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26 October 2022 Media Release: Kids from Plett Primary School reminded of the importance of clean hands

Media Release: Kids from Plett Primary School reminded of the importance of clean hands

For Immediate Release
26 October 2022

Handwashing with soap and water is one of the most effective ways to minimise the spread of germs. Keeping hands clean can prevent 1 in 3 diarrheal illnesses and 1 in 5 respiratory infections, such as the common cold or flu.

In honour of this year’s Global Handwashing Day with the theme “Unite for Universal Hand Hygiene,” Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) from the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Bitou sub-office, Zoleka Goniwe, Sophia Marthinus and Nokuphiwa Mbali visited Plett Pre-primary School to refresh learners and educators about the importance of washing hands. The topics of “the appropriate times to wash hands” and “how to clean hands properly,” were also discussed.

Global Handwash Day is an annual reminder that handwashing with soap and water is one of the most effective steps to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. That is why handwashing is essential, especially when preparing a meal, before enjoying a meal, using the bathroom and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose. After changing baby nappies and handling waste, hands should also be washed.

In closing, the kids enjoyed an activity demonstrated by the team, to illustrate how hands should be washed. The principal of the facility expressed words of gratitude to the GRDM team for reaching out to the school in the fight against the occurrence of diseases that can be prevented by washing hands properly and often.

Clean hands save lives.

Did you know?

Educating people about handwashing helps them and their communities to stay healthy. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, studies show that handwashing education in the community can:

  • Reduce the number of people who get sick with diarrhoea by about 23%–40%
  • Reduce the number of school days children missed because of gastrointestinal illness by 29%–57%
  • Reduce diarrhoeal illness in people with weakened immune systems by about 58%
  • Reduce respiratory illnesses, like colds, in the general population by about 16%–21%

Feature Image: EHPs from the GRDM Bitou sub-office, Zoleka Goniwe, Sophia Marthinus and Nokuphiwa Mbali with the learners of Plett Pre-primary School during their visit. Zoleka Goniwe (left) and Sophia Marthinus (right), demonstrating the proper handwash techniques to all present.

ENDS

20 October 2022 Media Release: Take action during Breast Cancer Awareness month

Media Release: Take action during Breast Cancer Awareness month

For Immediate Release
20 October 2022

Annually, October marks “Breast Cancer Awareness month”. In this month, awareness about breast cancer risks and signs are shared with the public and support is offered to those suffering from this illness.

According to studies, early detection remains key to controlling cancer. This means, early and adequate diagnosis can lead to effective treatment, resulting in an excellent chance to cure breast cancer. Therefore, women must empower themselves with the knowledge to lower their health risks. Furthermore, they should be able to address the warning signs of cancer as quickly as possible.

In South Africa, breast cancer is known to be one of the most common cancers among women of all races. All women are at risk, particularly women with a family history of breast cancer. Approximately 90% of patients survive breast cancer after diagnosis during early detection, but this should be 100% – a whole of society approach is required for this to be achieved.

South Africans are lucky to have an organisation like CANSA (Cancer Association of South Africa) involved in lowering cancer risks and providing an integrated service to all people affected by cancer. CANSA continuously supplies the public with information and support. They are committed to offering day-to-day help, including emotional support to the patients.  Their mission is also to ensure that cancer survivors and loved ones aren’t alone in the fight against cancer.

In support of “Breast Cancer Awareness Month”, women are encouraged to go for annual medical check-ups and cancer screening; and familiarise themselves with the early warning signs and symptoms of cancer. It is also crucial for women to regularly check their breasts and visit health care practitioners if changes are noticed. Awareness of risk factors can help women reduce their cancer risk.

The following are common breast cancer signs and symptoms, which include:

  • a lump or swelling in the breast, upper chest or armpit – you might feel the lump but not see it;
  • a change to the skin, such as puckering or dimpling;
  • a change in the colour of the breast – the breast may look red or inflamed;
  • a change to the nipple, for example, it has become pulled in (inverted);
  • rash or crusting around the nipple;
  • any unusual liquid (discharge) from either nipple; and
  • changes in the size or shape of the breast.

Women must develop the habit of regularly checking their breasts, including the upper chest areas and armpits. The TLC technique (Touch Look Check) makes it easy.

  • Touch your breasts: can you feel anything unusual?
  • Look for changes: does anything look different?
  • Check any changes with your GP

Remember, early detection and awareness can result in an earlier diagnosis, resulting in better treatment outcomes. It is in the nature of a woman to put others first – however, women must realize they too have the right to prioritize their own health.

-End-

20 October 2022 Media Release: GRDM Executive Mayor wishes the matric class of 2022 the best of luck!

Media Release: GRDM Executive Mayor wishes the matric class of 2022 the best of luck!

