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22 June 2023 Media Release: GRDM awarded more than R5.2 million to train Garden Route unemployed youth as Home Based Care Personal Assistants

Media Release: GRDM awarded more than R5.2 million to train Garden Route unemployed youth as Home Based Care Personal Assistants

For Immediate Release
22 June 2023

GRDM was awarded more than R 5.2 million for training of 140 unemployed persons as Home Based Care Personal Assistants across the Garden Route district, including all seven (7) B-municipalities under the coordination of the Garden Route Skills Mecca Programme.

Dineo Ramasesane (GRSM Home Based Care Project Manager), Francisca Bruintjies (Former GRSM Technician), Clayton Peters (HWSeta), Chantolene Wilskut and Siphokazi Zukelwa (Home Based Care Personal Assistant programme participants), Ms Zubayda January (HWSeta), as well as Denise Marshall (Africa Skills Private College). The participants are placed at the Groenkloof Retirement Village.

The programme commenced on 1 March 2023 and will end by 31 August 2023. Training takes place at various training venues across the Garden Route district where students are exposed to both theoretical training and work-based learning. As part of the programme, learners receive monthly stipends, and at the end of the programme, subject to successfully completing a final assessment, they will be issued with a certificate of completion.

Provincial Manager of the Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA), Zubayda January, on Friday, 31 March 2023, visited the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) as part of a monitoring process organised by the GRDM Corporate Services Department.

The Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA) aims to create an integrated approach to the development and provision of suitably skilled health and social development workers, to render quality services similar to world class standards. Their ultimate vision, therefore, is to create a skilled workforce for the health and social development needs of all South Africans.

Dineo Ramasesane, one of the twelve (12) Garden Route Skills Mecca Technicians who is based at the GRDM’s Economic Development Unit, currently provides project management assistance with the Programme’s monthly meetings and continuously gives feedback and updates to the GRDM.

All participants of the Training Programme are placed for practical experience at old age homes such as Groenkloof, Tuiniqua, Specare Old Age Home and others situated across the Garden Route district. Many of these young people that applied themselves to the learning process may be offered permanent work once the programme is completed since this an occupational programme that allows a person to earn while they learn and create a positive relationship with a possible future employer over a six month period.

ENDS

21 June 2023 Media Release: Fencing subsidies available – call for applications

Media Release: Fencing subsidies available – call for applications

For Immediate Release
21 June 2023

On an annual basis, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) provides fencing subsidies for a selected number of landowners on neighbouring provincial rural roads with fencing of their properties.

This is subject to a budget as received from the Western Cape Government.

The funding will only be applicable on a subsidy basis.  It effectively means that 60% subsidy will be contributed towards the cost of the fencing. The subsidy is determined by an average price for material. The material is deemed as 60% of total cost. Labour cost is deemed as 40% of the total cost and must be carried by the applicant.   All initial costs must be carried by the applicant and subsidy will be paid out after the successful completion of the fence. For more information refer to the Fencing Subsidy Policy of Garden Route District Municipality.

The new fences must adhere to the specifications of the Provincial Government of the Western Cape:  Roads Infrastructure Department.  Minimum specifications will be made available to successful applicants.

Application process

  1. Application forms can be obtained from Mr Qamani Nkebana or Mr Lungisa Qendu at the Roads Transport & Planning Department. Contact numbers at the office is 044 803 1506 / 044 803 1577 or email Qamani@gardenroute.gov.za / Lungisa@gardenroute.gov.za. Alternatively download from www.gardenroute.gov.za .
  2. Application period: 29 June 2023 to 14 July 2023.
  3. Applications will be audited and evaluated according to risk analysis by a panel. Risk factors include: Status of road, traffic count, operating speed of vehicles, type of farming, condition of current fence, etc
  1. The panel outcome will be decided by 15 August 2022. All applicants will be informed.  A fencing subsidy contract will be signed with successful applicants.  Unsuccessful applicants can apply again in the next financial year.
  2. All fences must be fully completed by 30 November 2023 for payment before 28 February 2024.
  3. Payment will be done after an inspection and an approval for the fence has been made.

