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07 May 2024 Media Release: Calling all tourism organisations – R4 million ‘Tourism Growth Fund’ now open for applications


Media Release: Calling all tourism organisations – R4 million ‘Tourism Growth Fund’ now open for applications

For immediate release
07 May 2024

The Western Cape Government’s (WCG) Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) has officially opened the 2024/25 ‘Tourism Growth Fund’  and is inviting organisations to apply for project funding for tourism development, tourism infrastructure, and tourism product development.

Speaking about the launch of the latest iteration of the fund, Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger, said “tourism in the Western Cape is on the up. We have moved from post-COVID recovery and into impressive growth, showing that the province is a tourism destination of choice and very much in demand.”

“This is why I am very excited to launch the latest R4 million Tourism Growth Fund so we can work with more organisations across the sector to further improve our world-class attractions and offerings. This fund will allow us to add to and boost the already impressive array of offerings we have across the province, attracting even more visitors, and creating many more jobs in the Western Cape,” continued Minister Wenger.

The Fund challenges those involved in the tourism ecosystem – both public and private – to co-invest in high-impact attractions and experiences in order to offer a more compelling reason to visit the Western Cape and its districts.

The Fund will provide co-funding to:

  1. collaborative initiatives that enhance high-volume tourism attractions through tourism infrastructure development/upgrading and/ or place-making/ beautification interventions; and/ or
  2. collaborative initiatives of tourism organisations working with tourism enterprises to enable businesses to enhance and expand their tourism offerings in areas with high growth potential.

There are two categories for which funding can be applied for:

Category 1: Tourism Infrastructure Support initiatives with a focus on upgrading high-volume attractions 

The Fund will support regional and local tourism organisations, industry associations, district and local authorities, and tourism enterprises with initiatives to enhance high-volume tourism attractions through tourism infrastructure development or upgrades and/ or place making/ beautification activities.

Tourism infrastructure upgrade means the enhancement or development of any existing or new infrastructure required to ensure that tourists can visit attractions and experiences in a safe, clean, comfortable, and accessible manner. Examples of tourism infrastructure include trails, walkways, signage, street furniture, public lighting, public toilets, shelters, hides, and more.

Category 2: Tourism Product Development Support initiatives with a focus on assisting tourism enterprises (specifically small, medium and micro enterprises) with tourism product development

The Fund will provide financial support to enhance and/or expand collaborative programmes and projects aimed at assisting SMMEs with tourism product development. Regional and local tourism organisations, industry associations, and district and local authorities can apply for support through the programme; in exceptional circumstances, individual enterprises will be considered.

Tourism product development support includes, but is not limited to:

  • product and/ or experience development;
  • capacity development; and/or
  • provision of bespoke support (machinery, equipment, licenses, accreditation, memberships, health and safety compliance, standards etc).

This year, the Tourism Growth Fund will prioritise private sector-led initiatives aimed at stimulating high-growth, high-yield forms of tourism including in Halal, adventure, food, wine, culture and heritage, and township-based tourism offerings.

Minister Wenger emphasised that “As part of our ambitious economic action plan, ‘Growth For Jobs’, we are determined to double the number of visitors to the province by 2035 to aid in our overarching goal of enabling a R1 trillion, jobs-rich, inclusive, diverse, and resilient provincial economy that is growing at between 4% and 6% in real terms.”

“I would like to encourage those organisations who may benefit from the fund to apply without delay, and I look forward to working with the sector to attract more and more tourists to this wonderful province – because more tourists mean more jobs in the Western Cape,” concluded Minister Wenger.

For more information on the fund and on how to apply, interested applicants can visit this website: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/site-page/economic-sector-support-tourism-growth-fund

Enquiries can be directed to Mrs Lindy Cambouris at:
G4Jtourismfund@westerncape.gov.za  or at 021-483-6527.

ENDS       

By Mireille Wenger, Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities

Media Queries:
Georgina Maree
Spokesperson for the Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities
(Responsible for the Provincial Treasury and the Department of Economic Development and Tourism)
Cell: 076 423 7541
Email: georgina.maree@westerncape.gov.za

Issued by Corporate Communication, Department of the Premier

03 May 2024 Media Release: Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities visits beneficiaries of the Tourism Development Fund

Media Release: Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities visits beneficiaries of the Tourism Development Fund

For immediate release
03 May 2024

On Monday, 29 April 2024, the Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Ms Mireille Wenger, paid a visit to some of the beneficiaries of the Tourism Development Fund in the Garden Route, Mossel Bay, namely; Nova Hot Air Balloons  and The Skipper Foundation.

