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 todayuntil Saturday, 09 September 2023 (18:00).
Areas in the Garden Route affected by veldfire conditions include Kannaland and Oudtshoorn.
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.”
Impact Based Warnings for Western Cape: Yellow Level 1 for Damaging Winds and Yellow Level 4 for Damaging Waves
The Cape Town Weather Office has issued two weather warnings, nl: (1)Yellow Level 1 for Damaging Winds valid from Saturday, 9 September until Sunday, 10 September 2023 and Yellow Level 4 for Damaging Waves valid from Sunday, 10 September until Monday, 11 September 2023.
Areas in the Garden Route district affected by Damaging Winds include Kannaland, Bitou, George, Hessequa, Knysna, Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn.
Areas in the Garden Route district affected by Damaging Waves include Bitou, George, Hessequa, Knysna, and Mossel Bay.
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.”
Report weather-related incidents to the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at 044 805 5071.
Media Release: Environmental Health Practitioners of the Klein Karoo supports ECD Centres with health and hygiene education
For Immediate Release
5 September 2023
The Municipal Health Services section of the Klein Karoo region engaged with members of the Klein Karoo Early Childhood Development (ECD) Forum to discuss current health legislation applicable to childcare facilities in terms of the National environmental health norms and standards for premises and acceptable monitoring standards for environmental health practitioners (24 December 2015) and GRDM Municipal Health By-Laws of 10 December 2018 promulgated under the National Health Act, (Act 61 of 2003).
Health and hygiene education provided by EHPs is essential for preventing disease, improving health, and influencing lifelong behavioural change among children. Education on health and hygiene plays a significant role in supporting the holistic development of children. According to the World Health Organisation, providing children with adequate access to water, sanitation and hygiene is one of the most effective ways to survive. By improving key hygiene behaviours, such as ensuring safe drinking water, proper hand hygiene, and effective sanitation, EHPs believe that promoting health and hygiene improvement is a comprehensive way to prevent childhood diseases like diarrhoea.
The EHPs conducted Health and Hygiene education sessions at créches in Oudtshoorn and Kannaland on 29 August 2023, with an emphasis on:
– the importance of handwashing;
– correct handwashing methods;
– a clean environment; and
– personal hygiene.
EHPs remain committed to educating the public and remain steadfast in their belief that prevention is better than cure.
Did you know?
Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) are appointed in terms of the National Health Act (Act 61 of 2003) and registered as such in terms of the Health Professions Act (Act 56 of 1974)? In order to ensure compliance with this act, EHPs have the authority to enter any premises, excluding private dwellings. EHPs may enter Early Childhood Development (ECD) premises for the purpose of conducting inspections, conducting environmental health investigations, and also providing health education to pre-schools, child care centres so that environmental health can be strengthened.
Ikanya Hendricks and Maxwelline Fatuse with educators and children at Marius Fransman Day Care Center in Ladismith.
Elizna Cairncross, EHP, with educators and children from the Sionsberg creche in Oudtshoorn.
Desmond Paulse, Manager Municipal Health Services of the Klein Karoo Region, with Klein Karoo Early Childhood Development Forum management and members.
Afrikaans
Die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM) se Omgewingsgesondheidspraktisyns wat werksaam is in die Klein-Karoo-streek (Oudtshoorn en omliggende areas), het onlangs met die Klein-Karoo Vroeë Kinderontwikkeling Forum-lede vergader, om die huidige gesondheidswetgewing van toepassing op kindersorgfasiliteite te bespreek. Hierdie samekoms was belangrik vir bespreking van huidige wetgewing soos van toepassing op kindersorgfasiliteite in terme van die TDM se Munisipale Gesondheidsverordeninge van 10 Desember 2018 en Aanvaarbare Moniteringstandaarde vir Omgewingsgesondheidspraktisyns (24 Desember 2015) gepromulgeer onder die Nasionale Gesondheidswet (Wet 61 van 2003).
