Skip to content Skip to left sidebar Skip to footer

Local Government News

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

16 October 2023 Media Alert: Appreciate our EMS personnel by pledging to keep them safe

16 October 2023

Media Alert: Appreciate our EMS personnel by pledging to keep them safe

To commemorate National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Day on 17 October, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness will host several community events in appreciation of the province’s EMS men and women who play critical roles every day in bringing quality health care delivery closer to residents.

On the day, residents can interact with EMS personnel in their districts about service improvements or complaints, as well as write messages on ambulances and pledge their support to keep our province’s EMS personnel safe.

The Department is deeply disturbed by reports of EMS personnel being attacked by the very same community members they are serving. A total of 37 incidents have taken place in 2023, leaving 60 EMS personnel traumatised and disrupting essential healthcare services to the most vulnerable.

Media are invited to attend these EMS appreciation events on 17 October. There will be opportunities for photographs and interviews.

District Location Time
Garden Route Multipurpose Community Centre, Thembalethu 08h00
Central Karoo Shoprite Park, Beaufort West 10h00
Overberg Thusong Community Centre, Grabouw 10h00
West Coast Moorreesburg Community Hall 10h00
Cape Winelands Mountain Mall, Worcester 09h00
Southern Division Watergate Mall, Lentegeur 09h00
Eastern Division Macassar, corner of Burg and Hospital Street 11h30
Northern Division Civic Centre, Delft 11h30
Western Division Town Square, Fish Hoek 11h00

Note to Editors:
Media wishing to attend these events can reach out to Megan Davids.

Contact
Media Liaison, Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness
Email: Megan.Davids@westerncape.gov.za
Mobile: 082 041 5203

Issued: Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness

ENDS

16 October 2023 Media Release: Skills training history made in the Garden Route

Media Release:  Skills training history made in the Garden Route

For Immediate Release
16 October 2023

The first ever Renewable Energy Workshop Assistant programme in South Africa has been completed with learners at the Africa Skills Private College in George. This historic skills training program for 40 learners was financially supported by Energy and Water SETA through the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Skills Mecca programme.

After two months of dedicated theory and workshop training the recipients are now ready to start their workplace learning at host company workplaces in George where they will gain workplace experience and the application of what they’ve learnt in the identification, selection and care for hand and power tools in the Renewable Energy industry, as well as health, safety and environmental requirements.

At the Achievement Ceremony Elsie Harmse, CEO of UXi Artisan Development said that local expansion in this field is opening job opportunities for recipients with “the right attitude and a willingness to be diligent and dedicated to hard work.”

“As skills training institutes, we can change many lives, but it fully depends on the needs of the economy for specific skills. Africa Skills, within our group has been the first institution ever receiving accreditation to offer this highly demanded skills qualification,” Harmse said.

Keynote speaker, Dr Florus Prinsloo, Coordinator of the Garden Route Skills Mecca said learning must take place in an environment where there is economic growth.  ” We are fortunate in the Garden Route that all our municipalities and many stakeholders support learning and the economy is still showing growth. “

He reiterated that learning and training must always be linked to economic development, “and for you as Renewable Energy workers it is important to note that new solar businesses are being considered all over the Garden Route including a proposal to build a solar farm next to the François Ferreira Academy on Airport Road, George.”

Dr Prinsloo encouraged the successful learners to consider starting their small businesses as entrepreneurs. He welcomed the initiatives taken to support training and the possibility of becoming business owners through dedication and focus.

Vanessa Taylor a National Business Institute (NBI) advisor encouraged them to keep entrepreneurial opportunities in mind. “We are looking for people within your group who are excited about the development of their own small businesses and have the potential to start small and grow a sustainable shop or business in this area.”

Dr Prinsloo added: “We have already started targeting 30 existing small businesses in the Garden Route and will help them to grow and become successful. Remember, as they grow bigger, they can again provide jobs and grow the economy of George, the Garden Route and nationally.”

To ease their entry into the world of work, Hardu Els from Outeniqua Solar told the recipients that “the way in which you present yourself to a potential employer holds the key to employment in the industry. Your dedication and commitment will be recognized as this is very important. Make yourself an asset to the company.”

