Category: <span>Local Government News</span>

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13 July 2020 Media Release: Understanding drought, the frequency of it, vulnerability and how the Garden Route as a region can adapt to become more resilient

Media Release: Understanding drought, the frequency of it, vulnerability and how the Garden Route as a region can adapt to become more resilient

For Immediate Release
13 July 2020

Drought can be defined as a climatic event originating from a deficiency of precipitation over an extended period of time, usually a season or more. This deficiency results in a water shortage within agricultural, urban and environmental settings. From 2009-2020, municipalities located within the Garden Route Municipality’s (GRDM) jurisdiction experienced drought episodes of varying degrees, ranging from moderate to severe and extreme meteorological droughts. Diminished rainfall during these drought episodes results in numerous lagged, “knock-on” consequences to ground and surface water resources, that translates into critically low urban water supplies in the Garden Route district. These hydrological drought conditions also generate additional effects and necessitated significant emergency responses over the last 11 year period in the Garden Route district.

The Western Cape has been identified as particularly vulnerable to climate change, because of its coastal location and the influence of rising sea temperatures on the weather patterns in the adjacent region. Prediction is that by 2050, the rainfall in the Western Cape is likely to decrease by 30% relative to current figures. The drought in the Garden Route district is consistent with long-term climate change projections for the area.

It is predicted by scientists that there will definitely be an average increase in temperatures within the district, having serious implications for soil moisture and the agricultural sector. A reduction in winter rainfall, with changes in the timing and intensity of the rainfall, is also predicted, thereby contributing to extended periods of drought with intermittent flooding events in between.

Climate variability and changing weather conditions are key risk drivers when it comes to drought vulnerability within the Garden Route district.

Consistent with prevailing studies on drought and water scarcity, the vulnerability within the Garden Route district is also amplified by interacting risk drivers that progressively escalated the risk of a wide-spread water shortage. These risk drivers include population growth and unprecedented urban development within the district, which results in greatly increased water consumption, both in agriculture and in the rapidly growing coastal towns. A lack of resilient and adaptive drought risk management planning within development zones further exacerbates the areas vulnerability to drought.

The focus of the GRDM to address the disastrous impacts of drought events within the district, has been to connect with climate change science and to facilitate the “climate-proofing” of water services within the district, so that the rights of all to reliable, safe, sufficient, affordable water is not compromised by the impacts of climate change, and that alternative strategies for providing water services do not in themselves contribute further to global warming. This however needs to be a collaborative focus by different stakeholders within the sector. Through adaptive responses and actions to drought impacts, municipalities have the power to provide resilient responses to ensure water security and sustainability for the district within the face of climatic unpredictability.

Responses such as rigorous water demand management, a systematic investment in water infrastructure and technical capacity is essential to manage the district’s water supplies sustainably. Alternative and new water resource options need to be investigated to ensure the integrity of the water system, such as the use of groundwater, the re-use of effluent and the desalination of seawater. Groundwater potential also exists in most of the district, and its conjunctive use with other supply sources and infrastructure should be investigated. Volumes can be obtained on a sustainable basis through more adaptive management actions such as resource directed measures where it is most needed. Desalination is also an important supply intervention, as decreasing costs could result in desalination being implemented prior to some of the conventional water resource schemes. Desalination can be an efficient method to cater for prolonged drought emergencies, a stronger trend in climate change and rapid growth scenarios. The clearing of invasive alien plants from riparian buffer zones is also a key mechanism for managing this risk, as it helps to restore base-flows that are otherwise used by invasive alien plants.

Due to the more erratic rainfall patterns experienced and forecasted due to climate change, a more holistic view is needed in the district, with a balance of different sources to cope with extremities.  The focus need to shift towards the careful management and optimisation of existing use. Planning and preparedness needs to take a more general flexible form. There is room for the local municipalities within the district to tackle specific issues their own way, allowing for more flexibility, with appropriate responses for the different local contexts. The Garden Route district would therefore like to encourage its local municipalities to ensure that their municipal disaster risk assessments incorporate considerations of their specific urban water scarcity levels and drought risks and their patterns in population growth and urban development, and to implement strong water conservation and demand management programmes, and more adaptive and resilient interventions.

