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18 August 2023 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Grows the Capacity of Skills Mecca Programme

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Grows the Capacity of Skills Mecca Programme

For Immediate Release
18 August 2023

The Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM), which forms part of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), aspires to increase employability of youth. The GRSM has 11 young people known as GRSM Technicians who drive the implementation of skills development projects and programmes at a grass route-level across all seven municipal areas of the Garden Route.

On 15 August 2023, Technicians started their training in a Work-based Learning and development Practitioner programme. This programme, which will end on 28 September 2023, seeks to enhance their competencies as facilitators of stakeholder based processes. Further they will be equipped with the skills to ability to place young people at workplaces for work-based learning experience.  Both these competencies are critical if the Garden Route is to ensure that young people are offered opportunities for work experience that is by far the best way to ultimately become employed.

AFRIKAANS

Die Garden Route Skills Mecca program (GRSM), wat deel vorm van die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM), streef daarna om die indiensneembaarheid van jongmense in die distrik te verhoog. Die GRSM het 11 jongmense wat bekendstaan as GRSM Tegnikuste regoor die sewe Tuinroete munisipale areas.  Hierdie jongmense is verantwoordelik vir die implementering van vaardigheidsontwikkelingsprojekte en programme op ‘n grondvlakfase.

Op Dinsdag 15 Augustus 2023, het Tegnikuste hul opleiding in ‘n Werkgebaseerde Leer- en Ontwikkelingpraktisyn Program begin. Hierdie program, wat op 28 September 2023 sal eindig, poog daarin om hul bevoegdhede as fasiliteerders van belanghebbende gebaseerde prosesse te verbeter. Verder sal hulle toegerus word met die nodige vaardighede om jongmense by werkplekke te plaas vir werkgebaseerde leerervaring. Beide hierdie vaardighede is van kritieke belang, indien die Tuinroete wil verseker dat jongmense in die streek geleenthede gebied word om werkservaring wat verreweg die beste manier is om uiteindelik in diens te kom, op te doen.

ISIXHOSA

IGarden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM), eyinxalenye kaMasipala weSithili seGarden Route (iGRDM), inqwenela ukwandisa ukuqesheka kolutsha. I-GRSM inabantu abatsha abali-11 abaziwa ngokuba ngamaGcisa e-GRSM aqhuba ukuphunyezwa kwenkqubo zophuhliso lwezakhono kwinqanaba lomgagatho ophantsi kuzo zonke iindawo zomasipala bosixhenxe kwiSithili seGarden Route.

Ngomhla we-15 kweyeThupha ka-2023, amaGcisa aqalise uqeqesho lwawo kwiNkqubo yokuFunda nokuPhuhlisa okuSekwe kuMsebenzi. Le nkqubo, eya kuphela ngomhla wama-28 kweyoMsintsi2023, ijonge ukwandisa ubuchule babo njengabaququzeleli beenkqubo ezisekelwe kumaqela achaphazelekayo. Ngaphezu koko baya kuxhotyiswa ngezakhono zokukwazi ukubeka abantu abatsha kwiindawo zokusebenza ukuze bafumane amava okufunda asekelwe emsebenzini. Zombini ezi zakhono zibalulekile ukuba iSithili seGarden Route iqinisekisa ukuba abantu abatsha banikwa amathuba okufumana amava omsebenzi yeyona ndlela ingcono kakhulu yokuba ekugqibeleni baqeshwe.

Caption for feature image: Stakeholder involve front row from left to right: Refilwe Molele (EWSETA- Head office), Renecia Tibini (EWSETA-Western Cape Provincial Operations), Hermien du Plessis (Trainini Answers-Chief Executive Officer), Micaela Muller (GRSM Technician-Kannaland), Ongeziwe Mthongwana (GRSM Technician-George), Kayakazi Klaas (GRSM Technician-GRDM), Liezel Swemmer (GRSM Technician-Knysna), Sisanda Sajini (GRSM Technician-GRDM), Onke Thwala (GRSM Technician-GRDM) and Angeline Naidoo (HR Practitioner: Training Section-GRDM).
Back row from left to right; Ravin Bavuma (GRSM Technician-Mossel Bay), Bianca Opperman (GRSM Technician-Oudtshoorn), Dineo Ramasesane (GRSM Technician-GRDM), Thembisa Sinxo (GRSM Technician-Bitou), Trix Holtzhausen (Executive Manager: Corporate Services – GRDM), Renola Abrahams (GRSM Technician-Hessequa) and Dr Florus Prinsloo (GRSM -Coordinator).

