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24 March 2023 Media Release: GRDM Municipal Manager and officials welcome interns to the organisation

Media Release: GRDM Municipal Manager and officials welcome interns to the organisation

For immediate release
24 March 2023

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, and officials (mentors) recently welcomed seventeen (17) interns from various training institutions to the Municipality’s offices in George.

Eleven (11) students studied at the South Cape College, three students are from Stenden University, two are from the Uconomy Platform and one student is from CHIETA Sponsored.

With each student now gaining practical experience at the organisation, they are exposed to various fields, such as Human Resources, Communication, Resorts, Record and Archives, Disaster Management, to name a few. The role of GRDM is to provide them with guidance in notable areas of shortcomings and coach/mentor these students in their field of study. They will be provided practical training on a rotational basis throughout the organisation during their period of their internship. The Public Management students will be placed at Registration, Archives and Auxiliary Services until their contracts expire.

The role of their mentors/supervisors is to ensure that the students keep a record of what tasks they have completed. This information will be contained in a Portfolio of Evidence (POE). The document must be signed off by their mentors/supervisors and final approval will be given by the Head of Department on completion of the experiential training. At the end of their tenure, each student will submit their approved document to their respective training institutions.

In total, R966 000 in stipends will be paid to the interns by the National Skills Fund, Bankseta, CHIETA or Uconomy Platforms over the 18-month period. From this amount, GRDM will partially cover the cost of almost R85 000 for students from Stenden University. These students study in the field of Disaster Management and are placed at the municipality’s district Disaster Management Centre in George.

Garden Route District Municipality is committed to contributing to the success of each student who is part of the programme and who shows dedication for the entire eighteen (18) month period. Providing students with workplace experience will ultimately prepare them to be ready for the job market.

Caption: Interns (with mentors) currently undergoing experiential training at Garden Route District Municipality.

ENDS

23 March 2023 Impact Based Warning – Level 2 for Damaging Winds

Impact Based Warning – Level 2 for Damaging Winds

Please find included the Impact Based Warning for the Western Cape and Namaqua Region of Northern Cape.

Areas impacted from Thursday, 23 March until Friday, 24 March 2023 along the Garden Route district, include:
Bitou, George, Hessequa, Knysna and Mossel Bay.

Report any 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.”

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

22 March 2023 Media release:  Garden Route District hosts its 2nd Safer Schools Conference

Media release:  Garden Route District hosts its 2nd Safer Schools Conference

For Immediate Release
23 March 2023

On March 18, 2023, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) hosted the second Safer School Conference in Plettenberg Bay in collaboration with 7 b-municipalities, the Western Cape Department of Community Safety, and the South African Police Services (SAPS) and several school representatives – including learners and principals. There were also a few community organisations present, such as neighbourhood watches and community policing forums.

During the Safer School Conference, the hall was packed with delegates.

Safer Schools encompasses a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach, with numerous stakeholders working together to promote school safety and reduce the prevalence of violence. A game-changer objective of the event was to link schools with local police stations in order to raise awareness among children about crime and violence and their impact on individuals, families, and education..  Also, to influence, train, and equip learners, families, teachers, and community members with effective partnership knowledge that will encompass a holistic approach to how the school operates in terms of safety.

The interactive program of the day included addresses from a number of remarkable speakers, including GRDM’s Executive Mayor, Alderman Memory Booysen, who once again inspired learners with his own story of growth.  The other speakers also conveyed their messages, which included, the impact of substance abuse; crime at school; and gang-related issues, to the audience in an incredibly simple, but informative and understandable manner, encouraging participants to form a coalition with government and community stakeholders and reduce crime.

A speech by former prisoner Micheal Dlamini, who served over forty years in prison, was one of the highlights of the conference. Dlamini urged children to listen to their parents as well as elders in the community when they say NO. Also, they choose their friends wisely. “Gangsterism is not easy, and prisons are not good. Stop disrespecting your teachers – STOP bad habits.”

During the second segment of the program, there was much excitement and it was clear that the topics were something school-goers encountered every day. Five break-away groups were created addressing the following topics:

–  Social media impact

–  Impact of substance abuse

–  Gender-based violence

–  Gang-related issues

–  Sexual crimes and teenage pregnancies

All the learners present formed part of the different groups and ‘grow-ups’ were amazed by the knowledge, eagerness and confidence they portrayed.  Also, the curiosity in asking questions and feedback provided, was also a clear sign that the message reached them and they learned a lot through the conference.