By being resilient, it means that the municipality has the capacity to cope with future change and surprises, without changing in undesirable ways. Resilient interventions are defined by actions that support and regulate life support systems, as well as in providing the adaptive basis for coping with gradual and sudden change.  Through adopting a resilience perspective, we can produce new knowledge which is fundamental to manage the capacity of water systems to cope, adapt and shape change.

By adopting a more resilience approach to drought, vulnerability within the district can be minimized through a reduced exposure to stresses, as well as a reduction in social-ecological sensitivities through sustaining ecosystem services and human well-being in vulnerable areas. Through adopting this approach, a management approach focusing on proactive strategies – able to adapt to change, can be achieved, thereby averting or ameliorating the impacts of drought disasters within the district.

ENDS

Issued by the Disaster Management Unit, Garden Route District Municipality
Media queries: Herman Pieters, communications@gardenroute.gov.za

13 July 2020 Severe Weather Warnings – Storm Surges, High Seas & Damaging Winds

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued the following severe weather warnings:

HAZARD (1): Storm surges

Alert Level: Warning

Valid From (SAST): 13/07/20 06h00

Valid To (SAST): 14/07/20 00h00

Expected between Cape Columbine and Plettenberg Bay today, persisting into Tuesday morning east of Cape Agulhas (13-14/07/2020).

HAZARD (2): High Seas

Alert Level: Warning

Valid From (SAST): 13/07/20 06h00

Valid To (SAST): 14/07/20 00h00

High to very high seas with wave heights between 6-9m is expected between Lambert’s Bay and Plettenberg Bay from today through to Tuesday afternoon, but very high wave heights between 9-13m between Slangkop and Plettenberg Bay (13-14/07/2020).

HAZARD (3): Damaging Winds

Alert Level: Warning

Valid From (SAST): 12/07/20 12h00

Valid To (SAST): 13/07/20 17h00

WARNING: Gale to strong gale force north-westerly to westerly winds (65-100km/h) are expected between Cape Columbine and Cape Agulhas, spreading to Plettenberg Bay, while (65-75km/h) over the entire Western Cape today (12-13/07/2020).

DESCRIPTION: Snow

Snow is precipitation in the form of flakes of crystalline water ice that fall from clouds. Since snow is composed of small ice particles, it is a granular material.

PRECAUTIONS: Snow

If driving, decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop, you should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you. Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

DESCRIPTION: Storm surges

Generally storm surges are a result of strong winds blowing over a large area called a fetch combined with low pressure systems. Dangerous waves or surges may also be caused by storms and/or tsunami’s resulting in widespread coastal damage and loss of life.

PRECAUTIONS: Storm surges

All recreational beach activities should be suspended. People with beach side properties should be aware of the possibility of being flooded by a rise in sea level and wave surges that could cause damage to their property.

If possible relocate valuable assets to higher ground and be vigilant especially during high tide. If the surge is associated with a Spring High Tide then significant inundation is possible and one should be aware of the times of occurrence of the High tide. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

DESCRIPTION: Storm surges / High Seas

Generally heavy seas or damaging waves are a result of strong winds blowing over a large area called a fetch combined with low pressure systems. Long period swells are often very dangerous to tankers as they may literally snap them in half. Dangerous waves or surges may also be caused by storm surges and tsunami’s resulting in widespread coastal damage and loss of life. In oceanography, a sea state is the general condition of the free surface on a large body of water—with respect to wind waves and swell—at a certain location and moment. A sea state is characterized by statistics, including the wave height, period, and power spectrum. The sea state varies with time, as the wind conditions or swell conditions change.

PRECAUTIONS: Storm surges / High Seas

Ships should “idle” into the swell and wind so that the bow of the ship always faces the oncoming swell. If in a small sailing vessel reduce the sail area and steer into the oncoming swell. If along the shore-line stay well back from the highest high water mark as Secure all hatches, doors, windows and ports. Secure all loose items in the interior.

Pump the bilge’s dry and keep pumping them dry at regular intervals. Stow away all loose gear and lash down any large items that cannot be stowed. Break out your life preservers and inform your crew that everyone will be putting them on well in advance of their necessity.