Die Omgewingsgesondheidspraktisyns het op 29 Augustus 2023, Gesondheid- en Higiëne opvoedingsessies by kleuterskole in Oudtshoorn en Kannaland aangebied, met die klem op:
– die belangrikheid van handewas;
– die korrekte handewasmetodes;
– ‘n skoon omgewing; en
– persoonlike higiëne.
Die Omgewingsgesondheidspraktisyns bly daartoe verbind om die publiek op te voed en standvastig in hul oortuiging dat voorkoming beter is as genesing.
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Featured image caption: EHP Ikanya Hendricks demonstrates the correct hand-washing method to learners at Excelsior Primary School in Calitzdorp.
Media Release: Sod-Turning event marks a milestone for Regional Waste Management Facility
For Immediate Release 04 September 2023
In a significant step towards more sustainable waste management practices, the official sod-turning ceremony for the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Regional Waste Management Facility was held on Friday, 1 September 2023. The journey to this milestone began back in 2006 when investigations and processes for establishing the Regional Landfill Site commenced.
Sharing in this historic and groundbreaking occasion, were Executive Mayors and Municipal Managers and across the district, the GRDM Mayoral Committee Members and officials, representatives from National and Provincial Government, as well as engineering consultants and stakeholders from Standard Bank, Tefla and Zutari.
During his address, Municipal Manager of GRDM, Monde Stratu, gave a thorough background about the project. He explained: “Local municipalities have reached a point where their waste management sites have become exhausted, which is why this regional waste management facility is being constructed”. Further to this he said: “It was a blessing in disguise that the initial model did not realise as it saved GRDM millions of rands.
Ald. Memory Booysen, Executive Mayor for GRDM proudly turns the first sod.
GRDM Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, turning the sod after a few years of anticipating this exciting day.
Stratu particularly commended the GRDM officials who have been driving the project to this point. “The resilience and commitment of all involved are paying off. And today, it is time to celebrate – despite what happened, we are still delivering on our promises,” Stratu emphasised.
GRDM Executive Mayor, Aldrman Memory Booysen with key political figures of the participating municipalities.
Executive Mayor, Ald. Memory Booysen with all politicians present at the Sod-Turning Ceremony.
In his remarks at the event, the Head of Public Sector- SA at Standard Bank, Timothy Mtlatla, spoke passionately about Standard Bank’s support to GRDM’s commitment towards green energy. He said: “Our institution remains focused on its purpose; our commitment is a profound purpose and is underscored by the meaningful impact to the community. We are serving the sector that serves us”. Adding to these words, Mtlatla highlighted that the event is a remarkable example and testament of good working relations. And for this reason, he said: “With this initiative, we foresee a future that is cleaner and healthier for all communities we serve”. Representatives from Tefla and Zutari also delivered their messages of commitment to the project.
Executive Mayors and Deputy Mayors from the local municipalities that were present, also shared words of support on behalf of their respective municipalities. Deputy Mayor of Mossel Bay, Cllr Cliffie Bayman, referred to this day as a significant step that is taken towards more sustainable waste management and environmental practices in a changing world of climatic changes and the now more common outbreaks of communicable diseases. With these words, he added that this event deserved to be on the 1 September, as it is the 1st day of Spring. He highlighted that “this is a season for new beginnings and the reason in which our environment shows the fruit of hard work – work that we have put in during the winter months”. Bayman in addition reiterated that Mossel Bay Municipality will take accountability with the GRDM to ensure that the objective of the facility is reached. In conclusion he said that Mossel Bay is a proud partner in full support of the project and therefore they are eager to see many benefits such as employment deriving from the facility.
Knysna Executive Mayor, Cllr Aubrey Tswenga, in his congratulatory speech to GRDM and participating municipalities, said: “Thank you for making the Regional Waste Management Facility a reality”. Tswenga, however, mentioned that more work still lies ahead to educate communities about waste management. “As municipalities,” he said that “we need to educate our communities to reduce waste to landfills. Further to this he urged the GRDM on behalf of Knysna, to continue to roll-out a regional educational programme to extend the lifespan of the facility.