Closing date:  14 July 2023

Notice number: 81/2023

Relevant Documents 

Application form and annexures

Fencing-subsidy-letter-for-applying-applicants-2022

Guidelines for the fencing of roads by adjacent landowners

MBD4-Declaration-of-Interest

21 June 2023 Media Release: The GRDM sources R1 million for Garden Route Agro-processing Support Project

Media Release: The GRDM source R1 million for Garden Route Agro-processing Support Project

For immediate release
21 June 2023

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) has been able to source R1 million funding, after a project proposal was submitted for an Agri-processing project. This initiative forms part of the GRDM’s Joint District and Metro Approach (JDMA).

As part of the JDMA approach, a growth and development strategy was developed, which requires specific clusters (groups of experts), to drive projects. This specific project forms part of the Resilient Agriculture Cluster. The funding, which was applied for through the GRDM, was provided by the Western Cape Department of Local Government.

Representatives from GRDM and the WCG Department of Agriculture with experienced facilitators from Elsenburg during the fact-finding mission.

One of the conditions of the grant is for a steering committee to drive the implementation of the project. Key stakeholders of the project include the Department of Agriculture, CASIDRA, Oudtshoorn Municipality, Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), the Department of Local Government and the GRDM.

A multi-purpose processing unit to support the value chain for indigenous products, such as honeybush, within the Garden Route district will be constructed through the project.

This project is prompted by a dire need for more processing facilities in the region. “Communities that are mostly wild harvesters are dependent on a few processors within the Southern and Eastern Cape for processing of the tea, with no value adding opportunities existing for these communities,” said Natalie Arries, Senior District Economic Development Officer for GRDM. “The project aims to provide one processing facility located on the Nooitgedacht Farm (Oudtshoorn) property which is owned by the GRDM, she added”.

Earlier this year, GRDM and the WCG Department of Agriculture embarked on a fact-finding mission to learn from the experienced facilitators at Elsenburg, and to discuss an implementation approach with the Agricultural Research Council.

The success of the project will ensure that emerging farmers process tea of high quality, which will be exported to local and international markets.

Feature Image: The name ‘honeybush’ is derived from the sweet, honey-like scent of the plant when in full bloom with its yellow flowers.

ENDS

21 June 2023 Media Release: Floods cannot be prevented, but mismanagement of waste water can

Media Release: Floods cannot be prevented, but mismanagement of waste water can

For immediate release
21 June 2023

“Ongoing cold fronts bringing torrential rain and flooding with significant damage to infrastructure, property and degrading valuable agricultural land and crops in the Western Cape are beyond human control, and with a changing climate South Africa will in all probability experience an increase of episodic rainfall events and flooding, and these can have destructive results, of which the 2022 KZN flood incident is a perfect example, ” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

Globally, fresh water resources are increasingly under pressure as populations grow and rapid urbanisation and development impacts negatively on water availability and quality.

South African water authorities and municipalities are increasingly found wanting when it comes to environmental disasters that could have been prevented through  maintenance and the upgrading of water treatment plants, better trained staff as well as sufficient oversight and by dedicating sufficient resources. The present day threat to water security can however be addressed quite quickly to ensure better quality of waste water discharged after treatment resulting in healthier river systems to the benefit of down- stream water users and dependent eco systems.

South African authorities at all levels have neglected effective treatment of waste water over decades, and the deadly outbreak of Cholera claiming almost forty lives at Hammanskraal outside Pretoria in May 2023 is a horrific example of the result of what can only be described as gross neglect and incompetence, exacerbated by ever present power failures at pump stations. The Hammanskraal Cholera outbreak made headline news because of its deadly consequences, but what more often than not do not make the headlines is the effect of institutional failure to effectively deal with waste water on South African river health and eco system collapse. There are almost no river systems left in South Africa where the water is not contaminated to the point where it would be deadly to drink if not boiled or treated.