Break out emergency gear like flares and first aid kit, sea anchor, safety harnesses, etc.

Check your position and update your course as plotted on your chart. Prepare alternative routes to more protected areas. If you think you will be in for relatively long haul prepare some hot soup, coffee or stew freak waves may run up beyond the normal high water mark.

If the sea recedes exposing rock and sea bed normally not exposed immediately seek higher ground at least 50m above your current position. Do not try swimming or fishing or other marine recreation during these events. Only extremely experienced surfers will temp their fate under these conditions.

Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

To report any severe weather related incidents, contact:

Garden Route District Disaster Management Centre at 044-805 5071.

10 July 2020 Severe Weather Alert: Damaging Winds

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued the following severe weather alerts.

Hazard: Damaging Winds

Alert level: Warning

Valid From (SAST): 10/07/20 01h00

Valid To (SAST): 11/07/20 18h00

  1. Strong interior westerly to north-westerly winds (50-62km/h) are expected over the Namakwa District (N.Cape) as well as the Central Karoo (W.Cape) today.
  2. Gale to strong gale force south-westerly winds (70-100km/h) along the coastal areas between Lambert’s Bay and Plettenberg Bay on Saturday (11/07/2020) morning, moderating by the afternoon.

DESCRIPTION: STRONG DAMAGING WINDS

Strong damaging winds often occur along coastal regions, but also often occur during thunderstorm activity. These winds are sudden and can cause much damage.

PRECAUTIONS: STRONG DAMAGING WINDS

Stay indoors where possible away from the windows that open towards the severe winds. Be aware of the following: – sudden cross winds if traveling especially between buildings, fallen trees or power lines and flying debris.

Small boats must stay away from the open sea and seek the shelter of a harbour, river estuary or protected bay.

Parked aircraft should be pointed into the direction of the wind and secured Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

DESCRIPTION: SNOW

Snow is precipitation in the form of flakes of crystalline water ice that fall from clouds. Since snow is composed of small ice particles, it is a granular material.

PRECAUTION: SNOW

If driving decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop, you should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you. Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

DESCRIPTION: FLOODING / HEAVY RAIN

Flooding occurs when water overflows its normal channels such as streams and storm water drains. It can occur with prolonged period of rain, with continuous heavy falls or in the form of flash floods which are usually associated with severe thunderstorms. Heavy rain may also result in river flooding causing damage downstream to areas that may receive no rainfall at all during the flooding event.

PRECAUTIONS: FLOODING / HEAVY RAIN

If possible stay indoors and off the roads, avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles. If trapped in flooding in a vehicle, abandon it and climb to higher ground. In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level. Switch off electricity at the supply point to the building. In rural areas protect/relocate animals to a safe place on higher ground. Abandon your home immediately if evacuation is recommended, before access is cut off by flood water. NEVER drive on a road covered by water. You do not know how deep it is or if the road has been washed away. If the vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground. Be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to recognize flood dangers. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

Contact the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at 044-805 5071 to report any severe weather related incidents.

10 July 2020 Media Release: Garden Route Health Platform Update

Media Release: Garden Route Health Platform Update on 10 July 2020

For Immediate Release
10 July 2020

As of 10 July 2020, the Garden Route District has 2241 confirmed cases of Covid-19.

Cases 

Garden Route cases and recoveries per subdistrict.

Bitou 139 cases; 62 recoveries
Knysna 328 cases; 161 recoveries
George 1093 cases; 509 recoveries
Hessequa 37 cases; 20 recoveries
Kannaland 24 cases; 10 recoveries
Mossel Bay 442 cases; 164 recoveries
Oudsthoorn 178 cases; 49 recoveries

The Garden Route has recorded 47 Covid-19 deaths.

Hessequa 1
Mossel Bay 7
George 24
Knysna 9
Bitou 4
Oudtshoorn 2

Hospitalisation

There are currently 32 patients admitted in public and private hospitals with 9 in ICU.

Community Testing and Screening

The approach to active Covid-19 case finding within the rural areas remain that of community testing and screening with a focus on people > 55 years, the vulnerable and those of high risk (people with co-morbidities). To date 133 536 people have been screened and 851 referred for testing.