20 October 2022
For immediate release

I am Memory Booysen, Executive Mayor of the Garden Route District Municipality.

We know it’s that time of the year when our matriculants have to write their final exams. We want to wish them all the best. And for those who have not started studying yet, the time is now!

We would also like to ask the parents to please bear with the kids and to create a conducive environment at home so that the kids can study under relaxed and quiet circumstances.  The mere fact that matriculants have reached this time of the year throughout the pandemic, is a good sign that this is a resilient district.

I also want to say that we are aware that there are a lot of youth that have already finished matric and who are frustrated because they do not have work or are still sitting at home. But, on behalf of the Mayors of the Garden Route, we are in contact and we are negotiating with our Provincial Government as well to see how we can hold hands and come up with projects that can assist the youth.  We would also like to include the business community so that going forward we know that we have a roll-out that will change the youth’s future and the future of the Garden Route.

– End-

19 October 2022 Media Release: Great attendance by staff at second GRDM Employee Wellness Day for the year

Media Release: Great attendance by staff at second GRDM Employee Wellness Day for the year

For immediate release
19 October 2022

On 14 October 2022, stakeholders from various organisations visited the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) to take part in the municipality’s second Employee Wellness Day for the year.

Employees from various offices of the municipality took part in the day packed with activities which included health screening tests, breast cancer and mental health awareness talks (October is breast cancer and mental health awareness month), a blood donation drive, as well as an active grid class together with nutrition talks. Medical Aid companies involved, also presented their annual presentations to stakeholders. Furthermore, information stalls were available for staff to source details about their lifestyles, health and overall well-being. The Western Cape Department of Health, the Cape Retirement Fund, various medical aids (Bonitas, LA Health, SAMWUMED, Sizwe-Hosmed and KeyHealth), the Virgin Active team, First National Bank, Nedbank, Spec-Savers and the Western Cape Blood Service, attended to the questions posed employees.

Employees were eager to donate blood at the Employee Wellness Day.

In total, 141 health screening tests were performed, with fourteen (14) first-time donors and 17 regular donors who donated blood – five (5) willing staff members were unable to donate blood.  Further to these, mental health questionnaires/checklists were completed by employees who underwent health screening tests.

Early this year, with the first Blood Drive hosted by GRDM, a total of 20 donors were targeted. This time around, 39 donors participated in this selfless act. Nineteen (19) of the donors were new, while 9 were regular donors. In total, 136 health screening tests were performed on staff for either blood pressure or blood sugar levels, to name a few.

Staff members participated in the Active Grid Class conducted by Virgin Active.

These figures are an indication of how GRDM employees take ownership of their health and overall well-being. The event was organised by the Human Resources Unit’s Employee Assistance Programme Unit.

Did you know?

  • Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally.
  • An estimated 17.9 million people died from CVDs in 2019, representing 32% of all global deaths. Of these deaths, 85% were due to heart attack and stroke.
  • Most cardiovascular diseases can be prevented by addressing behavioural risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet and obesity, physical inactivity, and harmful use of alcohol.
  • It is critical to detect cardiovascular disease as early as possible so that management with counselling and medicines can begin.

Research statistics show that although 75% of the population in the Western Cape might require blood transfusions in their lifetime, a mere 1.5% are blood donors. If you’re otherwise healthy, it’s very likely that you can donate blood and help balance out these numbers. With a single donation you could save three lives – and it won’t cost you a cent.

Staff members underwent various screening tests and attended educational talks.

Are you interested in donating blood and saving the lives of three people? Visit the Western Cape Blood Services website at https://www.wcbs.org.za/blood-donation/becoming-a-donor/.

19 October 2022 Media Release: Garden Route domestic tourism trip attended by Journalists and Bloggers

Media Release: Garden Route domestic tourism trip attended by Journalists and Bloggers

19 October 2022
For immediate release

Early this year, the Western Cape Tourism, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Wesgro) entered into a three-year partnership agreement with Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) to accelerate the region’s economic growth, investment, trade and tourism. Clear targets and deliverables were set out in this agreement.  In order to increase domestic demand along the Garden Route & Klein Karoo, a familiarisation trip was organised with business and media delegations from Gauteng and Western Cape. The focus of this trip/educational was mainly on family and budget friendly packaging that is on offer in our region.

The trip consisted of 15 participants, including tour operators offering family-friendly packages, media representatives (print and online) focusing on family-friendly experiences, Wesgro representatives, and GR&KK representatives. The five-day trip took place across the entire Garden Route & Klein Karoo region

The initiatives are in line with the Growth and Development Strategy and Garden Route Economy Recovery Plan to boost the Garden Route economy.

Itinerary summary and highlights of the GR&KK Famtrip

Day one, the group met each other for the first time as they arrived at George Airport from their different flights with the tour operator – Tours 4 SA receiving the group. The drive to Garden Route Game Route was indeed pleasant with inviting weather and the group commenting on the diverse landscape witnessed enroute.

