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20 July 2022 Media Release: “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”

Media Release:  “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”

For immediate release
20 July 2022

In celebration of the International Nelson Mandela Day, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) officials, including management and councillors, joined forces with the rest of the globe to reached the 2022 tagline of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, ‘Do what you can, with what you have, wherever you are.’

GRDM day was filled with various activities, including gardening, cleaning, cooking and serving meals, maintenance and painting of classrooms, donating and handing out baby necessities and food parcels.

The GRDM Council and management wishes to express their gratitude to all officials who have in all cases used their personal funds to put a smile on the faces of community members, improve society, or have a significant impact on society during these difficult times.

“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” ­– Nelson Mandela

 

 The following is a brief summary of all the activities that took place at GRDM:

Offices of the Municipal Manager

Garden Route District Municipality’s Office of the Municipal Manager visited the George Association for Persons with Disabilities (APD) in Pacaltsdorp to ‘redo’ a classroom, starting with painting the walls and ceiling, cleaning and redecorating the classroom with colourful curtains and interesting pictures.  Officials were divided into two groups, and while one group was busy inside, the other planted several types of veggies outside to get the school to start becoming more food secure.  The Speaker and some of the Portfolio Councillors also supported and attended this initiative.

Planning & Economic Development Services

During their 67-minute ‘community service’, officials of the Planning and Economic Development Department visited Kusile Baby Care in Thembalethu, George. These officials dedicated their time to paint the school. In addition, they donated plastic chairs, tables, party packs, and vegetable seeds to be planted at the school.

Financial Services

The Garden Route District Municipality’s George Financial Services Department visited the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) on Madiba Day to honor Nelson Mandela’s legacy.  Officials donated dog and cat food during their visit.

The officials spent time walking, playing, socializing, and interacting with the pets.

Roads Services

Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Roads Services Department understands the importance of serving our communities and making sure our roads are safe and accessible.  During their 67 minutes of ‘community service’ yesterday, these officials cleaned the playground that it is safe for the kids.

Corporate Services

In celebration of International Nelson Mandela Day, GRDM Corporate Services officials served lunch (hotdogs) to toddlers at Toddlers Inn Crèche in Conville. Additionally, they donated much needed stationary and balls to the children. Children and adults played different ball games while waiting for lunch.

Community Services

George Sub-office

“Giving is not just making a donation; it is making a difference”. The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) EHPs from the Wilderness Region made an incredible difference at Bethesda – Child and Youth Care Centre in George when they celebrated Nelson Mandela Day. 34 parcels of toiletries, including toothbrushes, bath soap, sanitary towels, roll-on, nappies, wipes and body lotions were handed out to the facility in honour of the legacy of the late President Nelson Mandela.

Additionally, 34 snack parcels were also distributed to kids of diverse ages at the same facility, ranging from 2 to 17 years. To make the donation even more meaningful, educational books, toys, games, and bibles were also donated to Bethesda Child and Youth Care Centre.

Bitou Sub-office

In commemoration of Mandela Day, EHPs from the Garden Route District Municipality’s Bitou sub- office, Zoleka Goniwe, Sophia Marthinus and Nokuphiwa Mbali visited the Protea Service Centre for the Elderly in Kranshoek.  They spent 67 minutes serving food, cleaning and packing food parcels for the home-based elders. EHPs also contributed vegetables as part of this good cause!

Klein Karoo Region Sub-office

In honour of the 2022 Madiba day celebrations, Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) from the Garden Route District Municipality in the Klein Karoo region donated gift packs containing toiletries, chips, and sweets to toddlers at De Kleine Zeekoe Créche in Oudtshoorn.  The EHPs also performed a hand wash demonstration activity to the toddlers.  Management and educators of the crèche expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the gesture.

Disaster Management Services

The Garden Route District Municipality’s Disaster Management Team also did their part to honor Madiba’s legacy by packing soup packs for the winter with other organisations at the Garden Route Food Pantry.  After that, the team dropped off blankets at the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and provided hot soup and blankets at the Homeless Shelter.

Fire Services

Blocked drains are usually one of the main causes of flooding in towns, so the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Firefighters in George, Riversdale and Ladismith decided to be proactive and spend their 67 minutes cleaning the drains and removing rubbish in their respective towns that may cause problems later.

Victoria Bay Caravan Park

Since the Victoria Bay Caravan Park Team enjoys the outdoors as well as their own resort, they decided to spend their 67 minutes cleaning their own resort.