Bitou’s Deputy Executive Mayor, Cllr Mavis Basukwe, during her words of support, said: “Bitou took a decision to participate in the project fully understanding the implications and consequences we would face from our communities and ratepayers”. As a result of showing leadership and the fact that Bitou fitted the cost implication in their budget over the years, she emphasised that “it is indeed pleasing to see the site is now finally under construction”. She thanked all participating municipalities and said that without them, the project would not have been feasible for Bitou alone and would have left Bitou in a serious predicament.
Executive Mayor of GRDM, in his keynote address extended warm words of gratitude to the service provider and consulting engineer, Tefla and Zutari, as well as to Standard Bank and participating municipalities for this legacy project. In unpacking his statement, Mayor Booysen added: “After today it won’t only be a legacy project anymore, but also a catalytic project, meaning that this project is a catalyst of what is coming”.
Mayor Booysen further referred to the realities of working together as stakeholders and said: “It is not easy for different municipalities to work today, as there are many aspects that can hamper initiatives such as this project. However, he commended Mossel Bay Municipality, especially Municipal Manager Collin Puren, for setting the tone on how government can work together and how intergovernmental relations should be executed. To the Deputy Executive Mayor of Mossel Bay, Cllr Bayman he said: “You went as far as advising us,” to safeguard a less complicated process. Given the background of the project, Mayor Booysen urged councillors, professionals, and ward councillors to be decisive when decisions are made. “When we are decisive,” he said: “The ratepayers would back us up, because they would then understand what they are paying for and not making their own assumptions”. He elaborated that whenever a proposal is on the table, councillors would ask “how the project is going to affect the rates and taxes”. He advised: “It is our duty as politicians to go and explain to the taxpayers and ratepayers why we are doing what we do and why are we making the decisions in terms of what it will cost them”.
An Inaugural Site Meeting and Commencement of Works took place on the 13th of June 2023, which saw the official handover of the site to the appointed contractor, Tefla Group (Pty) Ltd. Over the following weeks, the site was established, benchmarks were verified by a surveyor on July 11, and the refurbishment of an existing farmhouse, set to become the site offices, is nearing completion. Clear and grub operations, excavations and material stockpiling is underway on the access roads and on Cell 1A.
The Regional Waste Management Facility, once complete, will include a domestic waste cell (Class B) and a separate hazardous waste cell (Class A) to accommodate low and medium-hazard-rated hazardous waste. Other infrastructure elements encompass roads, stormwater pipelines, leachate storage dams, contaminated stormwater dams, offices, laboratories, weighbridges, workshops, and security infrastructure. The project also includes a 3-hectare portion that will be used for a waste tyre recycling facility. Both the Domestic Waste Cell 1 and the Hazardous Waste Cell will have a lifespan of approximately of 20 – 25 years.
The project’s timeline are as follows:
Construction Tender Closure (concluded) – October 25, 2022
Finalization of Debt Agreement (concluded) – July 2023
Contractor on Site (concluded) – July 2023
Operations & Maintenance Tender Award – October / November 2023
Completion of Phase 1 – February 2024
Estimated Completion of Project – March 2025
The sod-turning event heralds the beginning of a cleaner and healthier future for the Garden Route region.
Feature Image: Sharing in this historic and groundbreaking occasion, were Executive Mayors and Municipal Managers and across the district, the GRDM Mayoral Committee Members and officials, representatives from National and Provincial Government, as well as engineering consultants and stakeholders from Standard Bank, Tefla and Zutari.
GRDM Employees ecstatic after the sod was turned. With them is Mossel Bay Municipal Manager, Colin Puren.
GRDM Executive Mayor, Ald. Memory Booysen with his Chief of Staff, Siphiwe Dladla (left), GRDM Strategic Manager, Thembani Loliwe (Second from left) and GRDM Project Manager, Passmore Dongi (right).
GRDM Executive Mayor, Ald. Memory Booysen shows his ‘thumbs up’ with machinery in the backdrop at the Regional Waste Management Facility.
A walk-about was done shortly after the sod-turning.
One of the machines on-site at the Regional Waste Management Facility.