Responsible management of  waste water facilities and the protection of the country’s fresh water resources is entirely possible and absolutely not negotiable. This objective can be achieved through the training of dedicated staff dealing with water related tasks at all levels, sustained maintenance and upgrading of waste water facilities to cope with increased inflow of waste water, including sufficient technical capacity and know- how, oversight and experience.

Landowners also have a responsibility and a role to play in terms of water management

In the Garden Route and Southern Cape, the treatment of waste water is generally of an acceptable standard as a result of sound municipal management, but lots more can be done from an environmental management point of view. Aside from sticking to best water use management practices and extraction limits , landowners and land managers in the region should do more in terms of managing invasive alien plants on their properties, especially along rivers, streams and wetlands, and in the process contribute to ensuring the well- being of the environment and a higher quality of life for all living in the region.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum will be co- hosting its Climate Change and Environmental Management Indaba with the Nelson Mandela University at the George Campus on Thursday 29 June.

Enquiries: cobus@naturalbridge.co.za

Caption: The Swartvlei estuary can absorb large amounts of water during heavy rainfall or storm events.

ENDS

20 June 2023 Media Release: 8 000 Hectares more veld and mountain fires burned over the past 12-months

Media Release: 8 000 Hectares more veld and mountain fires burned over the past 12-months

20 June 2023

Throughout the past municipal calendar year, spanning from July 2022 to June 2023, the Garden Route district, including Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Bitou, Oudtshoorn, and Kannaland, has witnessed several wildfires. Deon Stoffels, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Chief Fire Officer, says a staggering 82 fires, including several wildfires, have ravaged the region since July 2022, leaving 23,848 hectares of land burned. Comparatively, although the previous year saw three additional wildfires between July 2021 and June 2022, the extent of the damage was slightly lower, with approximately 14,500 hectares consumed.

“It remains a priority for us to continue to address this concerning trend and prioritise fire management and prevention strategies to safeguard communities,” said Stoffels.

The major areas most affected by the past year’s wildfires included the Rooiberg Mountains in Van Wyksdorp, the Swartberg Mountains in Oudtshoorn, and Molenrivier (N9 South) in the George area. The primary cause of these wildfires was due to lightning strikes, which are typically prevalent during the January and February months.

As a wildfire blazed through the Molen River in January 2023, a thick blanket of smoke enveloped the air.

Stoffels said: “On one particular day, we experienced seven (7) lightning-induced wildfires”. He says firefighters swiftly responded to this critical situation by deploying rapid aerial firefighting techniques, successfully suppressing three of these fires. “We were able to suppress the remaining wildfires through a combination of ground and aerial firefighting.”

Deon also pointed to November 2022, when a significant fire outbreak occurred in the Hessequa municipal area. “This incident was triggered by a permitted fire that escalated beyond control.”

“During this time of the year, late October and November, the Hessequa area is prone to experience gusty and rapidly changing winds, which proved to be a challenge GRDM firefighters have since learned from.”

PROACTIVE MEASURES, EDUCATION AND RISK REDUCTION MEASURES

The top priority of GRDM’s Fire and Rescue Services Unit remains to implement proactive and preventative fire management strategies. Public education initiatives are central to this, which forms part of their risk reduction measures.

According to Stoffels, the Fire Danger Index, provided by the South African Weather Services, plays a crucial role in assessing risks and guiding planning and preparation efforts.

“We urge all landowners to consult with the Local and District Fire Services, as well as the Fire Protection Association, to obtain expert advice on reducing fire risks,” said Stoffels. “Adequate measures such as maintaining fire breaks, clearing alien vegetation, and ensuring safe prescribed burning practices are essential components of fire prevention.”

Regarding the implementation of Fire Breaks, the District is actively seeking funding to establish and maintain them on its properties. However, all Local Municipal Areas already have Fire Management Systems, including Permitted Burning Systems, aimed at reducing risks and supporting ecological and agricultural objectives.

