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27 July 2023 Media Release: Garden Route DM Council raises concerns about climate change

Media Release: Garden Route DM Council raises concerns about climate change

For Immediate Release
28 July 2023

This week at an Ordinary Council meeting hosted at the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Council Chambers on Wednesday 26 July, the Council of GRDM expressed their concern about weather-related incidents. Evidence is becoming clearer of a changing climate, following persistent rain in the Garden Route during the past few months.

Garden Route has become used to the high rainfall during the winter months, however in the recent never-ending periods of rain (more is predicted), with few intermittent days of sunlight, or cloud cover hampering drying out of soil and surfaces these conditions have changed the Garden Route’s landscape with diverse impacts on the agricultural, construction and commercial business sectors, as well as the urban and rural communities dependent on their normal functioning.

Rainfall figures were not exceedingly high throughout the past few months, but the constant floods and the fact that the wet region never had time to shed the water and properly dry out, damaged tarred roads and caused gravel roads to gradually become impassable. Furthermore, the erven of township dwellers with little ground cover, were completely wet for weeks on end.

Farmers on the coastal plateau perhaps suffered the most as productive dairy cows and livestock developed a variety of diseases because of the constantly muddy and wet underfoot conditions.  These cows had to be slaughtered as there is not enough time between rainy periods to recover and with many remain in a doubtful state of health.

GRDM Councillors stressed the need for regional preparedness in dealing with a changing climate, and how to be better prepared for out of the ordinary climate events.  Council also suggested that academic institutions such as universities should be requested for input and guidance, and from what avenues to obtain funding from, for invasive alien plant management and the upkeep of storm water systems. These funds should be sourced from national government where possible.

All this comes at a time when Europe and North America suffers the highest temperatures on record with thousands dying as the air becomes unbreathable and the constant heat unbearable. With this, the United Nations are expressing serious concerns and insisting actions, to dramatically reduce the burning of fossil fuels and that climate change inaction is unacceptable.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) recently co- hosted the Annual Climate Change and Environment Management Indaba with the Nelson Mandela University at the George campus. At the event, experts agreed that the Garden Route is a disaster-prone region, and that more planning needs to be in place even as predictions are that the region is heading to a drier period as the El Nino weather pattern will take effect later this year.

Article by: Cobus Meiring

28 July 2023 Media Release: Multi-stakeholder anti-litter clean-up campaign continues

Media Release: Multi-stakeholder anti-litter clean-up campaign continues

For Immediate Release
28 July 2023

Recently, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) kicked off its anti-litter campaign aimed at educating people about proper waste disposal techniques, using waste as a resource, and the pollution effects litter brings to the Garden Route District. Raising awareness at taxi ranks, schools, informal settlements, public facilities, malls, and shopping centres form part of the campaign.

On Tuesday 25 July 2023, the GRDM Waste Management Section conducted an awareness campaign at the Asla Clinic in Mossel Bay in collaboration with the Environmental Officers of Mossel Bay Municipality’s Pollution and Waste Management section.

Community members were educated about the severe negative consequences of illegal dumping on both the environment and human health. Topics covered included the disposal of hazardous materials, garbage and pollutants in unauthorised locations as well as the effects of contaminated soils and water sources on animal and human life. There was a lot of interaction during the session, and community members received stickers with contact information for reporting illegal dumping.

On Thursday 27 July 2023, the GRDM Waste Management Section hosted a workshop with twenty-four (24) waste pickers (Expanded Public Works Program Workers and offenders from Community Correction) to educate them on the different waste streams that can be recycled.  During the training, pickers were taught that waste could be a resource for someone else as well as a treasure.  It was also clarified that every citizen has the right to live in a clean, healthy, and safe environment. The fact that it is a human right, but also a responsibility, was emphasized.

Stakeholders in the workshop included Mossel Bay Municipality, Henque Waste, and Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) – Local Government Support.  Similar workshops continue to be rolled out in other towns of the Garden Route district.

The following pictures were taken during the two awareness sessions hosted by the GRDM Waste Management Section the past week.