Isolation and quarantine

Isolation facilities are for patients with mild to moderate symptoms where they can recover from Covid-19 (usually 14 days) and quarantine facilities are for those awaiting test results. These facilities are safe and comfortable and you will receive free transport, meals, and a laundry service. People who cannot isolate or quarantine safely at home, can be referred to a isolation or quarantine facility.

PetroSA (West Camp) is currently the only activated isolation and quarantine facility in the Garden Route. More facilities will be announced, if and when the need arises or capacity is exceeded at PetroSA. We currently have 86 people at West Camp.

Primary healthcare                                                                                                        

Although we urge patients to only visit their nearest clinic for essential services we remind parents and caregivers that services such as immunisations are still rendered. It is important to attend all your confirmed appointments. Services such as women’s health(family planning, antenatal and post-natal care), child health(immunisations) and TB, are still rendered. Stable chronic care patients must collect their chronic medicine at the chronic off-sites. “should you require guidance or advice around your current treatment or scheduled appointment, please contact your clinic/hospital.

ENDS

Nadia Ferreira
Principal Communications Officer
Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts
Western Cape Government Health
Town Clinic,Plettenberg Bay
Tel: 044 5333846
Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za
Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

9 July 2020 Media Release: Storm Update

Media Release: Storm Update

For Immediate Release
9 July 2020

A severe winter storm is starting to make landfall in the Western Cape. The South African Weather Services are advising that besides heavy rain and strong winds, disruptive snowfalls are expected over the high-ground of the Cape Winelands overnight tomorrow into Saturday morning.

The Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, is urging the public to take heed of the early warnings and to limit the amount of time spent outdoors over the next few days.

“It is going to get very cold and very wet. We have also been alerted to the fact that the national electricity grid is under extreme pressure with load shedding a possibility at this stage. Please do what you can to reduce electricity consumption. Consider livestock and small animals that may be exposed to the elements and try to limit the amount of travel over the next few days.”

In the event of any emergency, the disaster responders are on hand to assist. The easiest number to remember to call in the Western Cape is 112.

In case of emergency other relevant numbers to call are:

Cape Winelands Municipality                                021 888 5837

Garden Route District:                                            044 805 5071

Central Karoo:                                                          023 449 8000

West Coast:                                                               022 433 8700

Overberg:                                                                 028 425 1690

City of Cape Town:                                                 107 landlines or 021 480 7700

Flooding related Tip Sheet

How Can I Prepare for a Flood?

  • Identify the risk in your local area.
  •  Prepare a home emergency plan, and identify risks around your home.
  • Remove leaves (from downpipes or gutters) or any other items that can increase the risk of flooding in your area.
  • Have an evacuation plan. Everyone in your family has to know where to go to find shelter.
  • Prepare an emergency toolkit. This should include a first aid kit, torch and portable radio with batteries, candles and waterproof matches, drinking water, a multi-tool, whistle and emergency contact numbers.

What Should I do during flooding?

  • Monitor current flood warnings. Listen to the radio for emergency warnings, evacuation advice and weather updates.
  • Avoid entering floodwater unless it is necessary, and never underestimate the strength of floodwater, even if you are inside a vehicle.
  • Follow all instructions from emergency authorities.
  • Turn off all electricity and water and take your cellphone with you.
  • Assist elderly and disabled neighbours.

What Should I do after the flood?

  • Before entering your house, wait until the water has dropped below floor level.
  • Check with electricity and water authorities to know whether it is safe for you to use these resources.
  • Be aware of contamination if water sources have been flooded; this could be unsafe to drink.

ENDS.

Media enquiries:

James-Brent Styan

Spokesperson for the Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell

Mobile:                   084 583 1670

Telephone:            021 483 2820

E-mail:                    James-Brent.Styan@westerncape.gov.za

8 July 2020 Alert: Garden Route Home Composting Project – 2 days left to apply!

Public reminder: Garden Route Home Composting Project – 2 days left to apply!

For Immediate Release
8 July 2020

Don’t miss out!

Only two days left for all Bitou and Oudtshoorn residents to apply to participate in the home composting project!

Application forms to participate in the pilot project can be obtained from the following link: https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/document-category/application-forms/.

