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4 July 2023: Media Statement: Condemnation of Crime – Ald. Memory Booysen, GRDM Executive Mayor

Media Statement: Condemnation of Crime – Ald. Memory Booysen, GRDM Executive Mayor

For Immediate Release
4 July 2023

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) condemns all forms of crime and we are deeply troubled by violent murders that continue to take place in our region and beyond. The most recent local murder is that of Ruan Hechter on 2 July at Saasveld in George.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to the grieving families, friends, and colleagues of everyone who have been murdered.

As the Executive Mayor of GRDM, I strongly denounce such senseless acts and call upon the South African Police Services (SAPS) to ensure that the perpetrators face the full force of the law.

When assessing the past six months, we have lost, amongst other areas several George residents due to violent crimes:

  • Zimkhitha Ntshisela was stabbed to death at Nelson Mandela University in George, in June 2023.
  • Juwayne Domingo was murdered in Pacaltsdorp, George, in May 2023.
  • Karen Fleming was killed by her husband in Bodorp, George, in April 2023.
  • Lihle Tshaka was murdered in Zone 9, Thembalethu in March 2023.
  • Welele Mbudede from Thembalethu, George, was murdered in March 2023.

Last week in Bitou, a resident was beheaded in Kwanokuthula. Oudtshoorn also lost Almay Hurling in April 2023 after she was murdered by her boyfriend. At the Dysselsdorp/De Rust road near Rosevalley in Oudtshoorn in March 2023, a 60-year-old man was found murdered in a vehicle by the driver. In 2022, Kirsty James was stabbed 30 times by a close friend at her workplace in Mossel Bay, and Heila Kilian, was murdered on her farm in 2018 near Still Bay.

According to SAPS, between October and December last year 7 555 murders were reported in South Africa. This equates to 82 murders every day and an increase on the same period in the previous year of 74 per day.

LOCAL COMMUNITY SAFETY FORUMS ESTABLISHED

Over the past few months, GRDM has taken action by coordinating the establishment of Local Community Safety Forums throughout the district, with the exception of Knysna who are yet to submit a safety plan. These safety forums serve as platforms for municipalities to access funding for effective crime prevention initiatives. The development of these safety plans is essential as they serve as comprehensive guidelines for our towns to proactively combat crime. By prioritising community safety, we aim to create an environment where individuals can flourish and realise their full potential, free from the fear of falling victim to crime.

Stakeholders and Councillors recently attended and participated in the launch of the Community Safety Forum held in Greater Oudtshoorn. Photo: Tania Steffens (Oudtshoorn Municipality).

In addition to our focus on safety plans, GRDM remains dedicated to enhancing the work carried out by neighborhood watches and farm watchers. We have donated surveillance cameras and various resources to active community groups in George, Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn and Knysna, to bolster their efforts in safeguarding our communities.

GRDM encourages communities to join their respective neighbourhood watches whose details can be accessed by contacting local police stations. Also, members of the public are welcome to contact their local municipalities to join their Local Community Safety Forums.

GRDM stands firm in its commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents. We will continue to work with law enforcement agencies, community organisations, and local residents to foster a secure environment for all.

ENDS

3 July 2023 Media Release: Garden Route DM and Standard Bank Sign Loan Agreement for Regional Landfill Construction

Garden Route DM and Standard Bank Sign Loan Agreement for Regional Landfill Construction

For Immediate Release
3 July 2023

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) signed a critical loan agreement with Standard Bank of South Africa for an amount of R278 249 907,00 today at its Council Chambers in George. This loan will be utilised for the construction of the GRDM regional waste management facility, which will initially serve the municipalities of Bitou, Knysna, George, and Mossel Bay.

According to Monde Stratu, GRDM Municipal Manager: “The funding will now enable the construction of the regional waste management facility, providing an essential waste management solution for the four participating municipalities.” “A site handover meeting was held with the Tefla Group (Pty) Ltd on 13 June 2023, which means the project is on track as planned.”

“Today is quite an exciting moment for us and I never thought it would happen in my tenure here at the GRDM. It was not an easy process to get to this point,” said Stratu.

In witnessing the event, Junaid Sonday, Standard Bank Provincial Head: Public Sector, said: “Standard Bank has an excellent track record in partnering with Local Government in the Garden Route.”

Sonday emphasised that Standard Bank’s support goes beyond mere profitability and is dedicated to prioritising what is good for the community, which is one of the reasons why Standard Bank granted GRDM the loan.