Dr Prinsloo acknowledged every recipient as a winner and encouraged them to never stop learning in their industry of choice. He shared Albert Einstein’s wisdom: “The day you stop learning is the day you start dying. So, it is important that you continue learning, be it in classrooms, browsing the internet, reading books or around a ‘braai’ where you learn things which you learn nowhere else.

Featured image caption: Learners off to workplaces to gain work-integrated experience.

END

16 October 2023 Media Release: Discussions on creating hope with urgency

Media Release:  Discussions on creating hope with urgency

For Immediate Release
16 October 2023

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Integrated Development Planning, Intergovernmental Relations and Public Participation Unit reactivated the Citizen Interface Programme on 11 October 2023 in partnership with the Department of Local Government.   This was a full-day interactive session at the GRDM offices in George.

The programme aims to give hope to neglected communities with urgency, through bridging the gap between government and citizens in deep rural areas where communities feel forgotten.  The Citizen Interface Programme will focus on the lack of opportunities in some of the former District Management Areas (DMAs), Old church settlements, and other spaces. This programme follows a whole of society approach which is also aligned with the Joint District and Metro Approach. 

During the engagement, the current Citizen Interface Programme was reviewed, and the different programmes and activities that could be used to restart and assist the Citizen Interface program was identified.

Among the stakeholders who attended the engagement were officials from the Western Cape Department of Health, Social Development, Government Communication and Information System, and local municipalities in the district.

Participants from different sectors engaged in interactive discussion to find ways to restart the Citizen Interface Programme.

-End-

13 October 2023 Media Release: GRDM co-coordinates another Film Famtrip with some attendees from as far as USA

Media Release: GRDM co-coordinates another Film Famtrip with some attendees from as far as USA

For immediate release
13 October 2023

As part of the Growth & Development Strategy for the Garden Route which was approved on 20 March 2021, and the Sustainable tourism cluster that flows from it, the Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism Unit of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), identified the film industry as an economic stimulant to potentially promote the Garden Route & Klein Karoo as the preferred tourism and film destination globally.

The GRDM received a request to assist with arranging a Famtrip for October. This led to a diverse delegation officially being welcomed by the GRDM Executive Mayor, Ald. Memory Booysen, in Bitou on 11 October. The Famtrip will conclude in Mossel Bay on 18 October 2023.

The following representatives form part of the trip:

  • Jennifer Farris – LMGI – Atlanta, USA;
  • Kate Beall – LMGI – New York, USA;
  • Joseph Mennella – LMGI – Boston, New York;
  • Lwazi Mvusi – Rous House, South Africa;
  • Shadley Lombard – Moonlighting / Know Associates;
  • Khanyeza Khanyeza – Moonlighting / Know Associates;
  • Thamebi Zikalala – SA Film Chronicles; and
  • Azania Muendane – Locations Africa.

Location Africa, a private sector entity, are set up to facilitate the promotion of Africa as a filming destination of choice. They are looking primarily at high-end producers locally, abroad and inter-continental to use the various regions of the continent as film locations.

The more the producers experience, the better they are able to imagine what can be produced in the region without having to cheat the location elsewhere, in post-production, or in studios. This ensures that they have a full idea of what is achievable in the region and thus promoting the Garden Route as a film-friendly destination

ENDS

11 October 2023 Media Release: Health Professional Council of South Africa (HPCSA) on roadshow in the Garden Route

Media Release: Health Professional Council of South Africa (HPCSA) on roadshow in the Garden Route

For immediate release
11 October 2023

Health Professional Council of South Africa (HPCSA) roadshow focused on the Garden Route

The Health Professional Council is a statutory body established in Terms of the Health Professions Act, 56 of 1974, to protect the public and guide professions related to the Act.

As part of their yearly roadshow, board members of the Environmental Health Profession visited the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) on Monday, 2 October 2023, to engage with management regarding the future of Environmental Health. In attendance were also the GRDM Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, Chief Financial Officer, Rian Boshoff, Manager, Municipal Health and Environmental Health Services, Johan Compion and GRDM Chief Environmental Health Practitioners of the various regions within the Garden Route. This engagement discussed the scope of the profession of Environmental Health, continued professional development (CPD) and Community Services for students.