-END-

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

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES: CLOTHING MANUFACTURING PROCESSES NQF LEVEL 1

Notice no: 109/2023

The Garden Route District Municipality in partnership with the Haggai 2v8 Company, offers an opportunity to 30 (thirty) unemployed young people who wish to participate in the Skills Programme for a period of 6 months.

Applications are invited from unemployed persons, with Communication and Numeracy at ABET level 3 as a minimum requirement, targeting candidates between the ages 18 – 35 years.

The applications should be submitted online by visiting the Garden Route District Municipality’s website at www.gardenroute.gov.za. The required documentation to be uploaded including a Curriculum Vitae (CV), certified copy of highest qualification, certified copy of an ID, proof of residence and bank statement that are less than 3 months old.

Failure to upload the required documents will result in the application not being considered.  No faxed or e- mailed documents will be considered.

IMPORTANT NOTE: DISABLED PERSONS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.

Application process:
Applications must be done online on the Garden Route District Municipality’s website at www.gardenroute.gov.za by creating an online profile. Follow the steps as indicated. All required documentation must be uploaded.

If applicants are not contacted by 30 September 2023, please consider the application as unsuccessful. 

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

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

 Closing date: 25 August 2023 at 13:30

Click here to download the official Advert.

18 August 2023 Public Notice: Garden Route District Municipal EPWP Unemployment Database Drive

GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY EPWP UNEMPLOYMENT DATABASE DRIVE

Notice no: 114/2023

Garden Route District Municipality is fully committed to Employment Equity.

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) invites all unemployed people in Touwsranten Area to come and register on our Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) database on 25 August 2023.

Required documents:

  • A concise 2-page Curriculum Vitae.
  • Certified copy of Identity Document.
  • Certified copies of qualifications.
  • Completed application form.

Application forms and further information:

  • Application forms will be provided at the drive /or can be obtained at the offices of GRDM /or on the GRDM website at: gardenroute.gov.za.
  • The applicants must come and submit their completed application form together with supporting documents. They will also be required to sign a register when submitting their application form.
  • Applications must be submitted between 09h00 – 13h30 on Fridays.

Contact Persons:

Closing date: Friday, 25 August 2023 before 13:30

M Stratu
MUNICIPAL MANAGER

Click here to download the official Notice.

08 August 2023 Impact Based Warning: Yellow Level 1 – Damaging Waves

Impact Based Warning: Yellow Level 1 – Damaging Waves

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued a Level 1 Impact Based Warning for Damaging Waves valid from, 08 August until 10 August 2023.

Areas in the Garden Route District affected by damaging waves include Bitou, George, Hessequa, Knysna and Mossel Bay.

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

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.”

02 August 2023 Media Release: Garden Route DM and George Municipality visit grade 5 learners and share knowledge about nature conservation

Media Release: Garden Route DM and George Municipality visit grade 5 learners and share knowledge about nature conservation

For Immediate Release
01 August 2023

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Disaster Management Unit in collaboration with George Local Municipality conducted an educational session about World Nature Conservation Day (28 July) at Mzoxolo Primary School for grade 5 learners.

The main objectives of this campaign were to educate learners about nature conversations. Also, to encourage them to take part in protecting the environment and enhance nature conservation.

During the awareness campaign learners were also taught about the following:

  • causes and the impacts of the loss of natural resources;
  • health risks associated with loss of natural resources;
  • the benefits of healthy nature; and
  • solutions to protect the environment such as minimizing pollution, recycling and conserving water.

Sessions like these increase a sense of responsibility, confidence and empower learners to also become active citizens and take collective action to tackle environmental issues

The following pictures were taken during the awareness session at Mzoxolo Primary School

Feature image caption: Two GRDM Disaster Management Interns unpacking the presentation for learners.

-ENDS-

01 August 2023 Public Notice: Performance Agreements 2023/24 approved

Public Notice: Performance Agreements 2023/24 approved

The following Performance Agreements for the 2023/2024 financial year are approved and available on the municipal website:

Click here to access and download the agreements.

