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30 May 2023 Media Release: Employee Wellness Day at GRDM Head Office

Employee Wellness Day at GRDM Head Office

Immediate release
30 May 2023

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) recently organised an Employee Wellness Day on May 26, 2023. The event was held at the GRDM head office front parking area, aimed to promote the well-being of employees across various departments.

Under the theme “Mind, Body and Motion,” all participants were encouraged to dress sporty and actively participate in the session. This session served as an annual introduction to the Wellness Day Policy, emphasising the significance of maintaining good physical and mental health for all employees. The specific purpose of this Wellness Day was to introduce a draft Policy for the Annual Garden Route Wellness Day in the region. This policy aims to facilitate coordination between the District, B-municipalities, and other relevant stakeholders in the field, ensuring a collaborative approach to wellness initiatives.

To ensure an engaging experience, a Virgin Active Zumba group activity was aranged by the Virgin Active team, in which GRDM employees enthusiastically participated. Additionally, various stalls were set up, offering services such as Health Screening Tests, Financial Advice, Medical Aids, and Retirement Fund Advice to keep everyone entertained and informed.

Lusanda Menze, Executive Manager of Planning and Economic Development, delivered a supportive message regarding the importance of employee wellness within the municipality. He emphasised that employee wellness is a key program and highlighted the significant amount of time spent at work.

Menze stressed the need for colleagues to develop camaraderie and work together while also recognising the tendency to overlook our own well-being. He emphasised the criticality of self-enrichment and maintaining good health in our personal time. He further emphasised the value of prevention over cure and highlighted the importance of early detection, urging everyone to prioritise self-care.

Also, a snakes and ladders game presented by Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) at the event and those who used it enjoyed it thoroughly. The floor of the game was designed in-house to target younger generations and its aim was to teach children about the disadvantages of pollution, the issue of illegal dumping, that waste should not be burned, instead be reduced, reused and recycled. When the snake catches one of the players, a valuable lesson is learned and when a ladder is climbed, a good environmental task is done. Adult participants enjoyed the fun to engage and still learned about these crucial environmental matters. Magnets with reporting information on illegal dumping, were also distributed, as part of the ongoing illegal dumping campaign where people are encouraged to report illegal dumping so that the perpetrators can be caught and fined.

EHPs also displayed a sampling kit to showcase their professional gear and the process of taking samples. Broken, dented and rusted cans were also displayed to inform employees what to look out for when buying canned food to protect their health. Additionally, the team distributed pamphlets about Tuberculosis, soil pollution and diarrhoea to staff present.

About 145 employees were in attendance of which 20 staff members including management had free prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests done by CANSA.

Apart from the Virgin Active group fitness session, a few staff members enjoyed playing soccer and netball as part of the physical activities.

Two highlights of the day were when Planet fitness gave employees 7-day free vouchers to make use of their gym facilities and one of the employees won a R300 in the lucky draw for employees, done by Sanlam.

The GRDM hereby extend a message of gratitude to the following service providers who participated in the event, nl:

  • Western Cape Health Department who provided free preventative services such as: family planning, cervical screening (pap smear), HIV testing, Tuberculosis, Diabetes and Hypertension screening.
  • Cancer Association South Africa (CANSA) offered free Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) tests.
  • Consolidated Retirement Fund gave free advice to staff regarding retirement benefits.
  • Municipal Health Services of GRDM created awareness about Municipal Health related aspects and displayed their services at the event.
  • Key Health and Bonitas Medical Aids assisted employees with necessary advice in relation to medical aid benefits.
  • Virgin Active presented a free group active Fitness Session to those who were present.
  • Planet Fitness handed out free 7-day vouchers to staff to make use of their gym facilities.
  • FNB and Nedbank banks shared valuable finance advise with those who visited their stalls.
  • Sanlam advised employees about their products and a surprised employee left the event with a R300 in the pocket after they have done a lucky draw for all GRDM participants presents.

ENDS

30 May 2023 Media Release: GRDM Annual Records Clean-Up project underway

Media Release:  GRDM Annual Records Clean-Up project underway

For Immediate Release
30 May 2023

The Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Record and Archive Section has commenced with its annual Records Clean-up Project, aimed at ensuring compliance with the Archives legislation. The project will end at the end of July 2023 with the assistance of three (3) EPWP (Expanded Public Works Programme) employees.