During the closing remarks and vote of thanks, it was evident that partnerships are essential for addressing the topics discussed. Also that the success of this type of program depends on the cooperation of all stakeholders, from the government to sector departments, to communities and their leaders.  The importance of parenting also came to the fore, and the organisers were tasked with developing a program that would equip parents with the tools they need to succeed. The group discussions also identified other issues that needed to be addressed in future programmes that arose as shortcomings.  In order to ensure the success of the event, the outcomes of the day need to be channeled to the correct people.  In conclusion, the audience was reminded that a lot of knowledge was placed in their hands during the event, but that each person has a choice, and it is up to them to do the right thing with it.

-End-

17 March 2023 Media Release: Update 2 on the construction of the Garden Route District Municipality Fire Station

Media Release: Update 2 on the construction of the Garden Route District Municipality Fire Station

For immediate release
17 March 2023

The newly constructed Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Fire Station has progressed relatively well despite the good rains influencing the excavated trenches which were filled with water on more than two (2) occasions. This resulted in re-evaluating of the filling work (G7) and additional foundation work required for the main structure. Depending on weather conditions, filling will be completed by next week, and formwork will be completed by the following week.

The secondary building, which is known as a “Ground Crew Building”, planned for a specialist firefighting ground crew has progressed well with brickwork completed up to ground level.

This project is being managed by local companies, Khubeka Construction and Principal Agent and Kantey & Templer.

-ENDS-

Related article: 

https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/2022/11/04/4-november-2022-media-release-state-of-the-art-regional-fire-station-expected-by-june-2023/ 

8 February 2023 Media Release:  Construction of the new Garden Route District Municipality Fire Station underway

17 March 2023 Media Release: Oudtshoorn Air Quality rated the best in Africa

Media Release: Oudtshoorn air quality rated the best in Africa

For Immediate Release
17 March 2023

A recent study conducted by Swiss technology company IQ Air, with the backing of the United Nations Environment Programme, has revealed that Oudtshoorn, located in the Western Cape of Africa, has secured the top spot in the list of 15 least polluted regional cities in Africa. The efforts invested over the past decade to enhance the air quality in Oudtshoorn have paid off, as it was historically one of the most polluted towns in the Garden Route district.

According to Dr. Johann Schoeman, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Manager: District Air Quality Control: “The positive strides made to mitigate air pollution in the region have been attributed to Garden Route’s appointment as the Licensing Authority for Listed activities”.

“Air Quality management requires teamwork and needs the collaboration of various role-players.”

“Credit must be given to the Western Cape Provincial Department of Environmental Affairs, Oudtshoorn Municipality, and Industry. Air Quality in Oudtshoorn is managed through an Air Quality Management plan, coordinated by the GRDM and adopted by the Oudtshoorn Municipality,” said Dr Schoeman.

Industry buy-in has played a crucial role in achieving the visible results we see today. As residential developments continue to encroach upon industrial zones, it becomes increasingly vital to effectively manage emissions through innovative technology. Johnsons Bricks has set an excellent example with the introduction of their rotary kiln system, which has significantly reduced hazardous emissions such as Sulphur dioxide and Particulate Matter through advanced mitigation and control. Similar technological advancements have been implemented in other industries in Oudtshoorn, including the Cape Karoo International Tannery and abattoir.

Another innovative solution has been the GRDM Clean Fires campaign.  For the last seven years, GRDM has incorporated air pollution awareness as part of its community awareness-raising activities. The project was identified due to poor air quality in especially the informal settlements, caused by fires used for household purposes such as cooking and heating. A three-year tender was awarded to Mingcele (PTY)Ltd to develop the study packs and facilitate the training at Primary Schools within the Garden Route until 2024. The Western Cape Education Department was approached whereby the Clean Fires campaign is now incorporated as part of the Grade 3 curriculum. The course material is printed in Xhosa, Afrikaans and English.

Each participating school receives a study pack with the study material that is very convenient for the teacher. The course material is in line with the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS), is printed in English, isiXhosa, and Afrikaans. Since its inception, the project reached all the primary schools in the garden route. The project is rotated in the region with last year (2022), again focusing on the Klein-Karoo region. Thirty-nine schools were reached, amongst others in Oudtshoorn, Uniondale, Volmoed, De Rust, Calitzdorp, Avontuur, Haarlem and Ladismith areas.  It is anticipated that 4 family members are reached per child with a cumulative impact of 8132 community members reached through this project for last year alone.

We acknowledge that there is still room for improvement and GRDM Air Quality unit will continue to strive for Air Quality worthy of the name: “Garden Route”, We want to protect the region against exploitation and build on the constitutional right to a clean environment.