For more information, please contact the GRDM Performance Manager, Ms Ilse Saaiman at:
E-mail: performance@gardenroute.gov.za
Switchboard: 044 803 1300

1 August 2023 Media Release: The Garden Route remains a hub of agricultural exports

Media Release: The Garden Route remains a hub of agricultural exports

For Immediate Release
1 August 2023

The Garden Route is a region renowned for its natural beauty and diverse agricultural offerings. According to the latest data available to the District Economic Development Unit of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), the top ten exported products from the district collectively accounted for approximately 72.89% of the region’s total exports.

According to Ald. Memory Booysen, GRDM Executive Mayor: “A substantial share of exports, 25.05%, includes fresh apples, pears, and quinces”.

“These high-quality fruits are in demand worldwide. Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, and Egypt, for instance, are the largest importers of apples worldwide.”

“Coming in second at 18.76% are fresh or dried citrus fruits. The export of leather further prepared, after tanning or crusting contributes around 7.59% to the district’s export revenue,” said Booysen.

GRDM is also busy with the process to establish a fresh produce market for the Garden Route. At the moment, GRDM is on the lookout for land to purchase. This will be followed by a process of appointing a service provider to design the fresh produce market and drive additional processes. If the GRDM is able to have its own fresh produce market, it will also small-scale farmers to grow their businesses and create a more inclusive agricultural economy. This is in line with GRDM’s Growth and Development Strategy. Local producers will be able to supply produce to the regional market and save a lot of costs on transport and reduce greenhouse emissions.

The Garden Route is already known for its international agricultural footprint. One product, in particular, is the De Rustica Coratina Estate Collection Extra Virgin Olive Oil. The product achieved the prestigious Double Gold award during the 2023 Aurora International Taste Challenge, solidifying its status as the best in the world.
The top exported products also include canola, proteas, macadamia nuts, pomegranate, aloe cosmetic products, barley, wheat, gin, wine from Bitou & Kannaland, and live ostrich birds.

In addition to agriculture, the Garden Route excels in other industries, including boat building and furniture manufacturing, further contributing to the region’s economic growth.

While the Garden Route has achieved remarkable success in its export ventures, there are still challenges that need attention to unlock the district’s full potential. Some of the key challenges faced by industries include:

  1. Veterinary challenges with certification.
  2. Environmental/export Regulations on farming in other countries, such as the UK’s restrictions on citrus.
  3. Lack of value-adding for primary agricultural products despite high crop volumes.
  4. Connection to the power supply with competitive pricing.
  5. Lengthy permitting processes by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Cape Nature.
  6. Logistics to major ports and dry stock locations from the main centre.
  7. Absence of Southern Africa Development Community Free Trade benefits.
  8. Double charges on export and import duties on services, e.g., Botswana.
  9. Limited facilities for launching big boats and yachts.
  10. Challenges in marketing locally manufactured products.

The Garden Route authorities are addressing these challenges through a partnership with Seda, the Western Cape Departments of Agriculture and Local Government, creating platforms for market access at the Pop-Up markets in shopping malls and currently in the process of establishing an Agro-processing facility for honeybush, working towards creating a conducive environment for industries to thrive.

The Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism is currently rolling out a provincial-wide export awareness campaign. A session was, as recently as 21 July 2023, held in George with several people interested in exporting.

Other potential commodities and some already growing for export, include but are not limited to honeybush, sceletium, tea, olives, grape juice, kiwifruit, cannabis, and strawberries, along with services in the IT sector.

Feature image: Rows of apple trees laden with fruit in late Autumn in George area of Waboomskraal South Africa.

ENDS

 

30 July 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, 31 July until 1 August 2023.

Areas in the Garden Route district affected by damaging waves include Bitou, George, Hessequa, Knysna and Mossel Bay.

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

28 July 2023 Media Release: Oil spill sampling training and what you should know

Media Release:  Oil spill sampling training and what you should know

For Immediate Release
28 July 2023

A debriefing session was held by the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre (GRDMC) after the December 2022 oil droplet pollution along the Garden Route beaches. It was noted that there is a need for formal accredited training on correct oil pollution sampling procedures. The South African Maritime Safety Authority​ (SAMSA) managed to obtain the services of Mr Conor Bolas from International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation Limited (ITOPF) to present this training.