GRDM’s Executive Mayor, Alderman Memory Booysen, and a delegation from Council welcomed the group with a networking lunch at Albertina’s Garden Route Game Lodge, highlighting the region’s beauty and splendour.

Day two, was utilised to explore the Garden Route Game Lodge property and to engage with management. The purpose of the trip was to promote the region as a tourism destination.

The group enjoyed the Western Cape Butterfly Sanctuary in Ruiterbos, which was officially opened in November 2021 and is the first and only butterfly sanctuary in the region.

On the third day, the group experienced the Karoo in its true essence in Oudtshoorn, from an ostrich farm safari to visiting the Cango Caves. A highlight of any trip to Oudtshoorn is this experience. The evening ended with an amazing night game drive at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge. This was an experience of the nocturnal side of wildlife, with many animal sightings and a coffee break under the stars while on the game drive which ended the night on a high note.

Day four, saw the group once again experiencing why many visitors to the Garden Route & Klein Karoo enjoy self-drives through the region Guests travelled from Oudtshoorn to Plettenberg Bay to visit the SAASA sanctuaries (Jukani and Birds of Eden). Feedback from the guests was that it felt like an ‘Amazon’ experience as they navigated through the world’s largest free flight aviary and bird sanctuary.

Day five offered a taste of adventure that included zip lining, climbing and hanging from ropes at the Timberlake organic village between Sedgefield and Wilderness at Acrobranch. This wasfollowed by a boat ride in the Wilderness National Park.

As the group left George after a closing lunch at Redberry Farm, they felt invigorated on the one side, but also sad that they had to bid farewell to the beautiful Garden Route and Klein Karoo.

According to Mrs Amagene Koeberg, GRDM Tourism Coordinator, “continuous engagements are still underway with the group as they publish their experiences and share it with their various audiences through different platforms, as some of the participants have already shared TikTok videos, images, videos and some of the tour operators already engaging with our products/services to include the offerings into their packages. These platforms are being monitored and more statistics and reach will be relayed over a period of time as content gets released, “she said.

-End-

19 October 2022 Save the Date: Notice – District Council Meeting on 25 October 2022 at 11h00

Notice of a District Council Meeting on 25 October 2022 at 11h00

Notice is hereby given that an COUNCIL MEETING of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the CA Robertson Council Chambers, 54 York Street, George, on 25 OCTOBER 2022 at 11:00.

 The Council meeting will be live streamed on the municipality’s official Youtube channel:
www.youtube.com/channel/UC66RBZT0_U2_L4-zSn7yXJQ

18 October 2022 Financial Assistance towards Further Studies 2023

Financial Assistance towards Further Studies 2023

Applications are invited from students currently receiving tuition at Accredited Learning Institutions and learners who are currently Grade 12 or have passed Grade 12, for financial assistance towards further studies during the 2023 academic year. The financial contribution by GRDM, is restricted to full-time study and attendance at SAQA accredited Tertiary, or TVET institutions. This is ONLY applicable to students whose parents permanently reside within the Garden Route municipal area.

Application forms are available at the GRDM and satellite offices during normal office hours (Monday – Thursday 07:30 – 16:30; Friday 07:30 – 13:30). Application forms are also available from the GRDM’s website at www.gardenroute.gov.za.

THE GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY WILL ONLY CONSIDER COMPLETED APPLICATIONS AND IF THE DOCUMENTS MENTIONED BELOW HAVE BEEN INCLUDED.

A detailed Curriculum Vitae and cover letter, application form, and certified copies of the following documentation must be attached: Latest or Grade 12 results or equal qualification; latest examination results of students currently enrolled at tertiary institutions; certified copy of I.D.; affidavit of parents’ combined income and proof of residential address (municipal account).

Please forward the application form and all documents to: Records, Garden Route District Municipality, 54 York Street, P.O. Box 12, George 6530, for attention: Training and Development Section.

For any enquiries, do not hesitate to contact Mr Reginald Salmons at 044 803 1363, Ms Angeline Naidoo at 044 803 1420 or Mrs Angela-Ziva Coetzee at 044 803 1344 during office hours.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Should candidates not be contacted within two months of the closing date, they must consider their application as unsuccessful.

Closing date: 11 November 2022 Notice number: 117/2022

Click here to view/download the Official Advert.
Click here to download the Application Form.

14 October 2022 Media Release: Health Education Committee invited to witness youth who dance with ‘change in mind’

Media Release: Health Education Committee invited to witness youth who dance with ‘change in mind’

For Immediate Release
14 October 2022

A small group of youngsters known as the ‘Spiritual Dance Group’ from the Kwanokutula community in Riversdale, Hessequa, last week performed various dance routines choreographed by Rebecca Johnson, Suikerbossie Soup Kitchen. Rebecca invited the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Health Education Committee to witness several of their performances. The theme of their dance routines revolved around illegal dumping, hand washing, looking after your environment and self-love.