GRDM Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, next to Ald. Memory Booysen, GRDM Executive Mayor.
GRDM Fire Chief, Deon Stoffels and Chief Financial Officer, Rian Boshoff, were also present.
Councillors present during the proceedings.
GRDM Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu.
In the foreground, GRDM Speaker, Ald. Georlene Wolmarans.
Johan Gie, GRDM Waste Management Manager was the programme director of the day.
A Message Of Support was shared by Bitou Municipality Deputy Executive Mayor, Cllr Mavis Busakwe.
A Message Of Support was delivered by Cllr Cliffie Bayman, Deputy Executive Mayor from Mossel Bay Municipality.
A Message Of Support was delivered by Knysna Municipality’s Executive Mayor, Cllr Aubrey Tsengwa.
Ald. Memory Booysen delivers his Commitment to Service Delivery address.
GRDM Deputy Executive Mayor, Ald. Gert van Niekerk delivered the Vote of Thanks and Closing Remarks.
Media Release: Early heat waves hints at sweltering summer and increased fire risk in the Southern Cape
For Immediate Release 4 September 2023
“Weather patterns have been playing havoc globally in 2023 with extreme temperatures affecting large parts of Europe and America where record high temperatures were reached in many places and where communities were exposed to heat and drought waves which on many occasions lasted several consecutive days, limiting outdoor activities and placing demands on resources to bring relief,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum.
In Canada for example, but much like in Tenerife and Greece and elsewhere where thousands had to be evacuated, high temperatures led to completely out of control wild fires, and large parts of Alberta is still burning at this moment following the destructing of some 15 million hectares with several towns being evacuated and infrastructure destroyed, with South Africa being one of the countries sending teams of trained fire fighters to assist where they can in bring the situation under control.
Smutsville burning (Edge Community photo and satellite imagery)
The Southern Cape is just emerging from a very cold and wet winter, and the warm days experienced during August, which normally is a very cold month, did bring relief in some ways.
Unfortunate the recent high temperatures in the Southern Cape combined with strong wind is synonymous with increased risk of wild fire disasters, as the extremely unfortunate Smutsville fire at Sedgefield is a typical example of where some forty informal dwellings were destroyed in a matter of hours even with fire services on the scene.
Hot and dry winds are merciless in the way it dries out vegetation of moisture in very short time and all it requires is a reckless spark for a wild fire to erupt and burn out of control within an hour if not contained at the source as soon as possible, hence the term “golden hour” used by fire fighters stressing the importance of rapid response when dealing with wild fire and the urgency to not allow a fire to open up an indefendable fire line as experienced recently in the Free State and of course the Knysna and Plettenberg Bay fires.
Whilst climate cycles such as El Nina and El Nino are difficult to predict accurately in terms of their impact, it can safely be said that the former is associated with wet seasons and the latter with dry spells with high temperatures, which would indicate that the Southern Cape is due for a dry hot summer, although the climate in the region is still in transition as El Nino has not yet firmed up to full effect.
What we do know from previous experience in the Southern Cape is that we should rather err on the side of caution and focus on reducing water use, and landowners should do their utmost to ensure that their fire breaks and fire preparedness protocols and measures are in place, knowing that after an extremely wet winter biomass regrowth will be aggressive and encroach on home steads and infrastructure.
Featured Image Caption: Some 40 informal houses and structure were destroyed by an out- of control fire during hot and windy conditions/ satellite imagery indicates American and African areas affected by above average heat.
The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for regional conservation and environmental management entities, and a think tank for climate change.
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
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
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 todayuntil 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.”
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:
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
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:
Business Name
Owner’s Name
Type of business (this can be any type of business within the tourism value chain including services such as laundry, etc.)
Email Address
Mobile Contact Number
For more information, contact Akash Singh (akash@sigmaintl.co.za) from Sigma International.
Report weather-related incidents to the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at 044 805 5071.
Areas in the Garden Route district affected by Damaging Waves include Bitou, George, Hessequa, Knysna, and Mossel Bay.
Legal notice:
Report weather-related incidents to the