Whilst in Mossel Bay MEC Wenger also paid a visit to The Mossel Bay cruise port to discuss some of the future expansion plans of the Mossel Bay port for cruise tourism with the port management and Mossel Bay Trading Hub. With the Western Cape Governments’ assistance to small businesses at the trading hub in relation to alternative energy solutions to ensure business continuity during loadshedding, the MEC was joined by the Executive Mayor of GRDM, Alderman Memory Booysen, and Mossel Bay Councillor, Cllr Anton Dellemijn.

What is  The Tourism Product Development Fund?

The Tourism Product Development Fund supports the development of new tourism products and experiences and/or major upgrading of existing tourism products and experiences to increase the Western Cape’s destination attractiveness to visitors.

The Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) requested organisations and businesses from both private and public organisations to apply for project funding via the Tourism Product Development Fund.

The Tourism Product Development initiative seeks to develop new or existing tourism products and experiences within the Western Cape. The Fund supported new or existing tourism products and experiences that address gaps and opportunities identified by the draft Tourism Blueprint 2030. A total of R 5 million was made available for disbursement during the 2022/2023 government fiscal year by the Western Cape Government.

Additional: The Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s Tourism Growth Fund is open to receive fund applications.

Click here to visit the dedicated web page for DEDAT’s Tourism Growth Fund for more information and to apply online.

The Tourism Growth Fund – APPLY TODAY! 

The Department of Economic Development and Tourism is requesting organisations implementing tourism development projects or programmes in the categories of Tourism Infrastructure Support and Tourism Product Development Support to apply for project funding via the Tourism Growth Fund. The Fund will provide financial support to development programmes and projects that benefit Western Cape-based tourism attractions and businesses. A total of R4 million is available in 2024 for disbursement to successful applicants.

Applications and criteria:

  1. Applicants must complete the online application form and will be required to upload all of the requested supporting documents. The submitted proposals must be structured toward one of the following categories:
  • Category 1: Tourism Infrastructure Support Initiatives with a focus on upgrading high visitor volume attractions.
  • Category 2: Tourism Product Development Support Initiatives with a focus on assisting tourism enterprises (specifically small, medium, and micro enterprises) with tourism product development.
  1. Only applications submitted via the online process will be considered. No emailed or hand-delivered applications will be considered.
  2. Thoroughly read the application guidelines before completing the online application. All sections in the application form are mandatory.
  3. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with the online form so that you have the necessary information at hand when completing your application. You can refer to the attached document for an electronic copy of the form, as well as the call for proposals.

There is no closing date, however funds are subject to availability. Don’t delay, apply today!

For more information, contact Lindy Cambouris on  021 483 6527 or G4JTourismFund@westerncape.gov.za

ENDS

03 May 2024 Update 3: Gwaiing Road Construction Works, George

Update 3: Gwaiing Road Construction Project

03 May 2024

The Gwaiing project is still in its construction phase with the progress of the project currently stands at 78% works completed.

The Road Construction team is currently busy with the cement stabilisation of the subbase layer on the RHS lane, which is the second to last layer that will be placed on the newly constructed road, after which, the construction of the final Basecourse layer will begin.

The main focus areas at this stage remain the processing of the layer works. Material is still being carted in from the approved source. The drainage network on the entire section of road has been improved, with minor concrete structures currently being constructed for erosion control.

The intended final completion date is set for 18 September 2024.

-ENDS-

3 May 2024 Media Release: Ensuring Access to Safe Water: The Vital Role of Environmental Health Practitioners

Media Release: Ensuring Access to Safe Water: The Vital Role of Environmental Health Practitioners

3 May 2024

The Constitution of South Africa states that: “Everyone has the right to have access to sufficient water “(Section 27 (1) (b).

Water that is unsafe for consumption poses a serious health risk. Those at greatest risk of water borne diseases are infants, the elderly, immune compromised individuals, and those living in settlements without basic water supply and sanitation services.

This is why water quality monitoring is important and encompasses a range of actions by Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP), aimed at ensuring the safety and purity of water sources accessible to communities. These actions include the following:

  • Collecting water samples for laboratory analysis.
  • Conducting field test on public water supply sources.
  • Conducting inspections as part of Municipal Health surveillance programmes.

The role of the EHP: Water Quality Monitoring of Water tanker trucks: 

  • Water trucking refers to the bulk transport of water from the source to a storage facility near a distribution point. During the acute and stabilisation phases of an emergency, these trucks may be used to provide short-term transport of water to communal water points.
  • The water transported in tanker trucks to various identified sites within a community should be considered as originating from a non-water service authority source, as it is no longer within the closed reticulation pipe system.