During the previous records clean-up project, significant findings were made, particularly regarding records from Hessequa Municipality. These records will be transferred on 23 May 2023 to Hessequa, to ensure their proper preservation and accessibility.

A comprehensive review of qualifying financial and other records will be conducted in accordance with the approved Records Control Schedule, according to Spasiena Brinkhuys, Manager: Records, Archives, Fleet & Auxiliary Services. This process aims to streamline the organisation’s recordkeeping practices, ensuring only relevant and necessary information is retained.

“In line with our commitment to effective records management, A20 records from the previous South Cape District Council will be transferred to the repository in Cape Town before the end of June. This relocation will enhance accessibility and archival integrity, while optimizing space within our existing facilities,” Brinkhuys said.

All financial records in all other storerooms will be transferred to the registry office to accommodate the influx of the latest records. The relocation will create additional storage space for the organization’s current records and make retrieval and storage easier.

Leading this vital project is Mr Akhona Mxutu, who brings extensive experience in records management and a deep understanding of archival practices. Mr Mxutu’s leadership and expertise will be invaluable in successfully accomplishing the goals of the project.

AFRIKAANS

Die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM) se Rekord- en Argiefafdeling het onlangs met die jaarlikse rekordopruimingsprojek begin, wat daarop gemik is om aan die vereistes van die Argiefwetgewing te voldoen. Die projek sal op 31 Julie 2023 eindig en word met die hulp van drie (3) Uitgebreide Openbare Werke werknemers gedoen.

Tydens die vorige rekordskoonmaakprojek is belangrike bevindinge gemaak, veral rakende rekords van Hessequa Munisipaliteit. Hierdie rekords was op 23 Mei 2023 na Hessequa oorgedra om behoorlike bewaring en toeganklikheid daarvan te verseker.

’n Omvattende hersiening van kwalifiserende finansiële en ander rekords sal volgens die goedgekeurde Rekordbeheerskedule uitgevoer word, volgens Spasiena Brinkhuys, Bestuurder: Rekords, Argiewe, Vloot en Hulpdienste. Hierdie proses het ten doel om die organisasie se rekordhoudingspraktyke te verbeter, om te verseker dat slegs relevante en nodige inligting behou word.

“In ooreenstemming met ons verbintenis tot doeltreffende rekordbestuur, sal A20-rekords van die vorige Suid-Kaapse Distriksraad voor die einde van Junie na die bewaarplek in Kaapstad oorgedra word. Hierdie verskuiwing sal toeganklikheid en argiefintegriteit verbeter, terwyl ruimte binne ons bestaande fasiliteit geoptimaliseer word,” het Brinkhuys gesê.

ISIXHOSA

ICandelo leRekhodi no Londolozo lweeNkcukacha eziBalulekileyo likaMasipala weSithili saseGarden Route (i-GRDM) sele liqalisile ngeNkqubo yokuCoca iiRekhodi zonyaka, ejolise ekuqinisekiseni ukuthotyelwa kwemithetho yooVimba. Le nkqubo iza kuphela ekupheleni kwenyanga yeKhala ku-2023 ngoncedo lwabasebenzi abathathu (3) be-EPWP (iNkqubo eYandisiweyo yeMisebenzi kaRhulumente).

“Ngokuhambelana nokuzibophelela kwethu kulawulo olusebenza ngeerekhodi, iirekhodi ze-A20 zeBhunga langaphambili leSithili soMzantsi Koloni ziya kukhutshelwa kwindawo yogcino-zincwadi eKapa phambi kokuphela kwenyanga yeSilimela.

Okufudukiswa kuya kuphucula ukufikeleleka kunye nesidima soovimba, ngelixa sikhulisa indawo kumaziko ethu asele ekhona, utshilo uBrinkhuys.