Completed application forms must be sent to wayne@gardenroute.gov.za by no later than Friday 10 July 2020.  For any enquiries please contact Wayne Odendaal on 044 693 0006.

9 July 2020 Media Release: Essential workers from GRDM continue to do their best to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Media Release: Essential workers from GRDM continue to do their best to prevent the spread of COVID-19

For immediate release
9 July 2020

During the past weekend (3-5 July 2020) essential workers from Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) continued with their schedule to disinfect areas in George in their endeavour to reduce the risk of the transmission of the COVID-19 Coronavirus in the district.

The latest charts issued by the Western Cape Department of Health, illustrating the hotspots identified in the George area.

Fourteen (14) Environmental Health Practitioners and 12 Firefighters from GRDM accompanied by Municipality’s Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services, Cllr Khayalethu Lose, with the assistance of the South African Police Services, formed part of the operation.  The disinfection took place at areas located in Thembalethu, Pacaltsdorp, Lawaaikamp and Maraiskamp, with the focus on reaching the emerging hotspots in George.  Routine visits to those in self-quarantine or self-isolation at their private residences also formed part of the operation. This is done to ensure that members of the public adhere to the regulated COVID-19 protocols and for team to continue with contact tracing. It is also welcomed by patients because a time in isolation or quarantine can be lonely.

The Garden Route District Municipal team disinfecting various areas in George.

In the Thembalethu area, the Shopping Square, 30 taxis and the garage area were disinfected, as well as the inside of shops and business premises. According to GRDM Station Officer: Fire & Safety Training, Mr Deon Stoffels, who supervises the operations, these businesses include: barbers, hair salons, timber shops and car spares shops. “The operation continued in Pacaltsdorp with the outside of the food retail stores and all other places where many feet pass through,” he said. In the Rosemoor residential area, all main shops and four spaza shops in Protea Park were also disinfected.The operation continued in Pacaltsdorp with the outside of Spar, the Mingo Camp and all main shops that were disinfected,” he said. In the Rosemoor residential area, all main shops and four spaza shops in Protea Park were also disinfected.

As part of the programme, bottles of disinfectant, hand sanitisers and soap are handed over to the owners and/or representatives of the respective public areas, as well as patients/contacts at private residences to ensure they and the environment they live in, are kept hygienic and safe.

According to Mr Johan Compion, Manager for Municipal Health and Environmental Services at GRDM, visits to disinfect these spots were not randomly done. He explained: “These areas were identified as hotspots or to reach patients who have tested positive for COVID-19”.  Compion further said:  “During our visits to especially the private residences, 3.77% of these were non-compliant, but we issued notices of warning to all who did not comply to the regulations that were put in place by the Western Cape Department of Health”.

“As part of the continued programme, we plan to visit and disinfect more areas in the Garden Route,” Mr Clive Africa, GRDM Executive Manager for Community Services, said.  He concluded and confirmed that areas in Mossel Bay and Knysna will be the next areas where similar exercises will be conducted in the upcoming weeks.

[ENDS]

8 July 2020 Western Cape Severe Weather Alerts : Veld Fire Conditions/ High Seas/ Damaging Winds

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued the following severe weather alerts:

HAZARD: Veld Fire Conditions
Alert Level: Warning
Valid From (SAST): 08/07/20 – 09h00
Valid To (SAST): 09/07/20 – 18h00

Are expected over Beaufort West (W.Cape) today (08/07/2020), including eastern parts of Cape Winelands and Overberg as well as Central Karoo and Garden Route Districts (W.Cape) tomorrow (09/07/2020).

HAZARD: High Seas
Alert Level: Watch
Valid From (SAST): 09/07/20 – 12h00
Valid To (SAST): 11/07/20 – 00h00

With wave heights from 6m to 7m are expected between Lambert’s Bay and Cape Agulhas on Thursday afternoon into the evening (09/07/2020), but again between Cape Point and Alexander Bay Friday afternoon into Saturday morning (09-11/07/2020), spreading to Plettenberg Bay by the afternoon, subsiding by the evening.