On Wednesday, 26 July 2023, this training was presented via an on-line platform from their London Offices to more than 130 officials. ITOPF is a non-profit organisation that represents ship owners around the world and endorses a precise and operational response of oil spills, chemical spills, and any other hazardous substance spills in the marine environment.

In most cases spills occur within the ocean or coastal waters, however, they may also occur on land. Dr Bolas explained how the oil is broken down through a process called Chromatography; this process is a laboratory technique that separates a mixture into its original components. Once the oil has been tested, it is possible to know who is responsible for the oil spill based on the properties of the oil.

During the oil spill sampling training, valuable insights into best practices were received. The training, consisting of four sessions focused on Marine Spill Forensics.

Session 1 commenced with an introduction to ITOPF and the importance of sampling. The reasons for obtaining samples were thoroughly explained, and case studies were presented.

In session 2, Dr Bolas delved into understanding analysis, where a comprehensive overview of tests and standards was provided. To keep the session interactive, a quiz was conducted.

Session 3 covered potential complications and focused on sample considerations, including the required type, quantity, and quality. Additionally, other factors were explored such as laboratory capabilities, storage and shipping, oil weathering, legal aspects, and cost recovery.

Moving on to Session 4, various other factors were discussed, including the identification and monitoring of Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS), costs and compensation, taint testing, dispersants, wildfire and environmental monitoring. Emphasis was placed on sampling strategy, sample types, and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs).

In summary, Dr Bolas extensively covered the following topics:

  • The key reasons for sampling.
  • How to conduct proper sampling.
  • Types of analysis performed.
  • Understanding chemical fingerprinting.
  • Complicating factors in sampling.
  • Choosing appropriate analytes and considering the effects of weathering on samples.
  • Considerations for HNS and other specific circumstances.
  • Environmental monitoring and sampling.

-END-

Feature image:  Image of oil in water

Did you know: 

An oil spill is when liquid petroleum hydrocarbon is released into the environment because of human behaviour, particularly in marine areas. In most cases spills occur within the ocean or coastal waters, however, they may also occur on land.

28 July 2023 Media Release: GRDM Firefighters achieve great results at the Dräger SA Fire Combat and Rescue Challenge

GRDM Firefighters achieve great results at the Dräger SA Fire Combat and Rescue Challenge

For Immediate release
28 July 2023

Yesterday, 27 July 2023, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Fire & Rescue Services firefighters participated in the Dräger SA Fire Combat and Rescue Challenge. The competition was held in Johannesburg.

This is the third year that Dräger hosted the Combat Challenge, where firefighters are tested displaying their skills and fitness while getting hands-on experience with the latest firefighting equipment and technology available.

The team members who participated in the challenge include: Emile Conrad (Senior Firefighter), Heinrich Leslie (Platoon Commander), Petrus Jordaan (Firefighter), Kevin Lee Gericke (Senior Firefighter) and Branville Abrahams (Senior Firefighter).

In the Team Relay events, the GRDM Fire & Rescue Services team excelled, securing the top position in the Combat Challenge Overall and Fire Fighter CrossFit Event Overall categories. Their performance in the MTG Rescue Operations Course earned them a second place. The Overall Relay Results show that the team displayed their impressive capabilities, securing an impressive second place.

Emile Conrad dominated multiple categories. He won the Overalls Categories, including the Combat Challenge Overall and Fire Fighter CrossFit Challenge Overall, where he earned two first-place finishes. Conrad also won the Overall Age Category (35 – 40), securing his position as the top performer with a first-place finish in the Overall Results.

Heinrich Leslie secured second places in the Age Category 30 – 35 Overalls and the Fire Fighting CrossFit Events Overalls.

Petrus Jordaan, achieved a first-place finish in the Age Category 45 – 49 Overalls, adding to the teams overall success. The team is congratulated for representing GRDM with passion and pride.

The main event on the calendar is yet to come with the South African Toughest Firefighter Alive competition taking place in Mossel Bay which will again be hosted by the Mossel Bay Municipality over the weekend of 05 – 07 October 2023.

Many local firefighters will be in action, competing with the country’s best. GRDM hopes to see you there!

Feature Image: GRDM Fire & Rescue Service Firefighters embracing their winning medals at the Dräger SA Fire Combat and Rescue Challenge

ENDS