Zonke iirekhodi zemali ezikuwo onke amanye amagumbi ogcino ziya kuthunyelwa kwi-ofisi yobhaliso ukwenzela ukulungiselela ukungena kweerekhodi zamvanje. Ukufuduswa kuya kudala indawo yokugcina eyongezelelweyo yeerekhodi zangoku zikaMasipala kwaye wenze ukubuyiswa nokugcinwa kube lula.

Samkelo Gladile, Jasthan Meduna, and Emilio Botha have been appointed to assist with the Records Clean-up Project. They were selected based on their skills and experience in records management and archiving.

DID YOU KNOW?  Why records cannot be stored paperless, but digital?

There are many benefits to going paperless, such as increased efficiency, convenient transfers of information, and upgraded security, but many agencies lack familiarity with digital document management systems. Because the digital government transformation is still relatively new, some may be unaware of electronic records management best practices. In order to best serve citizens and get the most out of going paperless beyond the environmental benefits, government agencies should familiarise themselves with electronic file management best practices. Here, we’ll be identifying and summarising five electronic records management best practices for local governments to follow.

Track and Record the Data that Means the Most.

The first of these electronic file management best practices is fairly obvious–of course you’re going to pay special attention to documents with the most sensitive and important data–but that doesn’t make it any less crucial to a good electronic document and records management system.

This is probably the most important of these electronic records management best practices for governments considering all the information and data they have on citizens, local businesses and their own agency that should be kept private and confidential.

Ensure these kinds of files are kept safe and secure by tracking where they are located, who accesses them, when they get accessed, and what edits are made.

Create an Optimized Records Management Strategy

All agencies should have a records management plan that is clear and effectively communicated to staff. This strategy should also be as simple and straightforward as possible since the ecosystem of information architecture, data structures, and procedures and processes can be quite overwhelming.

A records management strategy should be constructed in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations and incorporate other electronic file management best practices.

Ensure All Data is Accurate and Kept Up to Date

This is perhaps another one of the more obvious electronic records management best practices, but definitely something your agency should consider. Not only will this ensure important information and data is always up to date, but it will help keep your agency on top of properly archiving and disposing of files when the time comes.

Electronic management systems make this easy to do since specific files can be quickly found, downloaded, and edited within minutes without the need to search through file cabinets and scan a copy.

Transfer Physical Records to Digital Ones

Your agency may have already turned many of your physical records into digital ones, and while it can be a time-consuming process, electronic file management best practices suggest you digitize everything.

This will help your agency make operational tasks more efficient and ensure that down the line you won’t be scrambling to find the paper copy of a file that was never scanned and uploaded to the system.

Review Policies and Audit Frequently

However stringent you may be with your adoption of electronic records management best practices, it’s smart to review them with staff and conduct audits to ensure all documents are where they should be and that only those who need access have it.

Electronic records management best practices recommend your agency do annual reviews to assess your compliance with necessary standards and legislation. These audits will also give you valuable information on how you can become more efficient.

https://govos.com/blog/electronic-records-management-best-practices/

Join the Western Cape Archives and Records Service and the KwaZulu-Natal Archives for an online presentation on Archiving Oral History on Monday 5 June 2023, 10:00-11:30, during National Archives Awareness Week. The KwaZulu-Natal Archives Oral History unit has recorded and preserved oral histories since 2012 to address past imbalances in the written records and ensure that researchers are able to understand the history of KwaZulu-Natal. They will share their new AV Channel (www.kznarchives.gov.za) and discuss how they have addressed issues surrounding digital databases and oral history. To receive the link, sign up here: https://forms.gle/TjKBYTaZjXujWTHXA

30 May 2023 Budget Speech by the Executive Mayor of Garden Route District Municipality

Budget Speech by the Executive Mayor of Garden Route District Municipality

30 May 2023

Honourable Speaker, Deputy Mayor, Councillors, Municipal Manager, officials, and members of the public, I want to welcome you at this stage of the tabling of my budget.

It is privileged to be here and to table the 2023/24 MTREF Budget to the council for approval. It is my pleasure to present to you a fully funded budget, given the Municipality’s financial position. The MTREF budget is projecting a deficit of R5.7m (2023/24), R6,2m (2024/25) and R7,7m (2025/26). However, it is comforting that although we are budgeting for a deficit the budget is fully funded, through the cash-backed reserves.

