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30 October 2023 Media Release: GRDM Executive Mayor wishes the Class of 2023 all the best!

GRDM Executive Mayor wishes the Class of 2023 all the best!

For Immediate Release
30 October 2023

“Hard work and planning put together ensures success. Make sure you are well-prepared, believe in yourself, and stay focused. You can achieve remarkable results if you remember all the hard work you’ve put in. Having faith in yourself will help you ace the exam because you are the one who studied, the one who knows how tough it is. Stay calm and balanced, you’ve got this!”

As you prepare for your exams, remember to check your pen, take your ID card, and don’t forget your watch. It’s time to pen down all your thoughts on that paper. But keep in mind, this is not only a final exam, but the beginning of a journey filled with numerous tests.

I want to thank all parents, teachers, and communities for the love, care, and understanding shown to our learners. Also for being pillars of strength to our learners and for creating a healthy and productive environment for them. The saying “it takes a village to raise a child” is as true today as it was in the past.

Over the past 12 years, you’ve been equipped with values and principles that will make you responsible members of society. Don’t step back if hurdles come in your life; instead defeat it with your confidence and talent Rise above your circumstances, become a leader, and be the change you want to see.

Good luck, and may success be yours.

-End-

27 October 2023 Media Release: GRDM Social Housing Pilot Project Approved by the GRDM Council

𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲: 𝗚𝗥𝗗𝗠 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗶𝗹𝗼𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗥𝗗𝗠 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹

For Immediate Release
27 October 2023

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) has approved an affordable housing Strategic Plan during the 2021/2022 financial year that guided the appointment of a social housing delivery partner accredited by the SHRA (Social Housing Regulatory Authority). Therefore, the GRDM also appointed the appropriate partner for the provision of social housing opportunities in well-located areas in order to facilitate long term social-economic integration.

A District Council Meeting was held on Wednesday , 25 Ooctober 2023, during which the new social housing pilot project was approved.  Thus, the first social housing opportunities of approximately 166 units, will soon be realised on a municipality-owned site located in Omega Street.

As soon as possible, the GRDM Council will inform local communities about the status of the matter, with the company directly responsible for the development and beneficiation processes.

 

Maatskaplike Behuising Loodsprojek deur die TDM-Raad Goedgekeur

Die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM) het ‘n Strategiese Plan vir bekostigbare behuising gedurende die 2021/2022 finansiële jaar goedgekeur wat daartoe gelei het tot die aanstelling van ‘n behuisingsvennoot wat deur SHRA (Social Housing Regulatory Authority) geakkrediteer is. As gevolg hiervan het die TDM ‘n toepaslike vennoot vir die verskaffing van maatskaplike behuisingsgeleenthede in goed geleë gebiede aangestel om sodoende sosiaal-ekonomiese langtermyn integrasie te fasiliteer.

Die nuwe maatskaplike-behuisingsprojek was Woensdag, 25 Oktober 2023, tydens ‘n Distriksraadsvergadering, goedgekeur. Die eerste maatskaplike behuisingsgeleenthede van ongeveer 166 eenhede sal dus binnekort op ‘n perseel in besit van die munisipaliteit in Omegastraat realiseer.

Die TDM sal egter so spoedig moontlik die plaaslike gemeenskappe inlig rakende die nuutste verwikkelinge, en die aangestelde maatskappy sal direk verantwoordelik wees vir die ontwikkelings- en toekenningsprosesse.

 

Inkqubo kaMasipala weSithili saseGarden Route yokuLingwa kweZindlu zeNtlalo iVunyiwe

UMasipala weSithili saseGarden Route (i-GRDM) uphumeze iSicwangciso soBuchule bezindlu ezifikelelekayo kunyaka-mali ka-2021/2022 esikhokele ukuchongwa kweqabane lonikezelo lwezindlu zoluntu oluvunywe yi-SHRA (i-Social Housing Regulatory Authority). Ngoko ke, i-GRDM iphinde yatyumba umnikezeli nkonzo ofanelekileyo wokubonelela ngamathuba ezindlu zoluntu kwiindawo ezimi kakuhle ukuze kuququzelelwe indibaniselwano yexesha elide yezentlalo noqoqosho.

INtlanganiso yeBhunga leSithili ibibanjwe namhlanje, umhla wama-25 kweyeDwarha 2023, apho inkqubo yokulinga yezindlu zoluntu entsha ithe yamkelwa. Ngoko ke, amathuba okuqala ezindlu zokuhlala amalunga neeyunithi ezili 166, aza kuphunyezwa ngokukhawuleza kwisiza sikamasipala esiseOmega Street.

Ngokukhawuleza, iBhunga loMasipala weSithili seGarden Route liya kwazisa uluntu lwasekuhlaleni malunga nobume balomcimbi, kunye nenkampani ejongene nkqo neenkqubo zophuhliso kunye nezibonelelo.

-End-

26 October 2023 Impact Based Weather Warning: Damaging Waves

Impact Based Weather Warning: Damaging Waves

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued a Level 2 weather warning fro Damaging Waves valid from Friday, 27 October to Saturday, 28 October 2023.

Areas affected by damaging waves include Bitou, George, Hessequa, Knysna and Mossel Bay.

Report weather related incidents to the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at 044 805 5071.

26 October 2023 Media Release: Collapse of natural infrastructure proves costly in Kaaimans

Media Release: Collapse of natural infrastructure proves costly in Kaaimans

For Immediate Release
26 October 2023

“Following heavy and consistent rain on Saturday, 21 October 2023, the collapse of a seep-line on the western slope of the Kaaimans gorge caused a landslide leading to the temporary closure of the N2 highway. This left the mountainside scarred with severe loss of indigenous vegetation,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

Streams, seep-lines and wetlands on mountain slopes play an important role in ensuring the geological integrity of mountain slopes and their ability to direct and absorb water flow. Sand dunes, rivers, streams, mountain catchments, forests and many other examples are referred to as natural infrastructure, and collectively they play an irreplaceable role in ensuring the well-being of nature and the human population it supports.

Hard infrastructure, such as the N2 highway is constructed on a sensitive and geologically unstable mountain slope through Wilderness and the Kaaimans gorge. This type of area is prone to landslides and will always be at risk of mountainside collapse (or partial collaps) under certain circumstances such as torrential rain. The impact of invasive alien plants on the landscape and upper catchments affecting river function and health, also has negative snowball effects on rivers and streams to cope with large volumes of water flow during floods. This is because it strips river banks of natural vegetation binding river banks and protecting soils.

Indigenous vegetation plays a vital and irreplaceable role in ensuring soil stability on steep slopes, and unfortunately, the forests on the western slope of Kaaimans gorge, have in recent years been badly affected by a creeper plant overgrowing forest vegetation. This type of vegetation causes the collapse of the forest canopy under its weight with trees dying off. It then leaves the seep-line and rivulet’s shallow soil structure susceptible to collapse once it becomes waterlogged. Sufficient surface vegetation would have kept it firmly in place and prevented it from sliding downward.

Rehabilitating the damaged water course in Kaaimans will pose a challenge as all the vegetation and topsoil slid down the slope and washed away. It should be considered to investigate the stability of the remainder of the western slope to determine if is stable or posing further risks to the N2 highway.

“Invasive alien plants are very likely to claim the scar left by the landslide as they outcompete indigenous vegetation in terms of new growth,” says Meiring.

Given the changing climate and rainfall patterns, which increase the probability of episodic rain storms along the Garden Route, the region is likely to experience repeated damage to its road and rail infrastructure in the near future.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for landowners and environmental managers in the Southern Cape.

Photo: Landslide scar in Kaaimans gorge

Caption: Collapse of indigenous forest poses a further potential threat of landslides

ENDS

26 October 2023 Media Release: Executive Mayor of GRDM donates R10 000 to local athlete to participate in Ultra 2023 World Championship

Media Release: Executive Mayor of GRDM donates R10 000 to local athlete to participate in Ultra 2023 World Championship

For immediate release
26 October 2023

Executive Mayor of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), Ald. Memory Booysen, recently donated R10 000 to local Backyard Ultra-Running athlete, Tembinkosi Sojola, to participate in the Ultra 2023 World Champions. The championship started on 21 October 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee in the United States of America and concluded on Wednesday, 25 October 2023.

In an update received from the Bayethe Multisport Academy, Sojola has achieved a remarkable feat by establishing a new South African and African Record. With the event that started off with 75, Tembi’s Race came to an end at lap 56 with a total of 368.83km after 2 days and 7 hours of running, he is now ranked 90th in the World.

Thirty-nine-year-old Sojola, a resident of George is, apart from his passion for the sport, also a husband and father of four (4).

Sojola annually also participates in the Comrades and Two Oceans Marathons.  The passion has fuelled his desire to participate in this world-class event, where he represented South Africa in the USA. This was the first event where he competed against other countries.

