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01 September 2023 Public Notice: IDP/Budget/ PMS Time Schedule & 2022/2023 Draft Unaudited Annual Report

PUBLIC NOTICE: IDP/BUDGET/ PMS TIME SCHEDULE & 2022/2023 DRAFT UNAUDITED ANNUAL REPORT – Notice 66/2023

Open for Comments

Notice is hereby given that the 2024/2025 IDP Budget & PMS Time Schedule has been adopted in terms of Section 21 of the Municipal Finance Management Act (Act 56 of 2003) by the Garden Route District Municipal Council, at a Council meeting held on 30 August 2023.

Furthermore, the 2022/2023 Draft Unaudited Annual Report has been noted by Council in terms of Circular 63 of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, Act 56 of 2003.  The Unaudited Draft Annual Report for the 2022/2023 financial year is open for comments. Comments must be lodged in writing to The Municipal Manager, PO Box 12, George, 6530 or by e-mail at rekords@gardenroute.gov.za before /or on 2 October 2023.

The document will be available for public inspection during office hours at the IDP unit, Garden Route District Municipality, 54 York Street, George as well as at all the satellite offices of the Garden Route District Municipality: Riversdale, Mosselbay, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Bitou as well as the municipal website www.gardenroute.gov.za.

Persons who are unable to read or write are encouraged to contact the Garden Route District Municipality during ordinary office hours, where they will be assisted to formulate their written comments or objection. For any further enquiries, please contact: Ms M James (IDP Unit: Garden Route District Municipality) at telephone number: 044 803 1431.

M G Stratu
Municipal Manager
Garden Route District Municipality

Click here to download the 2024/2025 IDP Budget & PMS Time Schedule

Click here to download the 2022/2023 Draft Unaudited Annual Report

31 August 2023 Media Statement: Apology for media statement issued 9 March 2023 on legal action against Monde Stratu

Media Statement: Apology for media statement issued 9 March 2023 on legal action against Monde Stratu

For Immediate Release
31 August 2023

On 8 March 2023, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), Municipal Manager Monde Stratu, was ordered to appear before the Knysna Magistrate’s Court on charges relating to the treatment of properties on the financial statements of the GRDM and Knysna Municipality.

In a statement on 9 March 2023, I stated that I was disappointed at how the matter was handled by law enforcement agencies and the Knysna Mayor Aubrey Tsengwa had advised me that Knysna Municipality had agreed not to pursue any dispute over the properties.

I further stated that this was a malicious prosecution, marred with procedural flaws aimed at tainting the reputation of the two municipalities and embarrassing the Municipal Manager.

I unreservedly apologise for not ascertaining the facts regarding the existing dispute and for casting aspersions on the prosecuting authority and complainant/s.

I fully endorse the rule of law and will fully co-operate with any further investigation on the matter to enable the necessary due process to run its course.

Ald. Memory Booysen
Executive Mayor,
Garden Route District Municipality

30 August 2023 Impact Based Weather Warning: Veld Fire Conditions

Impact Based Weather Warning: Veld Fire Conditions

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued an Impact Based Weather warning for Veld Fire conditions valid from today until Thursday, 31 August 2023 (20:00). 

Areas in the Garden Route affected by veldfire conditions include Oudtshoorn and Kannaland.

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

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Legal notice:
“This warning from SA Weather Service must be communicated as received and may not be altered under any circumstance.
It must be forwarded or communicated in its entirety and no portion hereof may be replicated or copied and distributed.”

30 August 2023 Media Release: Tourism Month festivities celebrated in September

Media Release: Tourism Month festivities celebrated in September

For immediate release
30 September 2023

Tourism Month is celebrated annually in September to highlight South Africa’s diverse tourism offerings as well as the sector’s significant contribution to the local economy and job creation.  Inspired by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Tourism Month provides a platform for the South African sector to celebrate, reflect and commemorate its milestones in relation to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Tourism Month festivities are held throughout the country, culminating with the World Tourism Day celebrations which will be hosted on 27 September 2023.

During the month, the following local events and initiatives will be happening in the Garden Route & Klein Karoo:

HESSEQUA

01-03 Sept:  Hessequa Adventure Race
19-23 Sept:  Hessequa Harmonie
22-24 Sept:  Stilbaai Tourism Heritage Day Festival
23 Sept:  Hessequa Heritage Trail Run
29 Sept – 07 Oct:  Stilbaai Fynbos Festival, Stilbaai

KNYSNA

  • A social media competition encouraging participants to share their #NaturallyKnysnaMoments.  Through this competition, participants will have the opportunity to capture and share compelling images that highlight eco-tourism activities, responsible tourism and the harmonious relationship between travellers and the environment.  The competition will run from 01 – 20 September 2023 with the winner to be announced on World Tourism Day.
  • On World Tourism Day (27 September) Visit Knysna will host a “Conserve for Our Future Day” to raise awareness about the environment from 10:00 – 12:00. Speakers from SANParks Honorary Rangers, SANParks, Knysna Municipality’s Environmental Department and Knysna Basic Project will form part of this event.  Amongst the guests will be learners from high schools in the area.