The total budgeted revenue for the Municipality is R526m and the total budgeted expenditure is R R532m. Our two main sources of income are the Equitable Share, which is R178m, and the Roads function allocation of R193m. This means that more than 70% of our income is derived from these two allocations. The roads allocation can only be used to finance Roads Department activities, which include resealing, re-graveling, maintenance, and upgrading of roads.

The budgeted road allocation includes capital project allocations of R 91m. The breakdown of these is as follows:

The remaining amount of R R101m will cover operational expenditure for the Roads and Transport department.

On 15 May 2023, I and the Provincial Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, visited the Gwaiing Project and we were all happy with the progress on the construction of this road. It was agreed that the project will be fast-tracked to ensure that it is delivered earlier than planned but within the available budget.

I was personally pleased to see considerable investment in EPWP workers. These projects are not only about building roads but do create much-needed employment within the region. Our EPWP workers are also being upskilled and enrolled on NQF level 2 Road Construction Course, as well as Learners and Driver’s Licenses. This project alone created 40 EPWP working opportunities. In essence, it has put bread on the table of 40 families. This process of appointing EPWP’s is replicated in other projects as well. At this stage, I would like to show gratitude to all our roads staff, from the Executive Manager to the person in his or her little corner. We are one of the best-performing roads department, although as others, we do face challenges.

The other functions and projects of the GRDM are financed mainly from the Equitable Share Allocation of R178m. This allocation will never be adequate to finance our ambitious programs or merely our function as envisaged by Section 84 of the Municipal Structures Act. The equitable share over the MTREF period grows at a slow pace. The Equitable Share only increases by about 3% per annum (R5.6m), and that is not sufficient to ensure the financial sustainability of this municipality, as it is below the annual CPIX.

If one excludes the Roads income from our budget, the remaining main revenue source to finance projects outside the roads department is R333m. More than 50% of this income is from the Equitable Share.
In addition to the Equitable Share, we apply for and received conditional grants to the value of R40m. This brings the number of Transfers from National and Provincial Governments to R220m. This means that 66% of the revenue to finance GRDM is from transfer income. This excludes the income from various SETAs which is about R15m. The reality is that the Municipality must continue to explore alternative sources of income in order to deliver on its legal mandate. This is exactly what we have been busy doing over the past few years

Our limited revenue resources have compelled the GRDM to pursue additional income sources in order to deliver the services in the region and this remains a challenge as we have limited own income sources. Turnaround strategies are compiled for properties and resorts and alternative revenue enhancement strategies are being explored – for example becoming a water services authority.
The GRDM has developed an investment prospectus containing regional catalytic investment opportunities across the Garden Route. The purpose of the prospectus is to display the region’s investment-friendly climate and its economic activities and opportunities to the national and international business community and in so doing, attract new investments and retain and expand existing investments in the Garden Route region.

The prospectus includes the investment opportunities of all seven (7) municipalities within the boundaries of the region, as well as the District Municipality’s specific opportunities. The investment opportunities identified for our region amount to more than R508 billion. These projects are classified as medium to long-term projects. As can be seen from the value of these projects, they cannot be financed through the current municipal resources. A task team will be established to ensure that credible business plans are compiled and submitted to relevant private (local and abroad) and public institutions for possible investments.

This prospectus can be accessed here https://invest.gardenroute.gov.za

Having been faced with the above challenges we have managed to allocate funding to various projects that are key to our communities. We have made available R4,2m to fund the EPWP projects. I have already explained the importance of this funding. In the LED and Tourism section, we will be providing much-needed assistance to the SMME’s to the tune of R600 000, amongst few projects in this area. An allocation of about R 15m has been made to create employment and provide skills to our youth, through our Skills Mecca projects. Thanks to various SETAs and various government departments for their financial contributions to this project. Further details about this exciting project can be found in our investment prospectus above.

Part of our strategy is to ensure that we turn around our resorts to generate much-needed revenue for the GRDM. We have therefore made provision for R9.5m for the resorts. We have also budgeted R14m income from the same.