Myra Tisch, supporter of Sojola at the event, thanked all those who supported Sojola during the championship”. Tisch explained: “He had problems with his hip flexor for over 30-hours and pushed through the pain. There were several moments of doubt, but he trusted himself and his capabilities and pushed beyond even when the pain was there to stop him”.  Tisch described Sojola as an incredible athlete, beautiful person and hard-working family man. “Let us all thank the Lord above for protecting our friend/dad/husband through the biggest tribulation of his life!” Tisch concluded: “This is a time to rejoice his accomplishment”.

Mayor Booysen, on behalf of GRDM, wished him the best going forward especially with this achievement of now being ranked 90th globally.

Tembinkosi Sojola now holds the South African and African Record with an open invitation to the German Backyard Ultra in 2024.

ENDS

20 October 2023 Media Release: Clean-up & Education and Awareness – a cleaner, greener future

Media Release:  Clean-up & Education and Awareness – a cleaner, greener future

For Immediate Release
20 October 2023

A National Marine Week celebration was held yesterday by the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Waste Management Section in partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, Cape Nature, Mossel Bay Municipality, Compass Medical Waste, and TM Ndanda Primary School.  The campaign was rolled out to raise awareness about the importance of marine environments and the need to protect them.

Pollution, especially plastic waste, is one of the most pressing issues facing our oceans. To prevent further damage to marine ecosystems, the campaign encourages students to take part in clean-up activities and reduce single-use plastic consumption.

During the day it was also stressed to the learners that they should keep their communities clean and recycle as much as possible. They were taught that every person can make a difference by picking up litter and getting into the habit of recycling every day. Small, consistent efforts make a huge difference if everyone makes them. Students learned about the different waste streams that can pollute our oceans, including medical waste and how it is handled.

The clean-up campaign was conducted following the formal educational and awareness session.

“A total of 56 bags of recyclables and 14 bags of mixed-general waste were collected. The number of volunteers, including learners and officials, was approximately 90,” said Innocentia Sikweyiya, GRDM Waste Management Officer.

The GRDM Waste Management Section expresses its heartfelt gratitude to its partners in success – Plastic SA, AQUELLE, and POLYCO, as well as all the dedicated volunteers and participants who contributed to and participated in the recent clean-up events.

“Your unwavering support and active involvement have been instrumental in ensuring the cleanliness of our environment. Together, we are making a significant impact on preserving and beautifying our surroundings, and your efforts was truly appreciated, “ said Sikweyiya.

Mossel Bay’s clean-up activities during National Marine Week included many interactive and informative sessions where learners learned about pollution and recycling.

 

Featured Image Caption: Stakeholders who participated in National Marine Week clean-up activities in Mossel Bay.

-End-

20 October 2023 Media Release: Heavy rain and storms over Western and Eastern Cape this weekend – 21-22 October

Media Release: Heavy rain and storms over Western and Eastern Cape this weekend – 21-22 October

For immediate release
20 October 2023

Scarcely a week after the last bout of heavy rainfall over southern Africa, numeric weather prediction (NWP) models are suggesting yet another episode of significant rainfall, this time over the Western and Eastern Cape. This system may also produce some severe thunderstorms, with appropriate warnings already issued for Saturday (21 October).

A cut-off low-pressure system (the equatorward displacement of a low-pressure system at high altitudes) is in the process of developing over the southern Atlantic Ocean, to the south-west of the Western Cape. This fast moving system is evolving rapidly and is expected to be encroaching on the west coast of Western Cape as early as this evening (20 October).

Whilst cut-off lows are typically efficient producers of rain, often of a heavy nature, these systems also have a reputation for causing widespread severe weather such as flooding, heavy rainfall, and severe thunderstorms. Widespread showers and thundershowers can be expected over parts of the Western and Eastern Cape tomorrow (21 October), shifting eastwards on Sunday (22 October), when continuing to affect the Eastern Cape.

Figure 1  indicates the current location of the developing cut-off low, positioned to the south-west of the country. By this evening, the system will start to invade of the western extremities of the Western Cape. Notably, the system is fast-moving and will affect the majority of the Cape provinces, especially Western Cape and Eastern Cape, tomorrow.

As indicated by Figure 2 as well as Figure 3, rainfall, in the form of scattered showers and thundershowers, can be anticipated over Western Cape tomorrow, when some of the storms may become severe. Western Cape Districts expected to be affected include the Cape Winelands, Overberg, Garden Route and central Karoo. The southern extremities of Northern Cape could also be similarly affected by severe storms.

With reference to Figure 2 (A), it is significant that disruptive rainfall may occur over parts of Eastern Cape on Saturday (21 October), resulting in possible flooding as well as posing a significant risk to life and property. Numeric Weather Prediction (NWP) models suggest 100 mm or more of rainfall, within a 24-hour period, for some places. Hence, a Level 6 ORANGE Warning has been issued for parts of the Eastern Cape, as indicated in Figure 3. It is also relevant to mention that the surface terrain over many parts of the Eastern Cape is still wet and saturated, following recent episodes of good rainfall. Saturated ground has a reduced capacity for infiltration of rainfall. Fresh rainfall on saturated ground rapidly leads to overland runoff, thus exacerbating the risk of flooding, as excess rainfall is diverted to swell river systems.

The cut-off low will continue to rapidly intensify during the weekend as it migrates eastward. By Sunday, most of the thunderstorms will have cleared over the Western and Northern Cape, with the focus shifting to the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, where further rainfall is expected to persist.

The South African Weather Service will continue to monitor this weather system and issue subsequent updates over the next few days. Updated impact-based warnings will be issued in due course. It is strongly advised that the public regularly follow weather forecasts on television, radio, as well as all social media platforms. Updated information in this regard will regularly be available at www.weathersa.co.za as well as on X @SAWeatherServic and Facebook @SouthAfricanWeatherservic.

Click here to download the Official Media Release.

Compiled by Kevin Rae
Edited by Elizabeth Viljoen
Approved by Tshepho Ngobeni, Senior Manager: Disaster Risk Reduction

For technical and weather enquiries:
National Forecasting Centre: Tel: 012 367 6041

Media enquiries:
Ms Hannelee Doubell: Manager, Communications; Tel: (012) 367 6104; Cell: 072 222 6305;
E-mail: hannelee.doubell@weathersa.co.za
USSD: Dial *120*7297#; Weather-ready, Climate-smart

Download our WeatherSMART APP free from the App store:
For Apple Smartphones: https://apps.apple.com/za/app/weathersmart/id1045032640
For Android Smartphones: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=za.co.afrigis.saws.droid.activity&gl=Z

ENDS

20 October 2023 Media Release: Low Risk of Human Infection related to Avian Influenza Outbreak in South Africa

Media Release: Low Risk of Human Infection Related to Avian Influenza Outbreak in South Africa

Date Issued: Friday, 13 October 2023

Low Risk of Human Infection Related to Avian Influenza Outbreak in South Africa. A number of poultry farms in South Africa are experiencing outbreaks of avian influenza. Avian influenza is a highly contagious viral infection that affects poultry and wild birds.

Currently, two different strains are causing avian influenza outbreaks in South Africa, these are influenza A(H5N1) and influenza A(H7N6).

According to the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRD), the current influenza A(H5N1) outbreaks have been ongoing since April 2023 and to date, 10 outbreaks in poultry (Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal) and 39 outbreaks in non-poultry birds (Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and North West provinces) have been reported. The influenza A(H7N6) outbreaks have been ongoing since June 2023, and to date, 50 outbreaks to date have been reported in poultry farms (Free State, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West and KwaZulu-Natal provinces) and non-poultry birds in Gauteng.

Internationally, sporadic cases of influenza A(H5N1) infection have been reported in humans, related to outbreaks in birds but infection in humans remains very rare. Globally, only 8 cases of influenza A(H5N1) in humans have been reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2023, despite large outbreaks in poultry and wild birds across the globe. These cases have been linked to close contact with infected birds (handling, culling, slaughtering or processing). Current circulating strains of avian influenza have not been shown to transmit from person to person. The risk of transmission of influenza A(H5N1) and influenza A(H7N6) from infected birds to humans is extremely low.

In the uncommon instance where avian influenza is transmitted to humans, the most common route of transmission of avian influenza is airborne, through aerosolisation of virus particles from live birds or during the culling process. Poultry products including commercially available eggs, and fresh and frozen chickens are safe to consume. Any persons with known or suspected close contact with dead or sick birds (especially birds with confirmed A(H5N1) or A(H7N6) infection) and who presents with upper or lower respiratory tract symptoms (cough, runny nose, scratchy throat, or pneumonia) and/or conjunctivitis should be investigated. This should include the collection of respiratory samples (detailed below) and testing for avian influenza. All exposed individuals should be monitored for 14 days for respiratory symptoms and encouraged to seek care as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms. Clusters of three or more cases of severe respiratory illness (hospitalisation or death) which are epidemiologically linked should also be investigated even if there is no documented bird or poultry exposure.

Clinicians who suspect avian influenza infection in their patients should contact the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) doctor on to discuss the case before a sample is collected. Nasal or nasopharyngeal swab/s (preferably a flocked swab) should be collected from the patient. The swab/s are placed in viral or universal transport media (VTM,UTM). If two swabs are collected they can be placed in the same tube of VTM/UTM. Samples may be stored in the fridge (2-8°C) until submitted in a cooler box with ice packs to (NICD) for testing (preferably within 72 hours of collection). Please complete the case investigation form and laboratory request form in the link below to accompany the sample.

