain emergency response and recovery activities may trigger environmental authorisations in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), which may include amongst others:
– Opening temporary roads to isolated communities
– Removing flood debris from rivers
– Repairing damaged bridges or embankments
– Stabilising landslide areas
– Installing temporary infrastructure for disaster relief

AT 20h00 last night, the Western Cape Provincial Government informed the public that 50 roads are closed, with 11 partially open and 26 re-opened.

SCHOOLS ARE CLOSED TODAY, 12 MAY 2026

Disaster-related updates are published by Local Government here:

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Report Provincial Road Issues via Download the Roads4U app
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The Garden Route District Municipality Disaster Management Unit encourages the public to report flood-related incidents to the 24/7 Emergency Call Centre of the GRDM – 044 805 5071 or WhatsApp 081 709 5193

Garden Route Multi-Agency Command Centre Update 16 on 11 May 2026 at 18h00

Garden Route Multi-Agency Command Centre Alert 16 on 11 May 2026 at 18h00

Issued by Garden Route District Municipality

SITUATION SUMMARY

TWO PEOPLE LOST THEIR LIVES

This morning, at approximately 10h00, a tragic incident occurred in Blanco when a 64-year-old woman lost her life after a tree uprooted and fell on her. Emergency medical services responded to the scene, but she was unfortunately declared deceased upon their arrival.

In a separate incident at Klaarstroom (foot of Swartberg Mountains), a man tried to cross a river on Saturday, 9 May 2026. Unfortunately he was swept away by the floodwaters. His body was spotted today in Meiringspoort after his father searched for hi. His body will be recovered when weather permits for a helicopter to fly.

“On behalf of the Garden Route, I would like to extend our sincere condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of those who lost their lives during these tragic incidents,” said Executive Mayor Marais Kruger.

According to Gerhard Otto, GRDM Head of Disaster Management: “Trees, branches, roofing material and other debris may still pose dangers to both motorists and pedestrians”.

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE REQUEST FOR ANOTHER LADY IN LABOUR

A request was communicated to the GRDM MACC for a lady who needs to go into labour and who requested to be assisted by medics. The plan is to consider deploying medics from the South African Infantry School in Oudtshoorn with a 4 x 4 ambulance.

STATUS OF ROADS

Several trucks overturned on the N2 between Hessequa and Plettenberg Bay. Hessequa alone recorded three trucks that overturned.

Around 15h30 today, the Western Cape Provincial Government informed the public that 55 roads are closed, with 5 partially open and 15 re-opened.

HIGHLIGHTS: 11 MAY 2026:

– Continued clearing of fallen trees and debris on roads across the district.
– Ongoing restoration of electricity infrastructure by ESKOM teams.
– Repairs to ten damaged power lines in the Kammanassie and Langkloof areas.
– Stabilisation and drainage work on the N2 near the KwaNokuthula turn-off.
– Continued landslide clearing operations on the R328.
– Water tanker support to communities affected by pump station failures.
– Restoration of access routes to isolated communities as weather conditions allow.

SCHOOL CLOSURES: 12 MAY 2026

All schools within the Garden Route will be closed tomorrow, 12 May 2026.

Disaster-related updates are published by Local Government here: