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Garden Route Multi-Agency Command Centre Update 5 on 7 May 2026 at 08h30

Garden Route Multi-Agency Command Centre Alert 5 on 7 May 2026 at 08h30

Issued by Garden Route District Municipality

Weather warnings have been downgraded from Level 8 to Level 6. Areas of particular concern remain the Knysna, Bitou and George (Langkloof) areas.

During the night, the Stormdrift and Kammanassie Dams began spilling, adding to the water flowing from the Groot River through to Meiringspoort. These flows continue past Oudtshoorn and Calitzdorp Hot Springs before eventually reaching Gouritz where it will flow into the sea.

Due to the increased water flow, Robinson Pass from the Oudtshoorn side has been closed. Meiringspoort also remains closed, with current assessments indicating that it may remain inaccessible for an extended period due to the extent of the damage recorded.

In Bitou, water supply challenges are being experienced after pumps at water abstraction points were damaged. Some communities have also been cut off from communication, and interventions are underway to address these challenges.

The N9 remains closed, as well as the road between Avontuur and Haarlem, and the Swartberg Pass.

AREAS CUT-OFF

The SANDF, together with the Oudtshoorn Fire Department and SAPS divers, are making every effort to evacuate residents from Bergoord safely. EMS Metro and a Medical Rescue Helicopter are being deployed to assess areas and possibly deliver food parcels to areas where access is cut off.

Oudtshoorn Municipal Area
– Middelplaas
– Volmoed
– Cango Bergoord
– De Oude Meul
– Moeras River
– Proefplaas

Kannaland Municipal Area
– Paardebont (close to Van Wyksdorp)

George Municipal Area
– Mount Hope (past Zebra)

Bitou Municipal Area
– SNK & Fisantehoek

SHELTER PROVIDED

Relief and shelter efforts are continuing across the district with around 450 people who remain affected by severe weather conditions. Water levels are expected to subside, with most runoff anticipated later this afternoon.

Bitou Municipal Area
– Kranshoek: 58
– Wittedrift: 20
– Piesang Valley: TBC

Knysna Municipal Area
– Hornlee Community Hall: 40
– Masefundi Library: 200
– Loerie Park: 30
– Sedgefield: 10
– Smutsville: 10
– Chris Hani: 5
– Methodist Church: TBC

Oudtshoorn Municipal Area
– Toekomsrus, Welgeluk, GG Kamp, Black Joint: 54
– De Rust: 25

ROADS CLOSED

The following roads are listed in the Western Cape Government Road Closure Update for the Garden Route District (7 May 2026, 06:00):

TR2/12 – Grootrivier Pass (Nature’s Valley area)
TR75/2 – Oudtshoorn to Cango Caves (Oudtshoorn area)
TR33/4 – Meiringspoort (Oudtshoorn area)
DR1707 – Middelplaas (Oudtshoorn area)
MR369 – Swartberg Pass (Oudtshoorn area)
DR1709 – Groenfontein (Calitzdorp area)
MR401 – Huisrivier Pass (Calitzdorp area) *Open*
MR309 – Seweweekspoort (Ladismith area)
MR390 – Kruisvallei (Knysna/Plettenberg Bay area)
MR355 – Seven Passes (Knysna/Plettenberg Bay area)
DR1615 – Swart River (Knysna/Plettenberg Bay area)
MR346 – Buffels Bay (Knysna/Plettenberg Bay area)
MR359 – Barrington (Knysna/Plettenberg Bay area)
MR394 – Keurboomstrand (Knysna/Plettenberg Bay area)
TR44/1 – R62 Avontuur to Eastern Cape boundary (Langkloof area)
DR1645 – Waboomskraal (Langkloof area)
DR1640 – Montagu Pass (Langkloof area)
DR1602 – Kleinplaas (George area)
DR1633 – Jonkersberg (George area)
MR401 – Uniondale Poort and town (Uniondale area)
MR399 – Avontuur (Uniondale area)
TR01/2 – Herold to Noll (Langkloof area)
DR1604 – Haelkraal (Mossel Bay area)
DR1587 – Donaldshoogte/Botlierskop (Mossel Bay area)

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The Garden Route District Municipality Disaster Management Unit encourages the public to report flood-related incidents to the 24/7 Emergency Call Centre of the GRDM – 044 805 5071 or WhatsApp 081 709 5193

Garden Route Multi-Agency Command Centre Update 4 on 6 May 2026 at 17h30

Garden Route Multi-Agency Command Centre Update 4 on 6 May 2026 at 17h30

Issued by Garden Route District Municipality

Relief and shelter efforts are continuing across the district as several communities remain affected by severe weather conditions.
Water levels are expected to subside, with most runoff anticipated by tomorrow afternoon.

Mass care facilities opened to shelter affected people:

In Oudtshoorn, 21 people are currently being accommodated at the Toekomsrust Community Hall, where food and blankets have been provided.

BITOU (KRANSHOEK, WITTEDRIFT AND PIESANG VALLEY)

The worst affected area remains the Bitou Municipality:

Approximately 58 people are being sheltered at the Kranshoek Griqua Church, where hot meals, mattresses, and blankets have been provided.
Nearly 80 people are being accommodated at the Wittedrift Community Hall.
Piesang Valley Hall has also been opened as a precautionary measure, as the Keurbooms River is expected to rise around 18h00, which may soon make parts of the area inaccessible by foot.

GEORGE (HAARLEM & UNIONDALE)

The Haarlem area is currently cut off, as both main access routes are flooded, including the road between Uniondale and Haarlem, as well as the route via Die Poort.

At present, the only accessible route is from the Eastern Cape side.

EMS Metro teams are currently exploring options to coordinate support from Eastern Cape EMS teams to assist with operations in the isolated area.

The N9 between Herold and Uniondale is currently experiencing flooding due to rising water levels, resulting in restricted access. This may lead to George being temporarily cut off if conditions persist.

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Report Provincial Road Issues via Download the Roads4U app
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The Garden Route District Municipality Disaster Management Unit encourages the public to report flood-related incidents to the 24/7 Emergency Call Centre of the GRDM – 044 805 5071 or WhatsApp 081 709 5193

 

Garden Route Multi-Agency Command Centre Update 3 on 6 May 2026 at 15h10

Garden Route Multi-Agency Command Centre Alert 3 on 6 May 2026 at 15h10

Issued by Garden Route District Municipality

Rainfall figures recorded from 08h00 till 15h00:

Near George Airport: 26,6mm
Witfontein: 44,0mm
George Tierkpop: 27,6mm
George Jonkershoek: 48,8mm
George Waboomskraal: 66,2mm
Rheebok-Sandhoogte: 34,8mm
Wilderness Dieprivier: 32,4mm
Wilderness heights: 20,8mm
Herold Lovain: 34,2mm
Knysna Kleingrysbos: 41,0mm
Knysna Diepwalle: 61,4mm
Plett: 14,6mm
Plett Newlands: 52,0mm
Stormsrivier Witteklip: 36,4mm
Stormsrivier Forest Fern: 36,6mm
Knysna Kruisfontein: 21,8mm
Mosselbaai: 33,8mm
Mosselbaai Robinson Pas: 64,6mm
Witsand Westfield: 1,4mm
Riversdal: 5,2mm
Riversdal Grootbos: 18,6mm
Riversdal Assegaaibosh: 11,4mm
Stilbaai: 0,6mm
Suurbraak Lismore: 12,6mm
Heidelberg Kruisrivier: 2,8mm
Ladismith: 21,0mm
Oudtshoorn: 18,2mm
Joubertina: 30,4mm
Kammanasieberg Vinkrivier: 46,8mm
Avontuur Boskloof: 85,2mm
Uniondale De hoop: 86,4mm

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The Garden Route District Municipality Disaster Management Unit encourages the public to report flood-related incidents to the 24/7 Emergency Call Centre of the GRDM – 044 805 5071 or WhatsApp 081 709 5193

Garden Route Multi-Agency Command Centre Update 2 on 6 May 2026 at 13h00

Garden Route Multi-Agency Command Centre Alert 2 on 6 May 2026 at 13h00

Issued by Garden Route District Municipality

CURRENT ROADS CLOSED

The following roads are currently closed until further notice (issued by WC Gov):

MR369 – Swartberg Pass
TR33/4 – Meiringspoort
MR401 – Queen Street between Uniondale and Avontuur
TR44/1 (R62) – Between Avontuur and the Eastern Cape boundary
MR355 – Karatara Pass between George and Knysna
MR390 – Wittedrift
TR2/12 – Grootrivier Pass (Nature’s Valley)

GENERAL FEEDBACK

The Head of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Disaster Management Centre, Gerhard Otto has confirmed that the Eastern parts of the region, including Plettenberg Bay and Knysna are among the areas hardest hit by the severe weather. In Knysna, 197mm rain has been recorded and an excess of 200mm rain in the Bitou municipal area. “At this point, some roads are flooded, while others are extremely slippery and inaccessible,” Otto added.

“We commend the Western Cape Provincial Government Department of Education for closing schools during this time because this has reduced the number of vehicles on roads and kept children safe,” said Otto.

KNYSNA FATALITY

Persistent rainfall, combined with strong winds, have caused dozens of trees to uproot. The public is urged to remain extremely cautious during this period. According to Gerhard Otto: “A woman from Knysna tragically lost her life this morning after a tree uprooted and fell onto her vehicle while she was parked underneath it”.

PLETTENBERG BAY RIVER BANK BURST

In Plettenberg Bay, the Piesang Valley River burst its banks, resulting in flooding near the lower parking areas adjacent to the Beacon Isle Hotel. Flooded is seen from sea-and river sides, subsiding. Residents living along the river have since been evacuated as a precaution and are being accommodated at nearby community halls. In the Haarlem area, a community hall was also opened to accommodate residents impacted by floods.

Eighty (80) people in the Wittedrift area were also evacuated to the Wittedrift Community Hall.

MUNICIPAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Authorities have also reported damage to critical infrastructure, including sewer pump stations, sections of the water supply network and in some locations power was switched off as a safety measure. Engineering teams are currently assessing the damage and working to restore affected services as quickly as possible.

WEATHER FORECAST

Wind gusts between 50 and 60 km/h are expected to continue throughout the day and night, increasing the likelihood of falling trees and debris. Motorists are strongly advised to avoid unnecessary travel, as several roads across the district have become flooded, slippery or inaccessible.

Rainfall is expected to persist for the remainder of today into the early hours of tomorrow, 7 May, with an additional 30 to 50 mm forecast over the eastern parts of the Garden Route region. “We will only see some relief by tomorrow,” said Otto.

Residents are urged to monitor official municipal communication channels and to prioritise safety at all times.

SAFETY MEASURES (ABC’S)

A. Be careful of parking under large trees and traveling in general. Saturated ground may cause trees or branches to fall unexpectedly, posing a risk to vehicles and pedestrians. Only travel when necessary and remain alert on the roads.

B. Avoid low-lying bridges, drifts and flooded river crossings. Fast-flowing water can rise rapidly and may sweep away vehicles or pedestrians. Never attempt to cross a flooded bridge or roadway.

C. Multiple areas are currently experiencing unplanned power interruptions. Residents are urged to remain cautious around electrical infrastructure and to treat all power lines as live.

D. Motorists are advised to exercise caution on the N2 between Klein Brak River and Great Brak River due to sand and debris on the roadway. Reduced speeds are advised. Relevant teams from SANRAL and Mossel Bay Municipality are attending to the area.

Only follow
Follow municipal Facebook Pages and WhatsApp Channels for updates in town areas:

Report Provincial Road Issues via Download the Roads4U app
Google Play
iOS

The Garden Route District Municipality Disaster Management Unit encourages the public to report flood-related incidents to the 24/7 Emergency Call Centre of the GRDM – 044 805 5071 or WhatsApp 081 709 5193

Garden Route Multi-Agency Command Centre Update 1 on 6 May 2026 at 08h45

Garden Route Multi-Agency Command Centre Update 1 on 6 May 2026 at 08h45

Issued by Garden Route District Municipality

Local Municipalities remain the first responders to incidents within their respective areas, while the Garden Route District Municipality continues to provide support, coordination and additional resources where required through its Disaster Management Centre.

CROSS-BOUNDARY IMPACTS

  • The Garden Route district is cut off from the Central Karoo District because Meiringspoort and Swartberg Passes have been closed until further notice.

SAFETY ADVISORIES (ABC’s)

  • A. Be careful of parking under large trees and traveling in general. Saturated ground may cause trees or branches to fall unexpectedly, posing a risk to vehicles and pedestrians. Only travel when necessary and remain alert on the roads.
  • B. Avoid low-lying bridges, drifts and flooded river crossings. Fast-flowing water can rise rapidly and may sweep away vehicles or pedestrians. Never attempt to cross a flooded bridge or roadway.
  • C. Multiple areas are currently experiencing unplanned power interruptions. Residents are urged to remain cautious around electrical infrastructure and to treat all power lines as live.
  • D. Motorists are advised to exercise caution on the N2 between Klein Brak River and Great Brak River due to sand and debris on the roadway. Reduced speeds are advised. Relevant teams from SANRAL and Mossel Bay Municipality are attending to the area.

DISTRICT COORDINATED ACTIONS

  • District Roads are coordinated by GRDM and those that are open and closed will be published during the course of the incident.

WEATHER INTELLIGENCE

Majority of the rain measured is at the Eastern part of the region.

  • Near George Airport: 53,6mm
  • Witfontein: 76,8 mm
  • George Tierkpop: 61,0 mm
  • George Jonkershoek: 88,8 mm
  • George Waboomskraal: 117,6 mm
  • Rheebok-Sandhoogte: 40,4 mm
  • Wilderness Dieprivier: 73,6 mm
  • Wilderness heights: 60,8 mm
  • Herold Lovain ARS: 78,4 mm
  • Knysna Charlesford: 122,4 mm
  • Knysna Kleingrysbos: 120,2 mm
  • Knysna Diepwalle: 105,8 mm
  • Plett: 92,6 mm
  • Plett Newlands: 113,2 mm
  • Stormsrivier Witteklip: 82,0 mm
  • Stormsrivier Forest Fern: 114,2 mm
  • Knysna Kruisfontein: 99,8 mm
  • Mosselbaai: 20,6 mm
  • Mosselbaai Robinson Pass: 76,0 mm
  • Witsand Westfield: 8,2 mm
  • Riversdal: 20,0 mm
  • Riversdal Grootbos: 19,8 mm
  • Riversdal Assegaaibosh: 15,2 mm
  • Stilbaai: 13,6 mm
  • Heidelberg Kruisrivier: 14,6 mm
  • Ladismith: 17,6 mm
  • Oudtshoorn: 32,2 mm
  • De Rust Std: 61,6 mm
    Kammanasieberg Vinkrivier: 82,6 mm
  • Avontuur Bellevue: 83,0 mm
  • Avontuur Boskloof: 101,8 mm
  • Uniondale De Hoop: 136,2 mm

ACTIVATION OF DISASTER STRUCTURES

Two Swift Water Rescue Teams from Cape Town SAPS are stationed in Oudtshoorn and Knysna (16 people in total)

Only follow
Follow municipal Facebook Pages and WhatsApp Channels for updates in town areas:

Report Provincial Road Issues via Download the Roads4U app
Google Play
iOS

The Garden Route District Municipality Disaster Management Unit encourages the public to report flood-related incidents to the 24/7 Emergency Call Centre of the GRDM – 044 805 5071 or WhatsApp 081 709 5193

2026 04 30 Media Release: GRDM and Stakeholders ready to host the 11th Toughest Firefighter Alive – South Africa (TFA-SA) 2026 competition from 1 – 3 October 2026

Media Release: GRDM and Stakeholders ready to host the 11th Toughest Firefighter Alive – South Africa (TFA-SA) 2026 competition

For immediate release
30 April 2026

Today, 30 April 2026, the Executive Mayor of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), Ald. Marais Kruger, announced and declared the Garden Route as official host of the Toughest Firefighter Alive South Africa (TFA-SA) 2026 competition.

The official launch took place and was hosted at the Garden Route Mall in George where the event will be held for the 2nd year in a row.

This year’s event signifies the loyal and ongoing partnership of the GRDM with the Firefighters for Excellence Foundation and the Garden Route Mall to host the 11th competition in George.

The date is set for 01 to 03 October 2026.

“Following the success of the 2025 event, the GRDM, in partnership with the Garden Route Mall, is honoured to once again host this prestigious national competition,” Mayor Kruger said. He further explained that the event signifies and celebrates the courage, strength, and dedication of firefighters who serve our communities daily, while promoting professional excellence, fitness, tourism, and regional economic growth.

In addition, Mayor Kruger, while addressing stakeholders present, reminded the public to also look forward to an exciting Mini Toughest Firefighter competition, creating an opportunity for families and communities to share in this inspiring experience. “We encourage the public to watch for registration dates and we look forward to welcoming firefighters and visitors from across South Africa to the Garden Route for another outstanding event. On behalf of the Garden Route District Municipality, I proudly and officially declare the venue and dates and warmly invite the nation to join us in George this October,” Mayor Kruger highlighted.

The Garden Route Mall is the center of retail in the region and is the largest shopping centre along the Garden Route. Set strategically next to the N2 and close to other attractions in George, spectators and competitors will enjoy a safe space with the picturesque Outeniqua Mountains in the background.

Stakeholder representatives who were also present from the Garden Route Mall include: Rion Olivier (General Manager) and Sonja Anderson (Sales & Event Coordinator), the GRDM team, including, Deon Stoffels (Chief Fire Officer), Emile Conrad (Senior Firefighter and former South African Toughest Firefighter and representatives from Metro Emergency Medical Services (EMS), including Aphiwe Ndukbini (defending champion from the Overberg), as well as Rescue Manager in the Garden Route, Jethro Jacobs, Rescue Manager in Overberg, John Davids, Rescue Technician, Rodriques Christoffels and Dane Lotter from Frontier Medix. Mark Smith from the Firefighters for Excellence Foundation virtually participated in the engagement.

𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥’𝗦 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡

Previous category winners such as Emile Conrad, men’s overall category eight times and Aphiwe Ndukbini (defending champion from the Overberg) who won the competition last year, will be in action again to showcase the magnitude of their talent and overall fitness.

The Mini Toughest Firefighter Challenge will also be hosted to ensure that youngsters are able to also feel the rush and excitement of the TFA competition. Members of the public are encouraged to watch for announcements regarding registrations and spectator opportunities on the Toughest Firefighter Alive South Africa Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/104703576298608

Mayor Kruger encouraged the public and invited the nation to join firefighters across the country to gather in George this October to contribute to yet another remarkable experience for firefighters, stakeholders and the community at large.

ORIGINS OF THE TFA-SA

The event has been initially hosted in Cape Town, later in George in 2016, in Mossel Bay the competition was hosted from 2022 until 2024 and last year it has been hosted at the Garden Route Mall in George. This event attracts teams from across South Africa making the TFA-SA one of the biggest events of this nature across the globe.

According to Mark Smith, the Chairperson and founder of TFA-SA: “We are planning to make the event bigger and improve on the overall outcomes. Each year, we improve on the previous year’s event, as the competition has a massive and positive influence on Emergency Services across South Africa”. Smith further stated that the manner in which the event impacted the different areas is unbelievable – “more than what we could have imagined,” he said. Smith also highlighted how the event plays a pivotal role in ensuring improved service delivery to the communities, saying that “emergency responders must at all time be physically and mentally fit – testing their patience, resilience, camaraderie etc.”.

Aphiwe Ndukbini and Emile Conrad with loyal supporters showcasing what to expect at this year’s TFA-SA 2026.

The TFA-SA is linked to the World Firefighter Games, which was launched in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1990. It has since become the flagship competition for firefighters globally, with South Africa hosting its first TFA event in 2011 at the Good Hope Centre in Cape Town. The competition, nowadays, draws competitors from municipalities, private sector businesses, volunteer organisations, airport fire and rescue services and the military, as well as international firefighters.

To compete, information will be available on the official website at:
https://www.frimedia.org/tfa.html

Members of the public who are interested in volunteering at the event, are invited to send an e-mail to GRDM Fire Services to deon@gardenroute.gov.za.

Companies interested in sponsoring/exhibiting may contact the official media partner, Fire and Rescue International’s Lee Raath-Brownie at lee@fireandrescue.co or mobile 082 371 0190.

ENDS

30 April 2026 Media Release: GRDM Advances Skills Development Agenda

GRDM Advances Skills Development Agenda

30 April 2026

On 29 April 2026, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), together with organised labour represented by IMATU and SAMWU, signed the GRDM Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) for the 2026/27 financial year. This annual process reflects GRDM’s ongoing commitment to addressing institutional skills gaps.

The municipality also implements a similar approach externally through the Garden Route Skills Mecca Initiative in collaboration with several Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) entities, amongst others.

Management and unions will implement the new financial year’s WSP from 1 July 2026. The consultation and final consensus followed a series of engagements with various GRDM departments, during which training requirements were consolidated into a single, workable plan.

Caption: GRDM, IMATU, and SAMWU come together to sign the 2026/27 Workplace Skills Plan.

Looking ahead, the Garden Route District Training Committee resolved to enhance WSP planning cycles and strengthen transparency and accountability. Representing the unions, IMATU’s Bonisile Desha said, “Continuous monitoring and evaluation are vital in this process.

“Receiving progress reports on a bi-monthly basis will enable us, as unions, to take stock of these developments.”

He added, “We want to be transparent about the number of employees and ensure that the allocated budget is spent accordingly.” The unions further stressed the importance of ensuring that all employees requiring skills development interventions benefit, enabling them to contribute positively to the workplace.

Caption: A collaborative step forward as GRDM and labour partners align on skills development priorities for 2026/27.

 GRDM Skills and Training Manager, Regional Salmons, emphasised that while skills development is mandatory for the GRDM, employee engagement is vital for the WSP to drive growth rather than just meet compliance.

Salmons noted that the annual submission of the Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) and Annual Training Report (ATR) to LGSETA by April 30th is essential, as it unlocks mandatory and discretionary funding for the municipality.

Feature image caption: GRDM strengthens its commitment to workforce development with the signing of the 2026/27 Workplace Skills Plan.

ENDS

29 April 2026 Media Release: Garden Route and Tacoma Strengthen Ties Through Strategic Global Exchange

Garden Route and Tacoma Strengthen Ties Through Strategic Global Exchange

29 April 2026

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is continuing its partnership with Tacoma Sister Cities International, spearheaded by Ms. Melannie Cunningham, by exploring collective approaches to boost its economic growth, skills transfer and sustainable tourism.

During a visit, from 23 to 28 Apil to the Garden Route, a platform to exchange critical information and extract skills between the two institutions was established.

Ms. Cunningham, who chairs the Tacoma-Garden Route District Committee, emphasised that this journey is about transforming long-standing agreements into a dynamic regional partnership that spans across all seven diverse communities of the Garden Route. “It also re-opens up opportunities for economic growth for the Garden Route to the association’s vast international networks,” said Cunningham.

The delegates discussed the global ostrich industry, exploring new avenues for trade and export of these high-value local products.

In a view to facilitate better movement of goods, port relations were firmly on the spotlight. Manager: LED, Tourism, EPWP and Job Creation Mr. Richard Dyantyi said, “The engagements centred around the coastal energy and maritime culture that mirror Tacoma’s own character as a vital port city”, he said.

The delegation also prioritised skills training and development to be spearheaded by local educational and vocational institutions such South Cape College & Africa Skills Village. The discussions touched on establishing formal academic and artisanal exchange programmes, allowing for a “people-to-people” flow of skills and knowledge.

The Garden Route continues to attract more residents who enjoy the rich tapestry of nature and cultures in this region and the efforts aimed at promoting cultural understanding and deep-rooted community connections were highly supported towards building on a relationship that began with George in 1997 and has now expanded to the entire Garden Route District.

Both countries see this as a starting point to boost trade, promote sustainable tourism, and create richer educational pathways for young people in the Garden Route.

Caption: Strengthening international ties, GRDM leadership and the Tacoma Sister Cities representatives engage in discussions to unlock new avenues for collaboration and shared growth.

ENDS

29 April 2026 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Fuels Entrepreneurial Success for 15 Small Businesses

Garden Route District Municipality Fuels Entrepreneurial Success for 15 Small Businesses

 29 April 2026

About 15 small businesses in the Garden Route are on a sustainable growth trajectory after receiving equipment and machinery donations to boost their operations through the annual Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Support Programme of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in collaboration with the Cape Agency for Sustainable Integrated Development in Rural Areas (Casidra) and the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency (SEDFA).

This programme identifies emerging businesses based in the Garden Route that are challenged by growing their operations or to buy the equipment and machinery they need.

GRDM leadership and partners from Casidra and SEDFA with local entrepreneurs receiving machinery support to grow and strengthen their businesses.

According to Natalie Botha, District Economic Development Officer, “The application for this round of beneficiaries closed on 29 August 2025 and processes subsequently unfolded through a strict selection process.”

“We plan for the next application period to commence around July 2027. It will be shared with the mass media, via the Garden Route Local Government Job Opportunities WhatsApp Channel, website and Facebook page,” she said.

The programme attracted a total of just under 100 applications, reflecting the growing demand for development support among small businesses. The identified businesses are all registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) and have been operational for at least one year. These and being classified as an MSME in terms of the National Small Enterprise Amendment Act (Act 21 of 2024), are some of the criteria used during the selection process.

Beneficiaries include ventures focusing on property, beauty, poultry farming, dentistry, driving schools, construction, and more. GRDM provided non-financial support to each business in the form of equipment and materials tailored to their operational needs. Since 2019, GRDM has invested just under R3.5 million into small business development, supporting a total of 139 beneficiaries to date.

Speaking at the handover event, MMC for Planning and Economic Development, Ald. Rosina Ruiters, said: “This initiative also reflects our commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that opportunities are accessible to all entrepreneurs who are ready to grow and contribute.”

This programme is one of our flagship initiatives within the GRDM. The assistance received by these businesses will contribute significantly to their growth and development as well as the broader Garden Route economy.”

Executive Mayor, Ald. Marais Kruger, said this MSME Programme remains one of the ways GRDM plays a part in alleviating pressures of poverty and unemployment as small businesses create those much-needed jobs which contribute to the growth of the local economy. “Through this programme, we are giving small businesses the support they require to grow and make a material difference to their families and the community.”

The GRDM partners, Casidra and SEDFA, provided technical expertise and mentorship to each business, which is a commitment they make annually. Offering a message of support, SEDFA Acting HOD for Pre-Investment, Mr Alex Qunta, said as stakeholders they were proud to be supporting and empowering small businesses to grow and thrive.

Visionary leadership and continued collaboration amongst all role-players ensure that small businesses are able to have real impact in their communities. Casidra CEO, Dr Keith Du Plessis said small businesses were the backbone of the economy. “We commend you for taking the risk as barriers to market, financial support and compliance can be very challenging ,” he said.

Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, encouraged the businesses to remain resolute when challenges arise and assured that Garden Route would offer the support they required. “Support should not only come in the form of materials, but also through guidance, encouragement, and standing with you during difficult times”.

The programme remains inclusive, with no restrictions based on gender, age, or race, ensuring equal opportunity for all qualifying businesses.

GRDM remains committed to this programme and when more funding streams become available, will increase the impact and footprint of the initiative – year-on-year.

To keep up to date with opportunities like these, please join the Garden Route Local Government Opportunities WhatsApp Channel: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va92oJoJpe8eiTvq3q33

ENDS