Water is distributed through various methods, including:

  • Transportation by water trucks.
  • The filling of private and communal water tanks.
  • The filling of reservoirs affected by compromised reticulation system.

The role of the EHP:

  • Sampling the water source (tanker truck/tank) and the water provider’s source to verify compliance with SANS 241:2015 Specifications for drinking water.
  • Ensuring the driver maintains a logbook to keep record of when the water was sourced and where the water was sourced from.
  • Each logbook should also record the truck cleaning schedule.
  • Documenting pertinent details of the tanker trucks, including registration and vehicle description.
  • Providing health and hygiene education to the community, including the cleaning of tanks and ensuring clean containers are used for the collection of the water.
  • Ensuring tanker trucks are easily cleanable, equipped with lockable covers, and have screened air vents to prevent contamination from animals and insects.
  • The EHP must conduct daily visits to healthcare centres including the local clinics to monitor whether any water-related disease outbreaks have occurred and conduct related investigations to ensure the possible source of pollution.

Through these duties, EHPs play a critical role in safeguarding public health and ensuring the provision of safe and clean water to communities.

For inquiries and further information, please contact the respective individuals in charge:

Region Person in Charge Contact Number Address
Klein Karoo Region & Kannaland Region Desmond Paulse, Manager: Municipal Health (Klein Karoo) Tel: 044 272 2241, Cell: 083 678 6530 94 St John Street, Oudtshoorn
Mossel Bay Monique Anthony, Acting Chief Tel: 044 693 0006, Cell: 061 445 1932 C/O Sampson & Marling Street, Ext 23, Mossel Bay

Featured image caption: Garden Route District Municipality EHP, Linden Herwels, ensuring water trucks comply with prescribed procedures.

END

30 April 2024 Media Release:  Regional Tourism Office unpacks their recent WTM Africa attendance

Media Release:  Regional Tourism Office unpacks their recent WTM Africa attendance

For immediate release
30 April 2024

This year, with the Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism (GR&KK), once again used the opportunity at the World Travel Market (WTM) Africa 2024 to successfully exhibit in a 90m2 space with local tourism offices and small business.

The GR&KK’s presence at the platform allowed the region to engage with tour operators, travel agents and travel media to direct more visitors to the region. These platforms contribute significantly to the increasing of numbers of international and domestic tourists as per the Wesgro survey report applicable from November to January 2023/24.

With approximately twenty (20) products exhibited under the GR&KK umbrella, three (3) of the products were beneficiaries of the GRDM Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME)  Support & Development programme. The collective initiative is just one of the development aspects to support SMMEs.

Numerous engagements and meetings took place, and these engagements included the following topics of interest:

  • General interests in GR&KK marketing and general, but broad interest and possible linkages with the brand.
  • High-end luxury packages, tourists tour packages, private safaris in the region and Avi-tourism initiatives
  • General interests in products, i.e. hotel and resort products
  • Route 62 and Klein Karoo referrals and interest.
  • United Kingdom (UK) market expansion and information.
  • Garden Route Chapter feedback and updates.
  • Member reach and expansion of products.
  • Bookings platforms.
  • General enquiries and information

With the interaction at the GR&KK stall over the three-day period, connections through meetings with these contacts (international, domestic buyers and media) were built and it delivered fruitful discussions and possible future relations. Some products furthermore indicated their interest to form part of the GR&KK representation at next year’s WTM. The Western Cape Minister of Finance, Economic and Tourism also visited the GR&KK stand where discussions were mainly focused on the current performance of the GR&KK as the destination.

This regional initiative sent out a strong message of unity/collaboration to ensure that the GR&KK is undoubtedly recognised as the preferred tourism destination.

ENDS

25 April 2024 Media Release: GRDM Human Settlements Initiative gains momentum and registration drive sees strong community response

Media Release: GRDM Human Settlements Initiative gains momentum and registration drive sees strong community response

25 April 2024

The Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Human Settlements officers continue their work to facilitate accessible housing opportunities for eligible residents. Over the weekend of 19 to 20 April, Human Settlements Officials embarked on another successful marketing blitz aimed at encouraging eligible individuals falling within the qualifying monthly income threshold to register on the Human Settlements Database.

Officials reported a strong turnout from communities across the various locations, showcasing significant interest in the initiative. The momentum remains strong as officials forge ahead with the registration process, aiming to add between 1500 to 2000 applicants to the current database. The affordable housing database consist of social rental and individual home ownership interests.  These are primarily for households whose monthly income streams and thresholds are between R3 501 – R22 000.

The applicants have to also meet the qualifying criteria which can be summed as follows:

  • Be a South African.

  • Be positioned between the aforementioned income streams.

  • Meet affordability requirements.

  • Be 18 years and above.