HAZARD: Damaging Winds
Alert Level: Watch
Valid From (SAST): 09/07/20 – 00h00
Valid To (SAST): 12/07/20 – 00h00

1. Gale to strong gale force north-westerly winds (70-100km/h) are expected over Western Cape interior including the Cape Metropole on Thursday but (65-75km/h) over Central Karoo and northern parts of the West Coast Districts (W/Cape) on Friday (09-10/07/2020).

2. Gale to strong gale force north-westerly winds (70-100km/h) are expected along the coastal areas between Cape Columbine and Cape Agulhas on Thursday into Friday morning, but north-westerly to westerly (65-75km/h) between Cape Columbine and Alexander Bay from Thursday late afternoon and Friday (09-10/07/2020). It will become south-westerly winds (70-100km/h) along the coastal areas between Lambert’s Bay and Plettenberg Bay on Saturday (11/07/2020) morning, moderating by the afternoon.

6 July 2020 Media Release: Garden Route DM Head Office temporarily closed for disinfection

Media Release: Garden Route DM Head Office temporarily closed for disinfection

For Immediate Release
6 July 2020

Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Head Office in George will be closed tomorrow, 7 July 2020 and reopen on 8 July 2020. The decision was made after another GRDM employee from the Head Office tested positive for COVID-19.

All GRDM satellite offices in the district will continue to operate as normal. The temporary closure of the head office will allow the municipality to take the necessary precautions related to the COVID-19 protocols.

It is important that everyone adheres to all principles to prevent the spread of the virus. Stay at home, if you can work from home. Make sure that you keep a 1.5 meter distance between yourself and the next person, wear a clean cloth mask when you have to go out, wash your hands often and avoid touching your face. If you feel sick also stay at home and seek urgent medical care when experiencing difficulty breathing.

ENDS

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6 July 2020 Media Release: Re-Imagine Garden Route Think Tank

Media Release: Re-Imagine Garden Route Think Tank

For Immediate Release
06 July 2020

Update from the Garden Route Business Continuity Workstream – Re-Imagine the Garden Route

What do the names “Tomorrow Matters Now”, “FreedThinkers”, “Mindmill”, “Moxworld”, “Institute for Future’s Research”, and “Brilliance in Business” have in common? They, together with Vodacom, the FD Centre, and the African Crowd Funding Association, all form part of the “Re-Imagine Garden Route Think Tank”, recently formed to look at solutions and different ways to approach the rebuild and recovery of the Garden Route economy.

The people behind the names bring a wealth of experience and forward-thinking to the Garden Route, and willingly and freely sacrifice their time to collectively brainstorm the way forward district. The group is diverse in their fields of expertise and sector knowledge, and through that allows the natural synergy needed to think about the “Next Normal” after COVID-19. What makes it even more exciting is that three of the members are based overseas -Finland, Mexico, and Northern Ireland. The other members are based in the Western Cape, but they however have something else in common – they all love the Garden Route and would like to see it grow and prosper.

The Re-Imagine Garden Route Think Tank group, under the guidance of South Cape Economic Partnership (SCEP) and which forms part of the greater Garden Route Business and Economy Cluster under the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), identified the need and opportunity to introduce a first-ever and quite innovative WebiShop on 22 July 2020. The Webi-part will consist of a webinar in the morning (an online meeting or presentation held via the Internet in real-time, which connects individuals with viewers across the world), practically addressing several topics relevant to the re-imagining of the Garden Route, and in the afternoon the shop-part will consist of journey-mapping exercises with the three focus sectors namely Tourism, Agriculture and Construction.

It is envisaged that the first part will see invitations going out to all businesses and public sectors as an open invitation (hence the webinar), and the second part will see specific invitations to selected role-players in the abovementioned sectors, as this will be interactive workshop processes.

Themes for the webinar will include:

  • Keeping it tight – The Circular Economy model, concepts, and examples.
  • Design it right – Service design for the new normal.
  • Get Connected – Solutions for a Smart Region.
  • Funding for impact – Crowd funding as an alternative to conventional funding.
  • The Next Normal – Alternative business models.
  • What about the customer – Customer Experience Design – key pointers to keeping customers during the pandemic.
  • Flip-it – scenario planning concepts with a difference.

This WebiShop will be followed by a variety of sector workshops, webinars, training opportunities and sector experts and business mentors being deployed in the district to assist individual businesses.