CALITZDORP

  • Zamani Grill will be doing a Guinness World Record attempt from 21 – 24 September 2023 for the Longest Braai in the World.  It will end on Heritage Day (National Braai Day).  All the braai items during the 4 days will be sponsored to the community and people serving the community.
  • The global theme for 2023 as set by the UNWTO, “Tourism and Green Investments”,  Calitzdorp Tourism will be hosting their annual Vetplantfees in September where plant experts will be presenting workshops on: a) how to do plant propagation; and b) container gardening.  Keynote speakers will also teach and address issues regarding preservation of the environment.

GEORGE

  • George municipality has a ‘Focus On’ segment in the George Herald which they are using to highlight tourism experiences according to the WC theme ‘Tourism for Good’.   George Tourism will also be putting similar content in the municipal newsletter to ratepayers.
  • George as a destination is also being featured in the September print edition of Rove SA.

LADISMITH

13 Sept:  Workshop – Developing and marketing the Klein Karoo as an Avitourism destination.
23 Sept:  Streetfood Market
29 -30 Sept:  7 Weekspoort MTB and Trail Run Challenge.
29 Sept – 1 Oct:  Klein Karoo Motorbike Rally

MOSSEL BAY

08 Sept – 15 Oct: Sport & Recreation Festival in Mossel Bay
09 Sept:  The Moss March (beach walk event arranged by the Municipality with assistance of Hartenbos Seefront)
15 Sept:  Touchies Rugby Tournament in Mossel Bay
22 Sept:  Big Boxing event
21-23 Sept:  Muse Festival in Great Brak
29 Sept – 01 Oct:  Kyknet Buite -Ekspo in Hartenbos

PLETT TOURISM

  • As a build up and launch to Tourism Month, the Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities of the Western Cape, Minister Mireille Wegner, celebrated the announcement by the World Cetaceann Alliance (WCA) of Plettenberg Bay being awarded the Whale Heritage Site Status as one of three current Whale Heritage sites in South Africa. The Minister enjoyed a boat launch and up close experiences with these gentle giants on 28 August 2023 in Plettenberg Bay.

20 – 23 Sept:  Dr Evil Classic 3 Day Stage Race
26 Sept:  Bitou Amateur Theatrical Society (BATS) stage production of Fawlty Towers
29 Sept – 08 Oct:  Plett Arts Festival
30 Sept– 01 Oct:  Plett Spring Celebration

ENDS

30 August 2023 Media Release: Nominate Exceptional SMMEs for SATSA Tourism Business Incubator (new slots open)

Media Release: Nominate Exceptional SMMEs for SATSA Tourism Business Incubator (new slots open)

For Immediate Release
30 August 2023

As reported back by Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), David Frost, at yesterday’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), the impact of our Tourism Business Incubator has echoed throughout our industry, inspiring change, and exemplifying the potential within every Small, Medium and Micro Entrepreneurs (SMME).

We are proud of our achievements, our collaborations with key associations like Association of South African Travel Agency (ASATA) and Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (FEDHASA), the incubation of 32 black owned SMMEs, and our support from well-known members including City Lodge Hotel Group, Europcar, New Frontiers, and more.

SATSA’s Tourism Business Incubator, a Non-Profit Company established to help SATSA members and stakeholders implement enterprise and supplier development, shares the mission with others like Anglo American Zimele, to foster growth beyond boundaries.

Now we’re looking ahead to year two of the project, and with ten places having become available, we invite you to play an essential part in this journey by nominating deserving small businesses (with 51% or more black ownership) for our incubation program. Nominees should have a turnover of less than R50 million and be operating for at least one year. Your nominations can elevate these entrepreneurs, contributing to our entire industry’s prosperity.

To nominate an SMME (or yourself-if you meet the requirements), please send the following details to Hannelie Du Toit (hannelie@satsa.co.za) before close of business 1 September 2023:

  1. Business Name
  2. Owner’s Name
  3. Type of business (this can be any type of business within the tourism value chain including services such as laundry, etc.)
  4. Email Address
  5. Mobile Contact Number

For more information, contact Akash Singh (akash@sigmaintl.co.za) from Sigma International.

Issued by: The SATSA Team

ENDS

29 August 2023 Training Opportunities: Clothing Manufacturing Processes NQF Level 1

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES: CLOTHING MANUFACTURING PROCESSES NQF LEVEL 1

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in partnership with the Haggai 2v8 Company, are offering an opportunity to 30 unemployed youth (18-35) who wishes to participate in the Skills programme for a period of 6-months.

Minimum requirements include Communication and Numeracy at ABET level 3.

The applications must be submitted/e-mailed to: admin@gardenroute.gov.za.

The required documentation to be attached include a CV, certified copy of highest qualification, certified copy of ID, proof of residence and bank statement that are less than 3 months old.

Failure to attach the required documents, will result in the application not being considered. 