  • Have dependents.

The management of the Human Settlements Section extends a genuine appreciation to Messrs. Lubabalo Ketani and Luyolo Ndima for their gallant efforts in driving this initiative forward. Their dedication and hard work have been instrumental in the success of the registration drive thus far.

Interaction between GRDM Human Settlements officials and the community.

For more information regarding the GRDM Human Settlment Database, please contact Messrs. Lubabalo Ketani and Luyolo Ndima at 044-8031300.

Related article: https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/2024/03/19/19-march-2024-media-release-public-encouraged-to-register-on-grdm-human-settlement-database/

END

19 April 2024 Media Release: Stakeholders Unite for Spaza Shop Blitz Initiative in Mossel Bay

Media Release: Stakeholders Unite for Spaza Shop Blitz Initiative in Mossel Bay

For Immediate Release
19 April 2024

On Thursday, 11 April 2024, a joint Spaza Shop Blitz Operation was conducted in Asla Park, Mossel Bay.

Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP), along with Mossel Bay Municipality’s Law Enforcement, Department of Home Affairs, Border Patrol, and South African Police Service (SAPS), participated in the operations to visit spaza shops in the area.

The following items were inspected during these visits to determine whether shops met the legislative requirements:

  • A valid Certificate of Acceptability in Terms of Regulation 638 promulgated under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectant Act, 1972 (Act 54 of 1972).
  • Business License for food premises.
  • The general hygiene of the premises.
  • Labelling of Foodstuffs.

Also, the team inspected the shops for expired products and removed those that did not comply. Six (6) shops were visited and inspected.   After completing the inspections, GRDM sent a letter to those premises that did not comply with the requirements.  Spaza shop owners were given clear instructions regarding their shortfalls in the letter.  Complying with all requirements contribute to the health and safety of the communities that shops sell products to.

This combined operation will now be a weekly exercise.

Above are some pictures that show some of the physical inspections that took place during the operation.

Featured Image Caption: Various stakeholders involved in the Spaza Shop Blitz.

For more information please contact the following GRDM sub-office:

Mossel Bay

Acting Chief Municipal Health

Tel: 044 693 0006, cell: 061 445 1932

C/O Sampson & Marlin Street, Ext 23, Mossel Bay.

ENDS

19 April 2024 Garden Route District Municipality Notice of Roadworks

Garden Route District Municipality Notice of Roadworks

19 April 2024

  • Project: Fog Spray (Bitumen Spray on Road Surface) of the George Airport Road (TR00209)
  • Date: From 22 April – 25 April 2024
  • Time: From 08h00 – 15h00 daily
  • Waiting time: Waiting times at ‘Stop and Go’ setups will range from 5 to 15 minutes.

For any inquiries or further information, please contact:

  • – Phila Thabethe (069 504 4975); or
  • – Azola Mtangai (068 284 2423).

17 April 2024 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality’s Workplace Skills Plan approved

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality’s Workplace Skills Plan approved

For immediate release
17 April 2024

On Friday, 12 April 2024, the Education and Training Development Committee from Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) approved the Municipality’s Workplace Skills Plan (WSP). To conclude the final stage of the process, the Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, on 16 April 2024 endorsed the Plan for submission to the Local Government Sector Education and Training Association (LGSETA) before 30 April 2024.

Municipal Manager of GRDM, Monde Stratu (front, middle), endorsing the WSP, in the presence of officials (FLTR back) Ilse Saaiman, Nolwando Sambokwe, Reginald Salmons, Michelle Smit, Salman Damons, Khanyisa Madolo, Jacqueline Thomson, Proy Koopman (front, left) and Trix Holtzhausen (right).

The process included rounds of internal consultations by the Municipality’s Human Resources’ Training Section with specific focus on the WSP and it included management and employees from the various departments of the Municipality, as well as trade union representatives.

With the GRDM being registered with the LGSETA, the Skills Development Act, requires all registered employers with an annual payroll exceeding R500 000, to pay skills development levies. These levies encourage learning and development across the country and are used to develop and improve the skills of employees.

Subsequently, a Workplace Skills Plan (WSP), together with an Annual Training Report (ATR) must be submitted to the LGSETA no later than 30 April, annually. By submitting the municipality’s Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) annually, allows the Municipality access to Mandatory and Discretionary Funding from the LGSETA for skills development.

ENDS

17 April 2024 Public Notice: Special Council Meeting on 25 April 2024 at 10h00

Notice of a Special Council Meeting on 25 April 2024 at 10h00

Notice number: 43/2024

Notice is hereby given that a SPECIAL 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 25 April 2024 at 10:00.

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

Click here to download the official notice