Our Capital projects amount to R159m. The major projects are the construction of the Regional Landfill site and the Fire Station. Both these projects are regional projects, and they will be serving the region. The Construction of the Fire Station is at the advanced stage and the Landfill site will be starting in June 2023.

The GRDM embarked on a procurement process to obtain borrowing to finance the landfill site construction. An intensive tender adjudication process was followed. Consequently, after consultative process with all the participating municipalities to analyse and determine the best and most appropriate tendered loan option, it was collectively decided that the preferred option of the tenders offered would be clearly the 10-year loan. This loan will have an all-in floating rate of 6.89% and is offered by Standard Bank.

GRDM has negotiated service-level agreements with participating b-municipalities. It is imperative that the participating local municipalities provide a signed SLA, indicating the participation for 10 years. The tariffs are included in the GRDM tariff structure to cater to the provision of this service. A Regional Waste Management Facility Project Steering Committee has been established, consisting of various sections to provide inputs and assist the project manager to ensure that the project will commence and be completed as per the timeframes set up.

Finally, I would like to thank the Municipal Manager and his management team for the sterling work they have done in ensuring a funded budget for the institution. There is still a lot of work ahead in order to realise the projects that are part of our investment prospectus. To that end, a task team will be established to ensure that credible business plans are compiled and submitted to relevant private (local and abroad) and public institutions for possible investments.

The attached detailed budget is therefore submitted for approval by this council.

Yours in Governance,
Alderman Memory Booysen

30 May 2023 Media Release: Alderlady Ndayi supports Early Childhood Development in Kurland

Media Release:  ALDERLADY NDAYI SUPPORTS EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT IN KURLAND

For Immediate Release
30 May 2023

The principle, educators, and toddlers were all delighted with the new equipment given to the school by GRDM Councillor, Alderlady Ndayi.

Alderlady Ndayi, Mayoral Committee Member and Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services at Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), demonstrated her unwavering commitment to early childhood development by handing over toys, educational materials, and necessities to Kurland Educare Education in Ward 1 of the Bitou local municipality.

This initiative comes as a result of the GRDM Council who allocated 50 thousand of his annual grant to each Mayoral Committee Member. Alderlady Ndayi recognised the pressing needs of Kurland Educare Education, a créche catering to 80 children, who are currently facing challenges in securing sponsors.

Understanding the critical importance of a strong foundation in a child’s educational journey, Alderlady Ndayi expressed her personal connection to early childhood development. She firmly believes that laying the groundwork correctly is vital for the holistic development and future success of every child.

By providing toys, educational materials, and necessities, Alderlady Ndayi hopes to see the learning environment at Kurland Educare Education improve. The donated items will not only support the children’s educational growth but also contribute to their overall well-being.

Alderlady Ndayi’s commitment to early childhood development reflects the GRDM’s dedication to creating a nurturing and supportive environment for the youth. Through such initiatives, the municipality strives to empower communities and ensure equal opportunities for every child.

24 May 2023 Training Opportunities: 120 Patrol Officer Learning Opportunities Across the Garden Route

Training Opportunities: 120 Patrol Officer Learning Opportunities Across the Garden Route

24 May 2023

Garden Route District Municipality invites unemployed youth under the age of 35, male or female, currently residing within the Garden Route District Municipal area to apply for an opportunity to become a qualified Patrol Officer as part of a Garden Route Skills Mecca Project Initiative. Opportunities are currently available within the following municipal areas within Garden Route District.

Municipal Area Opportunities
Hessequa  Between 15  and 20
Mossel Bay Between 15  and 20
George Between 15  and 20
Knysna Between 15  and 20
Bitou Between 15  and 20
Oudtshoorn Between 15  and 20
Kannaland Between 15  and 20

Application Form: EPWP Application Form

Full advert: Patrol Officer Advert

23 May 2023 Impact-Based Severe Weather Warning: Level 2 for Damaging Waves

Impact-Based Severe Weather Warning: Level 2 for Damaging Waves

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued an Impact Based Warning for damaging waves valid from 25 to 26 May 2023.

Areas in the Garden Route district that will be 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.