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Featured Image Caption: The workshop was attended by waste pickers from Mossel Bay

Previous articles relating to this:

25 July 2023 Media Release: Oudtshoorn Local Municipality progress in clean-up, recycling initiatives by Garden Route District Municipality and Community involvement

27 July 2023 Impact Based Weather Warnings (Updated)

Impact Based Weather Warnings (updated)

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued an updated Impact Based Warnings for the Western Cape and Namaqua Region of Northern Cape as follows:

1. Warning: Damaging Waves Orange (Level 5)
Areas affected: Bitou, George, Hessequa, Knysna and Mossel Bay
Valid: From 29/07/23 (00h00) to 29/07/23 (23h59)

2. Warning: Disruptive Rain Yellow (Level 4)
Areas affected: Kannaland, Oudtshoorn,
Valid: From 28/07/23 (12h00) to 29/07/23 (00h00)

3. Warning: Disruptive Snow Yellow (Level 4)
Areas affected: Kannaland and Oudtshoorn
Valid: 29/07/23 (00h00) to 30/07/23 (00h00)

4. Warning: Disruptive Rain Orange (Level 6)
Areas Affected: Bitou, George, Hessequa, Knysna and Mossel Bay
Valid: 29/07/23 (00h00) to 29/07/23 (23h59)

Issued by:

SOUTH AFRICAN WEATHER SERVICE
Cape Town Weather Office
2nd Floor: Oval Office Park
Cape Town Int airport
Freight Road
Matroosfontein
Cape Town

E-Mail: factfc@weathersa.co.za
Tel: 021 935 5700

Report weather-related incidents to the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at 44 805 5071.

ENDS

26 July 2023 Motion by the Garden Route District Municipality Council

Motion by the Garden Route District Municipality Council

26 July 2023

MOTION CONDEMNING RACE-BASED LAWS AND CALLING FOR A NONRACIAL SOUTH AFRICA AND FOR PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA TO SUSPEND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RECENTLY APPROVED EMPLOYMENT EQUITY AMENDMENT Act, 2023

Promoting Equality and Nonracialism in South Africa and Rejecting the recent Employment Equity Amendment Act

Executive Mayor, Garden Route District Municipality, Ald. Memory Booysen 

WHEREAS, South Africa has made significant progress towards building a democratic society based on the principles of equality, justice, and nonracialism;

WHEREAS, the Constitution of South Africa guarantees the right to equality and prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, ethnic or social origin, among other factors;

WHEREAS, the creation of a non-racial South Africa with fair access to jobs and opportunities is a fundamental objective of our nation’s democratic aspirations;

WHEREAS, certain race-based laws, racial quotas, and the draconian racial classification system persist in our society, impeding progress toward a truly non-racial South Africa;

WHEREAS, race-based laws and racial quotas undermine the principles of equality and fair competition, often leading to unintended consequences such as reverse discrimination and perpetuation of racial divisions;

WHEREAS, the draconian racial classification system perpetuates the legacy of apartheid, reinforcing racial stereotypes and inhibiting social cohesion and national unity;

WHEREAS, it is incumbent upon us as responsible citizens to stand against race-based laws, racial quotas, and the draconian racial classification system in order to promote a just, inclusive, and non-racial society;

BELIEVING THAT:

The Act will confer on the Minister wide-ranging powers to set numerical race-based employment targets across varying sectors and regions. The Act will further require employers to secure compliance certificates issued by the Minister, in order to do business with the state. This will increase inefficiency and add further unnecessary red-tape when conducting business in South Africa. Government should not be getting in the way of business given the 32.7% unemployment rate experienced in the final quarter of 2022.

The Employment Equity Act will not bring about the transformation of the workplace it purports to seek. Instead, it will further impoverish the vast majority of South Africans, while enriching a thin sliver of politically connected individuals as has been experienced under the policy of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE).

The provisions of this Act will result in a further exodus of skills from South Africa and introduce large amounts of unnecessary red tape for employers wishing to do business with the state. This will lead to further stagnation of the South African economy, and a lack of economic opportunity for those who need it most. South African businesses are already struggling under the weight of a stagnant economy and crippling load-shedding. Further race-based meddling by the ANC in the employment composition of private businesses will only result in reduced investment, declining economic growth and high unemployment across the country.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

This Council strongly condemns all race-based laws, racial quotas, and the draconian racial classification system in South Africa.

This Council reaffirms its commitment to the principles of nonracialism, equality, and fair access to jobs and opportunities for all South Africans.

This Council recognises that a non-racial society requires the dismantling of race-based laws and the establishment of policies and practices that promote meritocracy and equal opportunities.

This Council calls upon the South African government to review and repeal the Employment Equity Amendment Act and all race-based laws and policies that perpetuate racial divisions and undermine the principles of equality and fair competition.

This Council urges all residents who believe in a non-racial South Africa with fair access to jobs and opportunities to join our peaceful protest in Cape Town on 26th July 2023, to express our collective commitment to a just and inclusive society.

This Council encourages all residents to engage in constructive dialogue, education, and awareness campaigns to foster understanding and address the underlying causes of racial divisions in our society.

This Council pledges its support to organizations and initiatives working towards a non-racial South Africa and commits to actively promoting equality, nonracialism, and fair access to jobs and opportunities in our communities.

This Council directs that a copy of this motion be sent to the South African Parliament, relevant government departments, civil society organizations, and media outlets to raise awareness of our concerns and aspirations.

We, the undersigned (proposed by Cllr Daniel Cronje, seconded by Ald. Memory Booysen), support this motion and call upon all residents who believe in a non-racial South Africa with fair access to jobs and opportunities to stand united in our pursuit of a just and inclusive society.

Herewith is a copy of the signed motion.

26 July 2023 Impact Based Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua: Yellow Level 4 for Disruptive Rain, Damaging Waves & Disruptive Snow

Impact Based Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua: Level 4 for Disruptive Rain, Damaging Waves & Disruptive Snow

Please find included three (3) Impact Based Warnings for Yellow Level 4 Disruptive Rain, Damaging Waves and Disruptive Snow valid from from Friday, 28 July to Sunday, 30 July 2023. 

Areas in the Garden Route district affected by disruptive rain include Bitou, George, Hessequa, Kannaland, Knysna, Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn.

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

Areas in the Garden Route district affected by Disruptive Snow 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.

26 July 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 20h00 on 26 July to 17h00 on 27 July 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

25 July 2023 Media Release: Oudtshoorn Local Municipality progress in clean-up, recycling initiatives by Garden Route District Municipality and Community involvement

Media Release: Oudtshoorn Local Municipality progress in clean-up, recycling initiatives by Garden Route District Municipality and Community involvement.

For Immediate Release
25  July 2023

The Oudtshoorn Municipality is pleased to report significant progress in the comprehensive clean-up of the Greater Oudtshoorn area, with numerous residents and schools actively participating in maintaining a cleaner town. Additionally, the Garden Route District Municipality has launched a Recycle Campaign Initiative in two schools, aiming to foster a cleaner and more sustainable environment for the entire community.

This recycling campaign initiative from Garden Route District Municipality aims to tackle the pressing issue of waste management and promote recycling practices in the region. The Oudtshoorn Municipality has partnered with two schools, De Villiers Primary School, and Protea High School, to implement the campaign. The involvement of these schools is pivotal as it represents an investment in our future leaders and demonstrates the significance of active youth participation in environmental conservation.

These two schools will spearhead the recycling drive in its immediate vicinity. The recycling launch raised awareness about the importance of recycling and demonstrated the processes involved. The school will establish recycling stations on its premises, encouraging students and their families to embrace sustainable waste management practices.

“The Clean-Up and Recycle Campaign is an embodiment of our commitment to the environment and the well-being of our community,” stated Ambrose Carelse, Municipal Environmental Officer, expressing the municipality’s enthusiasm for the project. “By involving our local schools, we are nurturing a culture of environmental consciousness from an early age. We believe that this project will inspire positive behavioural change and forge a cleaner, greener future for Oudtshoorn.”

During the cleanup and recycling event, Councillor Berry, Councillor of Ward 7, urged learners to be ambassadors for Cleaning and Greening, educating peers and friends by discouraging dumping in open spaces. She commended the community’s responsible use of open spaces for sports and expressed gratitude to the Garden Route Municipality and Cape Nature for their initiative and for using the municipality as a pilot to launch the recycling campaign.

“Local businesses, residents, and community leaders are encouraged to support the Clean-Up and Recycle Campaign by actively participating in the organized clean-up events and embracing recycling practices in their daily lives.”

These projects also form part of the MyTownMyProblem initiative, whereby it is crucial that all the residents young and old commit to their responsibility to look after the areas in which they live, work, and play with the help of the municipality. We want to encourage all residents to take pride in the areas where they reside in. Furthermore, the municipality would also like to encourage residents to report any illegal dumping activity within their areas.

Together, let us embrace this collective responsibility for the betterment of our environment. For further information or to get involved in the campaign, please contact Ambrose Carelse on 044 203 3982.

Students, teachers, and municipal officials will join forces to clean up litter and debris, restoring the beauty of the surrounding area and fostering a strong sense of civic pride.

Issued by Oudtshoorn Municipality Media & Communication Services on Monday, 24 July 2023.

Pictures of the different stakeholders who took part in the Clean-Up and Recycle Campaign.

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21 July 2023 Public Notice: Mossel Bay unemployed individuals invited to register on the Garden Route District Municipality EPWP database

Public Notice: Mossel Bay unemployed individuals invited to register on the Garden Route District Municipality EPWP database

21 July 2023

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) invites all unemployed people from Mossel Bay municipal area to register on our Expanded Public Works (EPWP) database from 24 – 28 July 2023.

Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit nooi werklose persone van die Mosselbaai-area uit om te registreer op die munisipaliteit se Uitgebreide Openbare Werke-Programme (EPWP) tussen 24 en 28 Julie 2023.

Umasipala weSithili saseGarden Route (iGRDM) imema bonke abantu abangaphangeliyo kwingingqi yaseMossel Bay ukuba babhalise kuluhlu lwethu lweEPWP ukusuka ngomhla wama-24 ukuya kowama-28 kaJulayi 2023

Download the form here: EPWP-Database-Application-Form

21 July 2023 Media Release: Garden Route DM rolls out multi-stakeholder anti-litter clean-up campaign regionally

Garden Route DM rolls out multi-stakeholder anti-litter clean-up campaign regionally

21 July 2023

As part of the District Illegal Dumping Strategy, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Waste Management Unit this week started with a multi-stakeholder approach to clean hotspots from illegally dumped waste. The aim of the campaign is also to reduce pollution caused by the mismanagement of waste and educating communities on the importance of legal waste disposal. The campaign will continue until 28 July, whereafter it will be reviewed and rolled out throughout the region. All seven (7) municipal areas within the Garden Route district will be covered.

“Activities in each area include litter picking, road gutter cleaning, clearing of illegal dump sites, as well as education and awareness,” said Innocentia Sikweyiya District Waste Management Officer.

Some pictures taken at Ward 5 in Plettenberg Bay before and during the clean-up of a hotspot.

According to Sikweyiya the cleaning of a hotspot in Bitou on 19 July went as planned although work was interrupted by some rain. Our first clean-up session showcased that many community members are passionate about living in a clean and safe space. The focus will now shift to Oudtshoorn today, with Mossel Bay following suit. “Ward Councillors will also participate in the campaign in areas,” she said.

Partners of this campaign include the GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP), Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE), and POLYCO along with each local municipality.

“My plea is really for us all to work together to create a cleaner, greener, and safer environment for generations to come.”

Feature image: The team who helped with the clean-up of Ward 5 in Plettenberg Bay.

ENDS

21 July 2023 Speech by Alderlady Iona Kritzinger at the District Export Campaign

Speech by Alderlady Iona Kritzinger at the District Export Campaign

21 July 2023

The Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism is rolling out a province-wide Export Awareness Campaign. Today it is the Garden Route’s turn. Alderlady Iona Kritzinger delivered the official welcome at the event. The programme includes the Provincial Growth for Jobs Strategy, Export portal, complexity mapping tool, existing commodities, and presentations by various DTIC, IDC, SEDA, SEFA, DoA and Exporters Club.

One critical goal of the Growth for Jobs Strategy of the Western Cape is to, by 2035, ensure that the Western Cape will be an R1 trillion inclusive economy and in percentages, it means growing at between 4% and 6% per annum. This will be achieved by enabling a competitive business environment in which growth is driven through business exploiting opportunities. We have to triple exports by 2035!

Speech at the Export Awareness Dialogue by Alderlady Iona Kritzinger on 21 July 2023

Distinguished guests, delegates, and fellow colleagues,

On behalf of the Garden Route District Municipality, I extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you gathered here today for this crucial session on broadening our understanding of exporting and the opportunities the Western Cape holds for you.

For nearly a decade, our municipality has shown its unwavering dedication to fostering the growth of exports from our region. Today, as we focus on implementing interventions identified in our Growth and Development Strategy’s key strategic areas, our commitment to furthering export initiatives is stronger than ever.

In 2018, we took a bold step by hosting our region’s first Investment Conference. During this momentous event, we welcomed esteemed business delegations from countries like China and Sweden. The conference served as a platform to explore niche products unique to our region, such as honeybush and buchu, and to discover potential business opportunities for exporting.

Following the conference, we launched the Export Readiness Assessment Programme in 2018. This program aimed to support businesses already producing products with export potential. We appointed an export consultant who conducted one-on-one business assessments, paving the way for 4 of these companies to become successful exporters of their respective products today.

As a District Municipality, we remain steadfast in our commitment to this objective, and we are actively engaged in partnerships that further promote export development. Our collaboration with Wesgro on the Export Development Programme and our joint efforts with the Departments of Agriculture and Local Government on the Garden Route Agro-processing Support Programme exemplifies our dedication.

Your presence here today reflects the shared commitment to the growth of our region’s exports. I wish you all fruitful and productive deliberations throughout this day. Together, let us seize the opportunities that lie ahead and propel our district towards a prosperous future – as our slogan reads – Garden Route District Municipality is “your route to prosperity”.

Thank you.