He also shared how impressed they were at Standard Bank with the previous Acting Chief Financial Officer, Thembani Loliwe’s comments during an engagement around credit risks. He said: “Thembani Loliwe was instrumental in adding value to credit risk committee discussions, swiftly identifying and addressing risk factors within the first few minutes after deliberations started”.

The group present during the historical moment (FLTR): Rian Boshoff (GRDM Chief Financial Officer), Thembani Loliwe (GRDM Strategic Manager), Charl Martin (GRDM Manager: Income, Bank Reconciliation, Expenditure & Remuneration), Junaid Sonday (Standard Bank Provincial Head: Public Sector), Adv. Nadiema Davids (GRDM Manager: Legal Services), Monde Stratu (GRDM MM), Gerrit du Toit (Standard Bank Account Executive), Clive Africa (GRDM Executive Manager: Community Services), Adv. Sinekaya Maqekeni (GRDM Manager: Integrated Support Services and Legal Compliance), John Godfrey Daniels (GRDM Executive Manager: Roads Services), Ayakha Magxotwa (GRDM IDP Officer) and Lusanda Menze (GRDM Executive Manager, Planning and Economic Development).

The publication of the Public Participation about the loan agreement was approved and concluded in December 2022. During the negotiations, Standard Bank requested that participating Municipalities provide council resolutions confirming their support and participation in the project. These resolutions were sourced from the participating Municipalities, namely Bitou, Knysna, George, and Mossel Bay Municipality. Furthermore, GRDM enters into section 33 of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) agreements with participating municipalities.

The GRDM expresses its gratitude to all stakeholders involved in the loan agreement process, including Standard Bank and the participating Municipalities. Their cooperation and support have been instrumental in reaching this significant milestone.

The project timeline is as follows:

  • Contractor on-site:  June 2023
  • Completion of Phase 1: February 2024
  • Estimated completion of project: March 2025

Related media releases:

Feature image caption: An exciting and historical moment for GRDM and Standard Bank shortly after a loan of R278 249 907,00 was signed. Pictured is Junaid Sonday, Standard Bank Provincial Head: Public Sector with Monde Stratu, GRDM Municipal Manager.

ENDS

3 July 2023 Media Release: Garden Route DM Unveils New Slogan – Your Route to Prosperity

Media Release: Garden Route DM Unveils New Slogan – Your Route to Prosperity

For Immediate Release
3 July 2023

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Council recently adopted a new slogan that reflects the municipality’s vision of becoming the leading, enabling, and inclusive district, characterised by equitable and sustainable development, high quality of life, and equal opportunities for all. The new slogan, “Your Route to Prosperity,” captures the essence of GRDM’s commitment to creating a prosperous and thriving community.

The slogan was developed in three languages of the Western Cape, which are expressed as follows:

“Jou roete na vooruitgang” (Afrikaans)

“Indlela yakho eya empumelelweni” (Xhosa)

“Your route to prosperity” (English)

The new slogan symbolises the pathway the GRDM is trying to create for all Garden Routers to have equal access to opportunities that lead to personal growth and a prosperous future.

Learn more about Garden Route District Municipality here.

Some of the achievements of the GRDM over the past two financial years include:

2022/23

  • Oudtshoorn wins ‘IQ Air Least polluted city in Africa’.
  • GRDM Communication team wins ‘SALGA Most Updated Social Media Platforms’ award.
  • GRDM is identified as the municipality with one of the most simplified IDPs in the Western Cape.
  • GRDM develops the first-ever Municipal Health Dashboard in South Africa.
  • Municipal Health Dashboard presented on SALGA TV.

2021/22

  • Knysna wins ‘Best Dorpie’ in Kfm’s Best of the Cape Awards.
  • Clean Audit Opinion 2021/22.
  • Emile Conrad achieves 10th position at World Firefighter Games.
  • COGTA awards GRDM with the Second best One-Plan developed by the district.

ENDS

3 July 2023 Media Release: Garden Route Skills Summit and Careers Festival to be hosted in Knysna

Media Release: Garden Route Skills Summit and Careers Festival to be hosted in Knysna

For immediate release
3 July 2023

Skills Summit 13 July 2023 – Knysna High School

The Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM), a product of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), together with stakeholders, will on 13 July 2023 host a Garden Route Skills Summit at the Knysna High School in Knysna. The event will host Provincial and National Government Departments, the various Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) and the Private Sector to deliberate and discuss progress made in relation to the implementation of the Skills Mecca. This is a by-invitation-only event.