19 May 2023 Media Release: Challenges and Solutions: Minister Kubayi Engages with Local Officials and Communities

Media Release: Challenges and Solutions: Minister Kubayi Engages with Local Officials and Communities

For Immediate Release
19 May 2023

The National Human Settlements Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, accompanied by Deputy Minister Pam Tshwete, conducted a visit to the Garden Route District municipal area in the Western Cape yesterday, 18 May 2023. The purpose of the visit was to evaluate the advancements made in providing sustainable human settlements.

The day commenced with Minister Kubayi actively engaging with local municipal officials, as well as provincial representatives, to gain insights into the challenges faced in terms of land availability, bottlenecks, and funding issues. The discussions revealed the need for enhanced communication channels between national, provincial, and local governments, which would lead to a more streamlined approach in addressing current issues.

In addition, the program for the day included significant events, such as the symbolic handover of title deeds to deserving community members from Qolweni in Plettenberg Bay and Concordia in Knysna. Community members were provided an opportunity to express their concerns and raise issues related to housing.

Minister Kubayi also shared her findings at the Khayalethu Bungalow area. She alluded to the distress she witnessed when she visited two vulnerable households whose living conditions in wooden bungalows were unfit for human habitation. She apologised to the community for what she had witnessed and the unbearable conditions in which people were forced to live, addressing both long-standing promises and emerging concerns, ensuring that all matters were duly noted. Some urgent cases were identified as requiring immediate attention and designated as emergency interventions.

During the visit and in response to some of the questions raised by the community, Minister Kubayi emphasised the priority given to the elderly and disabled individuals as beneficiaries for housing.

 

Drawing from her own personal experiences, she shared a poignant story of her childhood, growing up in a shack as the child of a domestic worker. Through determination and careful saving, she was able to purchase a home for her mother, underscoring the importance of providing dignified housing for all.

On the specific issue of Khayalethu 150 Bungalows being restored, she undertook to close the gap between the different spheres of government and its agency, Housing Development Agency, by establishing an intervention team as well as immediate appointment of a Geotech company to do the structural assessments.

This team which will make contact with local and Provincial / National governments and look at a streamlined approach with targeted performance milestones to bring relief under the Emergency Funding. The funding is now located in her department.

There will regular feedback sessions with the communities to enhance assurability of the programme progress.

Minister Kubayi reiterated her commitment to improving the lives of South African citizens by creating sustainable human settlements. She emphasized the need for collaboration and cooperation among all levels of government to address the challenges faced by communities. She urged members of the communities she addressed in Knysna and Bitou municipal areas to take pride in their homes, surrounds and communities at large, rather than waiting for government to be the change-maker for certain matters. Communities were urged to work together to keep their areas clean, support local entrepreneurs and local businesses, which would result in the economy to grow.

She also made specific reference to the potential of tourism in the region and that it is remains a key driver of jobs and economic growth of the Garden Route and Klein Karoo.

The last part of the Minister’s visit included an opening of a Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS) satellite office in George. Learn more about CSOS here: https://csos.org.za/

According to Minister Kubayi, the CSOS office will play a crucial role in promoting harmonious and well-governed community focused access by offering dispute resolution services, regulating governance documentation, providing education and training, and facilitating transparency and access to information.

These pictures were taken during the official launch and ribbon cutting ceremony of the satellite office for Community Schemes Ombud Services (CSOS) in George.

Overall, the visit to the Garden Route District municipal area proved to be an insightful and productive engagement, with Minister Kubayi and Deputy Minister Tshwete demonstrating their dedication to achieving equitable housing solutions for the people of the region.

Official Media Release: MINISTER KUBAYI TACKLES GARDEN ROUTE HUMAN SETTLEMENTS OBSTACLES

END

17 May 2023 Media Release: Garden Route and Klein Karoo Tourism Office elevates the region at the 2023 Africa Indaba Show

Media Release: Garden Route and Klein Karoo Tourism Office elevates the region at the 2023 Africa Indaba Show

For Immediate Release
17 May 2023

Garden Route and Klein Karoo Tourism (GR&KK) Regional Tourism Office (RTO) of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), recently attended the 3 day Africa Travel Indaba 2023 held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban. In accordance with the GRDM Tourism and the Growth and Development Strategies, GRDM must market / sell the region.