Persons who are in contact with live or dead birds, especially those in the poultry industry are advised to wear personal protective equipment including safety goggles, gloves, boot covers, disposable aprons/clothing (fluid resistant), disposable head covers and masks (N95) capable of preventing inhalation of aerosolised virus particles. Handwashing with disinfectant soap after contact with poultry or birds is essential.

The public health response remains; prevention of avian influenza at source (biosecurity at farms, good hygiene and vaccination of poultry in some situations), rapid detection, reporting and response to animal outbreaks and strengthening of surveillance in animals and humans (including collaborations with animal and human health sectors). In addition, laboratory confirmation of the strains involved (PCR and sequencing) and sharing of genetic
sequencing data is important.

The following resources are available on the NICD webpage
(https://www.nicd.ac.za/diseases-a-z-index/avian-influenza/)

  1. Avian influenza guidance: https://www.nicd.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Avian-Influenza-Guidance_Nov-2022-002.pdf
  2. Standard operating procedures for the collection of nasal swabs:
    https://www.nicd.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SOP_collectionofNasalOPSwabs_20221104.pdf
  3. Avian influenza case investigation forms: https://www.nicd.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Case-Investigation-form-Avian-Influenza-_November-2022.pdf
  4. Avian influenza screening and case definitions: https://www.nicd.ac.za/wpcontent/uploads/2022/11/Screening-and-Case-Definition_Avian-influenza_Nov-2022.pdf
  5. Avian influenza frequently asked questions https://www.nicd.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/NICD-Avian-influenza-FAQ_final1-1.pdf

DALRD is providing veterinary support including diagnostics, surveillance and control measures. Farmers who suspect infection in their poultry/ birds should notify the local provincial Veterinary office or Extension officer who will visit the farm, investigate the incident and collect samples from the birds to rule out the disease.

References:

  1. https://www.gov.za/speeches/update-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-outbreaks-25-sep-2023-00003
  2. https://www.who.int/news/item/12-07-2023-ongoing-avian-influenza-outbreaks-in-animals-pose-risk-to-humans
  3. https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/cumulative-number-of-confirmed-human-cases-
  4. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/h5/worker-protection-ppe.htm

For enquiries contact: Media@nicd.ac.za

Issued by: National Institute for Communicable Diseases

ENDS

19 October 2023 Impact Based Weather Warning: Severe Thunderstorms

Impact Based Weather Warning: Severe Thunderstorms

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued a weather warning valid for Saturday, 21 October 2023.

Areas affected by wet and windy conditions include Bitou, Oudtshoorn, George, Hessequa, Knysna, Kannaland and Mossel Bay.

Report weather related incidents to the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at 044 805 5071.

19 October 2023 Media Release: Celebrating conservation and bio- diversity in the Garden Route vital to its future

Media Release: Celebrating conservation and bio- diversity in the Garden Route vital to its future

For Immediate Release
19 October 2023 

The Garden Route district is blessed with numerous conservation organisations such as SANParks and Cape Nature as well as privately managed conservancies and nature reserves. Also, government and non-government agencies and citizens, have a collective responsibility to preserve the biodiversity that remains along the coastal and inland areas, says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

“Celebrating Conservation in the Garden Route” is the theme of the GREF annual key stakeholder report- back event planned for 13 December 2023 in Wilderness, and vital recognition is given to the sustained collective effort of the resourceful, positive and conservation minded communities and authorities of the Garden Route.

Following a century of farming and development of the Southern Cape, with exponential growth recorded during the past thirty years and with much more projected as a fast- growing population demands ever more infrastructure and resources, the Garden Route has lost a staggering amount of bio- diversity and natural beauty with many jokingly referring to the area as the “Concrete Route” as the developed coastal belt and N2 highway now presents an almost solid barrier between the mountains and the ocean with only islands of bio- diversity remaining where fynbos and the eco- systems it represents and sustained once flourished.

In addition, increased demand for fresh water necessitating damming, water transfers and extraction of ground water all have an impact on the health of Garden Route river systems and estuaries, which in turn impacts negatively on the ability to survive of marine and aquatic life.

Despite these challenges, conservation is not taking a back seat in the Garden Route as there is general consensus that the region will lose much of its allure as world class tourist destination and a region renowned for offering a high quality of life for its communities if natural ecosystems and bio- diversity disappears into oblivion in the face of development.

GREF is a public platform for conservation and environmental management entities in the Garden Route

Enquiries: louisamare@gmail.com