The Summit further promises an opportunity for a few innovative proposals to be presented by stakeholders working with local municipalities on employment-based skills development projects, and give stakeholders the opportunity to debate on how they can take the Garden Route Skills Mecca to the next level of development.

Focus will also be given to the emerging Western Cape Provincial Growth for Jobs Strategy, Primary Focus area 7 – Improved Access to Economic Opportunities and Employability and how the Skills Mecca process can integrate the implementation of the strategy with the work already being done by the Skills Mecca. This will allow for the implementation of skills development projects that is aligned to the Garden Route Growth and Development Strategy.

The deliberations at the Summit will also feed into discussions that will be take place the next day at the Premier Council on Skills at the same venue, the Knysna High School.

Careers Festival 13 – 14 July 2023 – Knysna High School Sports Ground

Hosted by the Western Cape Community Education and Training College (WCCETC), the festival aims to give over 2000 unemployed individuals and school-going youth the opportunity to engage with SETAs, as well as public and private training providers.

With many local schools in Knysna and surrounds bringing their learners, the WCCETC expects to attract 32 exhibitors that have various training and personal development programmes available to eligible applicants.

This initiative by the Garden Route District Municipality and its Garden Route Skills Mecca is funded by Services SETA and is an open-to-the-public-event taking place at the Knysna High School.

“Garden Route District Municipality, Your route to prosperity”

ENDS

29 June 2023 Public Notice: MFMA Section 116(3) for the Proposed Amendment of Existing Contract: Professional Services for the Establishment of the Regional Waste Management Facility – Open for Comments

Public Notice: Notice in terms of MFMA Section 116(3) for the Proposed Amendment of Existing Contract: Professional Services for the Establishment of the Regional Waste Management Facility – Open for Comments

Notice is hereby given in terms of Section 116 (3) (a) and (b) of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (Act 56 of 2003) that it is the intention of the Garden Route District Municipality to amend the following existing contract:

Tender Number
GRDM/29/20-21

DESCRIPTION
Provision of Professional Services for the Design, Drafting of Tender Documentation and Contracts Supervision for New Regional Waste Management Facility and Associated Infrastructure to be Established for Garden Route District Municipality

SUPLLIER NAME
Zutari (PTY) Ltd.

AMENDMENT
As per Council Item F1 which served at the Special Council Meeting held on 9 June 2023. 

Notice is hereby further given in terms of Section 21 and 21A of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act 32 of 2000) that the local community and affected parties are invited to submit comments or representations on the proposed amendment of the existing contract with Zutari (Pty) Ltd.

The reasons for the amendment and variation of the existing contract have been considered and accepted by the Municipal Council at its special Council meeting held on 09 June 2023 under item F1 of which a copy will be made available to all interested parties on request via the e-mail address indicated below.

Such comments or representations must be submitted by no later than 13 July 2023 at 12:00. Comments or representations must be submitted in a sealed envelope clearly endorsed “COMMENTS ON NOTICE OF AMENDMENT OF EXISTING CONTRACT” and be physically submitted at the Garden Route District Municipality Reception located at 54 York Street, George.

No faxed or e-mailed comments will be considered.

For any information about the above, please contact Johan Gie via e-mail at johang@gardenroute.gov.za or at telephone number 044 693 0006.

Closing date: 13 July 2023 

MG Stratu
Municipal Manager
Notice number: 78/2023

View/download the Official Notice here.

29 June 2023 Public Notice: GRDM intends to enter into a contract relating to the provision of an Enterprise Resource Planning system for a period of 10 years

Public Notice: GRDM intends to enter into a contract relating to the provision of an Enterprise Resource Planning system for a period of 10 years

Notice in terms of Section 33 of the Local Government Municipal Finance Management Act No. 56 of 2003 and 21A and Section 21 of the Local Government Municipal Systems Act, No. 32 of 2000

 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in terms of Section 33 of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, No. 56 of 2003 that Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) intends to enter into a contract relating to the provision of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system in terms of the financial and business processes contained in its current solutions for a period of ten (10) years. The contract will impose financial obligations on the Municipality for a period longer than three (3) years covered in the annual budget for the financial year 2023/24.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN in accordance with Section 21A and Section 21 of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, No. 32 of 2000 that-