Tourism marketing and development Unit is responsible for coordinating regional tourism initiatives and promotes and develops tourism throughout the region, while working closely with eight (8) Local Tourism Offices (LTO).  With a focus on selling and promoting the region’s vast potential, GR&KK also aims to attract global attention and foster economic growth in the district.

GR&KK tourism representatives who attended the 2023 Africa Indaba Show last week in Durban. FLTR: Joan Shaw – Tourism Manager from George/Wilderness/Uniondale Tourism, Denver Johnson – GRDM Tourism Officer and Thozeka Sikali from Visit Knysna.

From 09 May – 11 May 2023, preceded by a Business Opportunity Networking Day (BONDay) on 08 May 2023, the Africa Indaba Show aimed to provide a platform for thought leadership, knowledge sharing, and market insight. BONDay is developed in collaboration with global tourism organisations, continental experts, and industry associations.

During the trade show, African tourism exhibitors showcased their offerings to international and local buyers, destination marketing companies and leisure tourism service providers. The event allowed travel trade professionals to meet face-to-face with some of the most influential buyers on the continent, and gain a deeper understanding of Africa’s excellence and endless potential. As a result of these opportunities and quality connections, Africa will be able to shape its future.

According to GRDM representatives, several new and existing connections were made over the course of the three days, as the GRDM delegation engaged with various domestic and international buyers interested in learning about our area, re-visiting or expanding their tourism offerings by integrating the Garden Route & Klein Karoo into their existing packages.

The following top four tourism offerings were most popular under the tourism buyers

  • Educational trips to familiarize tour/travel agents of existing and new products/offerings in the Garden Route & Klein Karoo
  • High-end luxury travel (5 Star)
  • Incentive travel (Golfing, wine routes, craft beer and gin experiences)
  • Camping and caravan offerings in the Garden Route & Klein Karoo – most interest from the domestic market

The Western Cape stand was hosted by Wesgro, with the GR&KK Regional Tourism Office also forming part of it to promote the region along with Visit Knysna, George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism LTOs.

Africa’s Travel Indaba is an iconic African leisure trade show, owned by South African Tourism, with the specific objective of creating market access for our vast array of African leisure tourism products.

Learn more about each local tourism office by accessing their websites via the GR&KK website here: https://www.visitgardenrouteandkleinkaroo.com/contact/

END

16 May 2023 Opportunities: Construction Management Systems Training for Grades 5-8 Women-owned Businesses

Construction Management Systems Training for Grades 5-8 Women-owned Businesses

The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) calls on women-owned contractors with 51% shares, registered in grades 5, 6, 7 and 8 within General Building and Civil Engineering classes of works, to apply for Construction Management System (CMS) training. Construction Management System enables a business to implement a framework of processes and procedures to control its construction risks, improve performance and deliver better client value. In the long term, the CIDB will add the CMS standard as criteria for grading on the Register of Contractors.

CMS includes:

  • Health and Safety Management.
  • Quality Management; and
  • Environmental Management (covering air, water, land, and waste).

The CMS training programme is for the business owner or the contractor’s representative. The representative must be a permanent employee. Training will last 12 months and consists of two modules that will be presented at a workshop over five days of classroom sessions, implementing the CMS in the contractor’s organisation with support and a resources website. Prospective applicants will be required to undergo a pre-qualifying selection test.

Selection of successful applicants will be based on the following criteria:

  • Active CIDB registration in grades 5 to 8 GB and CE.
  • 51% women-owned company.
  • The participants must be competent to attend an NQF 5-level training course.

Interested and qualifying contractors will only contribute 10% (R2 300,00) towards training, and the 90% will be covered by CIDB through the B.U.I.L.D Fund.

Click here to download the application forms:
CIDB CMS Application Form 2023

The Application Form can also be downloaded from CIDB website.

Applications can be emailed, hand-delivered or posted to the following addresses:
E-mail:  malehlohonolom@cidb.org.za
Physical address: 01 Gordon Hood Road, Centurion, Pretoria, South Africa
Postal address: PO Box 2107, Brooklyn Square, 0075