On Tuesday, 3 October 2023 a conference was held as part of the roadshow, which was also attended by Environmental Health Professionals. The event took place at Oubaai Hotel and Resort, George.  The programme included presentations on current issues affecting the health and wellbeing of communities and the issue if illegal dumping, especially the illegal dumping sites, which is a country wide challenge. The need for research regarding illegal dumping was identified.

The rest of the presentations included ethical behaviour and decision-making by Environmental Health Practitioners registered with the HPCSA.

The HPCSA in conjunction with the twelve (12) professional boards that function under its jurisdiction including Environmental Health; and the Association is committed to:

  • Promote the health of South Africa’s population.
  • Determine standards of professional education and training.
  • Setting and monitoring fair standards of professional practice.

Feature Image: Environmental Health Practitioners attended the HPCSA roadshow in George.

ENDS

6 October 2023 Media Release: A ‘first of its kind for Garden Route District Municipality’ – Pilot Programme for Occupational Firefighter Training

Media Release: A ‘first of its kind for Garden Route District Municipality’ – Pilot Programme for Occupational Firefighter Training

For immediate release
6 October 2023

After receiving accreditation to be a Skills Development Provider from the Quality Council for Trades and Occupation (QCTO) in the latter part of 2022, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) officially kicked off its pilot Occupational Firefighter Training programme to 24 aspiring firefighters.

The programme recently commenced at the Municipality’s Calitzdorp Hot Springs Resort, 25km from Calitzdorp, and will conclude in June 2024.

This is a milestone for the GRDM. Key stakeholder, the QCTO, plays a significant role in promoting and supporting quality occupational training and development in South Africa, ultimately contributing to a skilled and productive workforce.  The main aim of QCTO is to ensure that occupational training and qualifications, in this case the one relating to firefighting, is relevant to industry needs and align with national standards.

The participants who are currently undergoing the training programme represent all seven (7) municipal areas of the GRDM, including Bitou, Knysna, George, Oudtshoorn, Mossel Bay, Kannaland and Hessequa Municipal areas.

The programme comprises of knowledge modules, practical modules as well as a workplace-based component where students are required to apply the knowledge and practical skills. The skills and knowledge are applied through relevant assignments and ultimately aid them in reaching the required exit level outcomes.

GRDM’s lead facilitator is Platoon Commander Brian Afrikander, supported by a Skills Mecca Administrator.

At this stage, the training programme is going well and as per schedule.

ENDS

Feature Photo: GRDM’s Lead Facilitator and Platoon Commander, Brian Afrikander (11th from right), with participants of the pilot Occupational Firefighter Training programme

6 October 2023 Media Release: GRDM’s Environmental Health Practitioners conduct Health and Hygiene sessions in Knysna

Media Release: GRDM’s Environmental Health Practitioners conduct Health and Hygiene sessions in Knysna

For immediate release
6 October 2023

Recently, Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Environmental Health Practitioner (EHP) from Knysna reached out and presented health and hygiene training sessions to early childhood development facilities in their region.

Mendy Tyhawana, GRDM’s EHP, conducted sessions at the northern area of Knysna, as well as at Isiseko Creche situated in the Damsebos residential area.

More than 50 children and their caretakers participated in the sessions. The focus area was again the washing of hands and overall hygiene practices.

The following topics were addressed during the session:

Why is it important to wash hands?

Handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of bacteria and is one of the most important steps to take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.

What are good and bad bacteria, and bad bacteria – how do these affect humans?

  • Most types of bacteria are not harmful, and some are even helpful.
  • Some bacteria, called pathogens, can cause infections that require treatment with antibiotics. Harmful bacteria e.g., salmonella and E. coli can cause illness.

When should hands be washed?

  • Before, during and after preparing food.
  • Before and after eating food.
  • Before and after caring for someone at home.
  • Before treating an open wound.
  • After using the toilet.
  • After changing diapers.
  • After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste.
  • After touching waste.

What are the IMPORTANT steps linked to washing hands properly?

  •  Wet hands with clean, preferably running water.
  • Apply enough soap to cover all surfaces of hands and wrists.
  • Rub hands together briskly and thoroughly. Make sure to scrub all surfaces of hands, fingertips, fingernails, and wrists.
  • Scrub hands and wrists for at least 20 seconds.
  • Rinse hands and wrists under clean, preferably running water.
  • Dry hands and wrists with a clean towel or let them air-dry.
  • Use a towel to turn off the tap.

Ends