The public is also welcome to contact the District Air Quality office for any further information on the project.  The office number is 044-6930006 during normal office hours.

Feature Image: Istock: Beautiful wine valley in Oudtshoorn Western Cape South Africa

ENDS

Previous articles relating to Air Quality:

Garden Route is at the top of its game in controlling air quality

New Mobile Air Quality Sensor for the Garden Route

17 March 2023 Media Release: Waste Management Licence for construction of the GRDM Regional Waste Management Facility extended with 10 years

Media Release: Waste Management Licence for construction of the GRDM Regional Waste Management Facility extended with 10 years

For immediate release
17 March 2023

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) with regards to the process of establishing a Regional Waste Management Facility for the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) was completed during 2012.

Following the finalization of the EIA process, the GRDM was issued with an Environmental Authorisation by the Department of Environmental Affairs & Development Planning (DEA&DP) and a Waste Management Licence (WML) (no. 12/9/11/L1395/9). This was issued by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries & the Environment (DFFE). The licence was issued to GRDM (Eden DM at the time) on 05 February 2014.

A condition of the WML is that the activity i.e., construction of the Regional Waste Management Facility, is to commence within a period of two (2) years from the date of issue of the WML. Due to the various delays in the establishment of the facility, including the inconclusive Public Private Partnership process that did not come to fruition largely because of the Covid-19 pandemic, GRDM had to apply to DFFE for an extension of the commencement date on a bi-annual basis.  The last approved extension of the commencement date was to expire on 24 May 2023, and another application for an extension of the commencement date was submitted on 07 December 2022.

The WML is only valid for a period of ten (10) years from the date of issue (05 February 2014); meaning the validity period of the WML was to expire on 05 February 2024. Therefore, together with the application for an extension of the commencement date, GRDM further applied for an extension of the validity period of the WML.

Approval of the commencement date was granted for a further two years, and an extension of the validity period of the WML was extended with ten (10) years. The extension was issued by the DFFE on 06 March 2023.

ENDS

16 March 2023 Public Notice: ALIENATION OF COUNCIL PROPERTIES

Notice is hereby given in terms of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act (No 56 of 2003) (MFMA), read with the Municipal Asset Transfer Regulations (R878 of 2008), the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (No 3 of 2000) as well as the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act (No 32 of 2000) that the Council of the Garden Route District Municipality in terms of resolution H.8 dated 07 November 2022 intends to alienate the following Council Properties.

Click on the link and download the full advertisement
Advert – Alienation of Council’s Properties

16 March 2023 Media Release: GRDM donates mattresses to Early Childhood Development facilities in Hessequa

Media Release: GRDM donates mattresses to Early Childhood Development facilities in Hessequa

For immediate release
16 March 2023

During the Mattresses Handover campaign on 02 March 2023 Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Municipal Health officials responsible for the Hessequa area, assisted the GRDM Portfolio Chairperson for Property Management and Development, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, to distribute and donate mattresses to three crèches in the Hessequa region – Kleine Diamandjies, Neskuikentjie in Heidelberg and Groenie die Drakie crèche in Slangrivier.

Excited toddlers and principal of the Neskuikentjie Daycare, Claudette Slawers (middle), during the handover of mattresses to the facility by the GRDM Portfolio Chairperson for Property Management and Development, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard (right), and GRDM Environmental Health Practitioner, Marchelles Hurling (left).

Cllr Hoogbaard, during the handover ceremony, explained the importance of the overall wellbeing of children. He said: “It is hoped that this donation will further promote the development of the future leaders of our communities”. In addition, Cllr Hoogbaard stressed that “donating these mattresses will create a safe sleep environment because they are waterproof and easy to clean/disinfect”.  He also highlighted that “we, the Garden Route District Municipality, further hope that mattresses can be donated to all the early childhood facilities across the Hessequa region”.

Sleep is a critical part of a healthy childhood and while children are at a crèche, they need a comfortable and safe sleeping surface, especially during naptime.

In closing Cllr Hoogbaard handed over the mattresses to the creche principals and educators. These educators in turn extended their appreciation to Garden Route District Municipality for their generous act towards Early Childhood Development facilities, especially the children, in the area.

Feature Image: GRDM Portfolio Chairperson for Property Management and Development, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard (right) and Chief: Municipal Health for the Hessequa Region, Heamish Herwels, hand over the mattresses to the principal of the Kleine Diamantjies Creche, Petro Josephs (middle).

ENDS