The GRDM Health Education Committee, which consists of Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP), was recently established and exists for the following reasons: 

  • municipal health education needs of the community are addressed by improving the GRDM municipal health education;
  • standardise and streamline GRDM municipal health education materials; and
  • increase public awareness pertaining to the nine key performance areas of Municipal Health Services.

EHPs have a statutory obligation to ensure that everyone lives in an environment that is not harmful to his or her health and well-being according to Section 24 of the Constitution of South Africa.

PERFORMANCE BY DANCE GROUP

Upon arrival at the old Kwanokutula sports field, EHPs were met by a group of kids between the ages of five (5) and 15. Parents, in full support of the initiative, were present as they cheered the kids who performed with precision. EHPs also joined the various groups when they danced alongside the kids in support of the initiative.

According to the Chairperson of the Health and Education Committee, Jessica Erasmus: “It is not often you find a passionate young group of children pouring their hearts out in dance and especially a dance to promote a cleaner environment, amongst others. With young children taking a stance like this, we need to show our support for them as young ambassadors for the community. We will continue to support initiatives like these and hope to have more youthful groups cross our paths to fight for a cleaner environment together and to eradicate illegal dumping as a team.”

THE STORY BEHIND REBECCA’S INSPIRATION

When asked how she came up with the idea, Rebecca said: “At the nearby bus stop with a few of my friends, Hannelie Claassen, Claradene Blaauw, Juanita Jafta and Ronica Maans, we saw bullying taking place and then decided to stand by the children to ensure it didn’t happen again. What happened in the past was that whenever a bus arrived, the older kids would push the younger ones to the back. There’s a system in place now that allows the shortest kids to stand in front while the taller kids stand in the back. After we resolved that issue, I thought about some fun, activities for kids to build relations. It’s easy for kids to get involved in the wrong things when they’re bored, which is why I recruited them for spiritual dance classes.”

MORE ABOUT REBECCA AND HER FAMILY

Rebecca has lived in Kwanokutula for 12 years. She used to be a Sunday school teacher and started a soup kitchen about four months ago. She is a mother of a 23-year-old son, 14- and 12-year-old daughters, and a 27-year-old daughter with one child. With her passion for kids, she’s also adopting six and eight-year-olds from a neighbourhood where parents struggle with substance abuse. “I want my house to become a permanent home for them,” said Rebecca.

VOORSTELLE VIR ‘N SKOON OMGEWING

Volgens Raadslid Betsie van Noordwyk van Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit wat woon in die Hessequa-streek, is daar al pogings aangewend om Kwanokutula skoon te maak, maar onwettige storting gaan voort. “Ek het self al vir ure rommel opgetel, maar die volgende dag het dit weer dieselfde gelyk”. Rdl. Van Noordwyk moedig die publiek aan om ten alle tye op ‘n verantwoordelike manier op te tree. “Die impak van onwettige storting kan tot baie ernstige implikasies lei”.

“Onwettige storting lok, onder andere, muise en rotte wat siektes aan mense kan versprei. Siektes sluit in die Hantavirus Pulmonêre Sindroom, Leptospirose, Rat-bytkoors, Salmonellose, Tularemia and Limfositiese Chorio-mengitis,” het Rdl van Noordwyk gesê.

Onwettige storting moet aangemeld word by plaaslike munisipaliteite.

ENDS

13 October 2022 Garden Route District Municipality Notice: 13/2022

Camp Fest, hosted by the Rodiac Racing Motorshow Group to Camp at Swartvlei Caravan Park from 28 – 30 October 2022

Notice is hereby given that the Rodiac Racing motor show group will camp at Swartvlei Caravan Park, Sedgefield, from 28 to 30 October 2022. Funding raised during this event will be donated towards individual charities.
Program of event
𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟴 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮
Gate open access: 13h00
Meet and Greet: 16h00
Potjiekos competition: 17h30 – 20h00
Live Music: 19h00 – 22h00
Lights out: 22h00
𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟵 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮
Gate open: 09h00
Show preparation: 10h00-11h30
Main events: 12h00-17h00
Prize giving: 17h30
Live Music: 17h00 – 22h00
Lights out: 22h00
Should the public have any objections or queries regarding the matter, they are welcome to contact Ms Marelize Claassen (Manager: Swartvlei Caravan Park) at 044 889 0081 or via e-mail vicbay@gardenroute.gov.za on or before 25 October 2022.
M G Stratu
Municipal Manager
Garden Route District Municipality
54 York Street
PO Box 12
GEORGE
6530
Tel: 044 803 1300