GRDM places significant emphasis on enhancing its rapid response capabilities, including the deployment of aerial firefighting resources. This method has proven highly effective in dealing with remote and inaccessible wildfires. The measures prevent such incidents from escalating into large-scale and destructive events.

An important number to save: The emergency call centre of GRDM is linked to all the emergency call centres of the region and operates 24/7, 365 days a year – dial 044 805 5071 to report any fire incident.

Feature image caption: In November 2022, a devastating wildfire swept through the Spuithoek area, leaving a trail of destruction across dozens of hectares.

END

20 June 2023 Media Release: GRDM receives bursary funding of more than R10 million from LGSETA

Media Release: GRDM receives bursary funding of more than R10 million from LGSETA

For immediate release
20 June 2023

Last year in October 2022, the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) invited stakeholders in the Local Government Sector to apply for their Discretionary Grant that is in line with their (LGSETA’s) priority areas. Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) subsequently applied for the Grant and was awarded R10 million for their bursary needs.

This application, together with applications received from other Local Government stakeholders, went through a desktop evaluation process. Through the initiative, bursaries to the value of more than R1 000 000 were approved for the internal staff that are currently pursuing studies in various fields. A total of 21 staff members are benefiting from this bursary programme while completing studies in their specialised fields. This was the first time that the GRDM have submitted applications for Internal bursaries which were all approved.

A further R2.586 000 million have been approved for the following training programmes for employed and unemployed persons across the Garden Route district:

  • Occupational Certificate Training in Firefighting for fifteen (15) unemployed youth = R43 600 per person.

  • Occupational Certificate Training in Firefighting for 5 employed = R20 000.00 per person.

  • Further Education and Training Certificate in Water and Wastewater Treatment Process Control Supervision for twenty-four (24) persons = R20 000 per person.

  • National Certificate in Water and Wastewater Process Control for fifty (50) employed persons = R20 000.00 per person.

  • Lastly, National Certificate Process Control training for sixteen (16) employed persons to the value of R22 000 per person has also been approved.

All funds received for the internal and external bursaries will have to be spent within the LGSETA timeframes.

In addition to the application submitted by GRDM to the LGSETA, the Municipality has made changes to its Occupational Certificate: Electrician programme, for forty-seven (47) employed persons that will be trained over a period of three years. The amended application is currently in process and the GRDM is waiting for feedback from the LGSETA. The Municipality is hopeful that a favourable response will be received.

By continuously partnering and working with the LGSETA, Local Municipalities in the Garden Route and Training Providers, the GRDM aims to reach its strategic objective, which is “a skilled workforce and community”. As a district municipality, the GRDM serves the local municipalities within the District and therefore believes in the principal of lifelong learning and supports the development of its officials towards better service delivery for all it serves.

ENDS

18 June 2023 Impact Based Warning: Orange Level 5 – Damaging Waves

Impact Based Warning: Orange Level 5 – Damaging Waves

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued a Level 5 Impact Based Warning for Damaging Waves valid from today to 20 June 2023.

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.

ENDS

18 June 2023 Impact Based Warning: Orange level 5 – Damaging Winds

Impact Based Warning: Orange Level 5 – Damaging Winds

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued a Level 5 Impact Based Warning for Damaging Winds valid for 19 June 2023.

Areas in the Garden Route district affected by damaging winds 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.

ENDS

18 June 2023 Impact Based Warning: Yellow level 2 – Damaging Winds

Impact Based Warning: Yellow Level 2 – Damaging Winds

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued a Level 2 Impact Based Warning for Damaging Winds valid for 19 June 2023.

Areas in the Garden Route district affected by damaging winds include Kannaland, and Oudtshoorn.

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.

ENDS

16 June 2023 Impact Based Warning: Yellow Level 2 – Damaging Waves

Impact Based Warning: Yellow Level 2 – Damaging Waves

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued a Level 2 Impact Based Warning for Damaging Waves valid from Saturday, 17 June to Tuesday, 20 June 2023.

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.

ENDS