  1. The local community and other interested persons are invited to submit comments or representations to the Municipality in respect of the proposed draft contract. Such comments or representations must be received by no later than Friday, 8 September 2023 via electronic mail at the email address provided below or delivered to the mailing address provided hereunder.
  2. Copies of the draft contract and information statement summarizing the Municipality’s obligations in terms of the draft agreement are available for inspection at the locations listed hereunder and will also be accessible on www.gardenroute.gov.za (the official website of the municipality)
  3. Further details and clarity may be requested via email at admin@gardenroute.gov.za or telephone at 044 803 1300 and will be made available on the above-mentioned website.
Physical Address Mailing Address
Garden Route District Municipality,
54 York Street,
GEORGE,
6530		 info@gardenroute.gov.za or

Garden Route District Municipality
P.O. Box 12
GEORGE,
6530
Submission must be marked: Enterprise Resource Management (ERP)

People who have a physical disability or are unable to write but need to participate in the process may present themselves during office hours at the offices of the Municipality listed hereunder where a staff member will assist them to transcribe the relevant comments or representations.

Office Hours are Monday to Thursday from 07h30 to 16h30 and Fridays from 07h30 to 13h30.

MG Stratu
Municipal Manager
54 York Street
PO Box 12
GEORGE
6530
Tel:   044 803 1300
Fax:  086 555 6303

Notice No. 73/2023

Download the

27 June 2023 Registration for GRIFF now Open!!

TIME TO GET YOUR GRIFF ON!
MUST ATTEND FESTIVAL IS BACK.

REGISTRATION AND TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE ON
WWW.GRIFF.CO.ZA

CALLING ALL INDUSTRY & STAKEHOLDERS

  • Industry program includes Broadcasters, Industry Professionals/Film Tourism and Network Functions
  • 30 Films featured in competition from over 20 countries
  • Delegate Pass R200 (See details for other ticked events)
  • Now Gold Status recognition in its 5th year, GRIFF continues to evolve.
  • Proudly supported by NFVF, Wesgro & Mossel Bay Tourism
  • Email: info@gardenrouteinternationalfilmfestival.com for more information
  • Industry Program to be announced @grifffilmfest

Direct flights to George or just 31/2hrs from Cape Town

For more information, visit the website:  WWW.GRIFF.CO.ZA

About GRIFF
www.gardenrouteinternationalfilmfestival.com
GRIFF is a festival for filmmakers, creative expression, education, new technology and media. The GRIFF festival supports emerging and established filmmakers, encourages community participation and learning through innovation. “Experience is everything” remains our mantra with an added online feel “Get your GRIFF on”

26 June 2023 Media Release: In order for communities to survive climate change, it’s back to the basics for government

Media Release: In order for communities to survive climate change, it’s back to the basics for Government

For Immediate Release
26 June 2023

“The still rising Cholera death toll in Gauteng and elsewhere in the interior should serve as a rude awakening for Local Governments as well as the communities they serve. In order for all to enjoy essential necessities such as clean running water and health, we need to refocus our attention on better managing our natural resources and fixing and maintaining the basics before we even consider anything else”, says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) and Councillor of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) on the eve of the Annual Climate Change and Environmental Management Indaba at the Nelson Mandela University.

Whilst the impact of a changing climate and rainfall patterns is complicated and threatens drought and hardship for the unprepared, the management of our natural resources is not difficult at all if the collective, and especially Local Governments, apply their minds, resources, and efforts. As an example, raw sewerage spewing from moribund waste water works countrywide has changed the river ecology and water quality of the Vaal and Olifants and almost all other river systems and estuaries in South Africa to levels that will be difficult to recover from. This has significant consequences for the quality of life of our citizens and South Africa’s food security.

A government can rightly be judged by the way it takes care of its precious natural resources, and water is by far the most important. The management of sewerage water is not a sexy subject, but by ignoring the functioning and maintenance of sewerage treatment plants at local municipalities they allowed the first domino to fall towards excessive misery and deprivation for communities already suffering from economic hardship and poverty.

But there is light at the end of the tunnel, and unfortunate disasters such as the Cholera outbreak will force authorities back to managing the basics. Similarly, the multimillion-Rand fine recently imposed on the Standerton Municipality by the Blue Scorpions for allowing raw sewerage to flow into the Vaal River may well be a turning point in an otherwise downward spiral.

Another promising example of potential environmental prosperity is the billions of Rand being made available by the Western world to assist South Africa in its transition to clean energy presenting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for South Africa to become a global leader in environmental management and at the same time allowing the country to prepare for what the changing climate will be throwing at us.