No faxed application or an application sent to other e- mail addresses other than the email address provided in this advert, will be considered. 

KINDLY NOTE THAT DISABLED PERSONS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.

Application process:

Applications must reach Garden Route District Municipality on/or before 13h30 on Friday, 01 September 2023. Please ensure that all required documentation is attached.

If you have not heard from us by 30 September 2023, please consider your application unsuccessful. 

The Garden Route District Municipality reserves the right not to make or confirm an appointment.

Contact Persons (During office hours):
 Angeline Naidoo – 044 803 1420 / angeline@gardenroute.gov.za
Reginald Salmons – 044 803 1363 / reginald@gardenroute.gov.za

Closing date:    01 September 2023 at 13:30

Notice no: 109/2023

 MG STRATU
MUNICIPAL MANAGER      

Click here to download the Official Advert           

29 August 2023 Impact Based Weather Warning: Veld Fire Conditions

Impact Based Weather Warning: Veld Fire Conditions

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued an Impact Based Weather warning for Veld Fire conditions valid from today until Wednesday, 30 August 2023 (18:00). 

Areas in the Garden Route affected by veldfire conditions include Oudtshoorn and Kannaland.

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

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Legal notice:
“This warning from SA Weather Service must be communicated as received and may not be altered under any circumstance.
It must be forwarded or communicated in its entirety and no portion hereof may be replicated or copied and distributed.”

29 August 2023 Media Release: Skills Mecca gets another strategic partner on-board

Media Release: Skills Mecca gets another strategic partner on board

For Immediate Release
29 August 2023

The socio-economic programme of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), known as the Garden Route Skills Mecca, through its partnerships at local, district, metro, provincial, national, sectoral, and international levels, supports skills development.

On Friday, 25 August 2023 the Garden Route District Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, Heads of Departments from Planning and Economic Development, Lusanda Menze and Corporate Services, Trix Holtzhausen as well as the Skills Mecca team and their partners, the South Cape TVET College and Africa Skills Village, met with a new emerging national partner, the National Business Initiative (NBI).

The NBI as it is known, is a voluntary coalition of South African and multinational companies, working towards sustainable growth and development in South Africa and the shaping of a sustainable future through responsible business action, thereby demonstrating business action for sustainable growth.

One of their many programmes includes the Installation, Repair, and Maintenance (IRM) Initiative which has already been successfully implemented in other parts of the country and has now arrived to support the Garden Route Skills Mecca.

 Initially, the partnership will focus on the rollout of numerous renewable energy interventions, but progressively the partnership will start to build a local Garden Route ecosystem of sustainable small job creation processes in all the strategic focus areas of the Garden Route Growth and Development Strategy.

 This new partnership is a direct outcome of the recent highly successful third Garden Route Skills Summit held in Knysna on 13 July 2023.

-END-

 

29 August 2023 Public Notice: Roll-over Adjustment Budget 2023/2024 – Open for Public Comment

PUBLIC NOTICE: ROLL-OVER ADJUSTMENT BUDGET 2023/2024

Open for Public Comment

Notice is hereby given that the Garden Route District Municipal Council’s Roll-Over 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 Friday, 25 August 2023.

This document is available for public inspection and comments on the GRDM municipal website at www.gardenroute.gov.za.

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
Notice number: 116/2023

Click here to view/download the Official Notice

Click here to view/download the Documents

26 August 2023 Media Release: Executive Mayor Alderman Memory Booysen Supports Local Learners’ Netball Dreams

Media Release:  Executive Mayor Alderman Memory Booysen Supports Local Learners’ Netball Dreams

For Immediate Release
26 August 2023

In a heartwarming display of community support and commitment to youth development, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Executive Mayor, Alderman Memory Booysen, has generously donated funds to two promising learners from Bitou, Asanda Brakfesi and Lakheni Xuba. The beneficiaries, form part of the Eden Development Netball Team, and are ready to represent the region in the upcoming Western Cape Netball Festival.

Lakheni Xuba, a student at Plettenberg Bay Secondary School, and Asanda Brakfesi, who attends Murray High School, was selected to join their peers from George and Mossel Bay. The team, comprising two players from Plettenberg Bay, will be joined by six (6) additional athletes from Mossel Bay and two from George.

Ald. Booysen expressed his excitement at meeting Asanda and Lakheni in person today, during a brief gathering where they were introduced with Mrs. Rosie Mandeka, who will accompany the girls. The Executive Mayor congratulated the young athletes on their well-deserved selection for the Eden Development Netball Team and wished them the best of luck for this weekends Western Cape Development Netball Tournament scheduled to take place in Cape Town.

“I am incredibly proud of the talent exhibited by Asanda Brakfesi and Lakheni Xuba,” said Alderman Booysen. “Supporting their journey in the Eden Netball Team is not only a testament to their hard work, but also a demonstration of our commitment to nurturing local talent and enabling our youth to excel in sports.”

The GRDM remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, empowerment, and inclusivity among its youth.

-End-