Inquiries: cobus@naturalbridge.co.za

Feature image: Little hope the Vaal River’s sewage pollution crisis will end any time soon (Picture: Nneka Nwogwugwu).

Editor’s note: The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a Climate Change think- tank and public platform for environmental managers and conservation entities in the Southern Cape.

ENDS

26 June 2023 SMME Booster Fund (the Fund) open for Applications

SMME Booster Fund (the Fund) open for Applications

The SMME Booster Fund (the Fund) is a fund that will provide financial support to organisations that implement business development support projects and/or programmes aimed at growing and developing SMMEs. The Fund will focus on projects and/or programmes that support high-growth, Western Cape-based SMMEs. The Fund utilises a co-funding implementation model which encourages collaboration and partnerships.

Business development support includes aspects of support such as training, mentoring, coaching, financial planning, assisting with compliance, providing financial assistance, facilitating access to finance, providing technical support in the form of equipment, specialised software and licensing etc. The financial support from the SMME Booster Fund will focus only on the technical support aspect of the project and/or programme. The rollout of the other aspects such as training, mentoring, coaching, access to market interventions etc. will be funded by the organisation applying for funding. The support provided by the Fund will thus enable the selected organisations to enhance their projects and programmes with an added element of technical support.

The Fund will support projects and programmes that focus on the following categories:

Category 1:  Export Development
Category 2:  Women-owned Business
Category 3:  Youth-owned Businesses
Category 4:  Township-based Businesses

The selection of beneficiaries for the Fund will be initiated through this call for proposals. The proposals received will undergo a pre-qualification check, an evaluation, and an adjudication phase. The proposals will be evaluated and adjudicated against pre-determined criteria.

Click on the link to access the following forms:  SMME Booster Fund Application Guide 2023  and Call for Proposals 2023

To apply please click on the following link:  https://dedat-funding.westerncape.gov.za/#/

For more information.  Please contact:  DEDAT.Boosterenquiries@westerncape.gov.za or 021 4839112

For assistance on how to navigate the online application system, please click on the following link:  SMME Booster 2023 Online Application Platform Guide

Closing Date: 11 July 2023

Issued: Department of Economic Development and Tourism

27 June 2023 Media Release: The Garden Route DM is becoming more Energy Efficient by the day

Media Release: The Garden Route DM is becoming more Energy Efficient by the day

For Immediate Release
27 June 2023

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is progressing swiftly with enhancing its energy efficiency and demand side management within the region. A GRDM project, which spans over a three-year period, focuses on reducing energy consumption and costs, while promoting the use of clean and sustainable energy sources.

Based on the discussions held during the GRDM Green Energy Summit at Fancourt in 2018, the GRDM recognises its role in leading the way toward a more sustainable future. By implementing energy management systems and installing reasonable, energy-efficient technologies, the municipality aims to deliver services that effectively reduce electricity consumption.

With the success of a funding application of R14 million from the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), the GRDM has been able to replace outdated technologies with energy-efficient ones. Budget allocations for the project are as follows: R5 million for the past financial year (ending 30 June 2023), R4 million for 2023/2024, and R5 million for 2024/2025.

The first phase of the project focused on replacing lighting systems and dated air conditioners in all municipal buildings. This short-term goal aims to improve energy efficiency and reduce consumption and costs. Simultaneously, streetlights at GRDM resorts are being retrofitted to align with the municipality’s commitment to sustainable practices. The Department of Planning and Development, led by Mr. Passmore Dongi, oversees the project’s implementation.

To date, significant progress has been made. All lights at the York Street head-office and Mission Street (Community- and Roads Services) have been changed, air conditioners at York Street and Mossel Bay office have been replaced, and street lights at De Hoek Mountain Resort will be replaced before December.

To raise awareness among employees and the community about energy conservation, the Communication Unit of GRDM distributed posters, coasters, license disks, cups, and t-shirts. Furthermore, the municipality plans to conduct an online training session to educate staff members on energy-saving practices that they can also implement in their homes.

To facilitate effective energy management, GRDM will during the next phase, install power metering systems to monitor the energy consumption of lights, air conditioners, and plugs. With this data, the municipality will be able to identify peak energy consumption periods and optimize load shifting to reduce electrical grid strain.

GRDM remains committed to achieving energy efficiency and sustainability goals.

Caption of feature image: Installed new air conditioning unit.

-END-