Swartvlei Caravan Park

Officials from Swartvlei and Victoria Bay Caravan Parks decided to dedicate their 67 minutes to 36 children from Gummy Bears Preschool in Sedgefield, by brightening up the little ones’ day with candy parcels.  The smile on each child’s face was heart-warming to witness!

19 July 2022 Media Release: A healthy life for all

19 July 2022

 Media Release: A healthy life for all

It was with great excitement that the Sonskynhoekie Senior Club members from Blanco received their Western Cape on Wellness (WoW!) starter kit. The kit contains portable equipment for members to do basic health screening (e.g. scale, blood pressure monitor and tape measure) and to encourage indoor and outdoor physical activities (e.g. exercise matts, skipping ropes and weights). The group also received a WoW! branded banner for use at group events to increase visibility and create awareness.

All 40 members have been part of the WoW! initiative since March this year.

‘My first visit was in March to introduce the concept and from there we have had great interactive sessions with the club members,’ said WoW! champion Claudel Draai.

The club has been in existence for 21 years and meets 3 times a week. Claudel and other health staff visit the club once or twice a month and concentrate on physical activities, information sessions and health screenings. ‘During our first session we did baseline screenings (weight, heights, blood pressure, blood pressure etc.) and issued each member with a Wellness passport. This enables members to measure Personal Health Indicators (‘know their numbers’), set personal healthy lifestyle goals, identify actual or potential barriers to change, and record and track personal progress. It also emphasises the responsibility of group members in promoting, protecting and managing their health,’ said Claudel.

‘The presentations are great, and we do appreciate the new ideas to help us manage our chronic conditions. WoW! also encourages us to live a healthier lifestyle with balanced meals, being active within our individual capacity and keeping our brains active,’ said club member Pam van Wyk.

The group also enjoyed talks on nutrition by a dietician and an informative session on World Elderly Abuse Day.

WoW! is a healthy lifestyle-promoting partnership platform coordinated by the Western Cape Government (WCG) Department of Health and Wellness and working together with a range of valued partners from government, community organisations and groups, private companies and academic institutions. Interested people and organisations are encouraged to join WoW!. The aim is together to co-create a culture of wellness in the Western Cape. Promoting healthy lifestyles is a major priority for WCG to prevent and reduce the burden of chronic or non-communicable diseases (NCDs) – diseases of lifestyle.

Feature Photo:  Sonskynhoekie seniors club received their WoW! kit.

END

Nadia Ferreira
Principal Communications Officer
Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts
Western Cape Government Health
Tel: 044 813 1831
Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za
Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

13 July 2022 Media Release: GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners annually ensures Knysna Oyster Festival safe

Media Release: GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners annually ensures Knysna Oyster Festival safe

For immediate release
13 July 2022

Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) fulfils their mandatory duties by ensuring that hygiene standards at all festivals are maintained.  The recent Knysna Oyster Festival is one of many examples where EHPs worked diligently to ensure quality health standards were maintained.

Role and interventions during the festival

EHPs from the GRDM Knysna office prepared for the Knysna Oyster Festival well in advance.  They had to plan, and implement mitigating and monitoring activities for the entire festival. This already started days before the festival commenced and concluded after the festival officially ended.

Food control

  • All informal food premises were inspected before and during the festival, including daily inspections at Oyster Festival “Hot spots”;
  • Inspections were also conducted at various locations in town where thousands of oysters were kept under prescribed conditions;
  • Several batches of oyster samples were dispatched to the Merieux NutriSciences Laboratory in Cape Town for bacteriological analysis, prior to the start of the festival, to establish the status of the holding tank water, as well as the bacteriological oyster quality. This lab requested EHPs from the Garden Route District assist with the surveillance of oysters procured from other areas within the Southern Cape; and
  • The drinking water to be provided to the athletes participating in the Forest Marathon was analysed to ensure compliance with the Bottled Water Regulations: “Regulation 692 of 1997, promulgated under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectant Act (Act 54 of 1972)”.

Water quality monitoring

Bacteriological water monitoring of the Knysna Estuary was conducted by sampling water at 14 sites in and around the estuary.

Health surveillance of premises

Regular inspections and health surveillance of premises of all related public amenities was undertaken during the Festival, including:

  • Public toilet facilities;
  • Accommodation establishments;
  • Cycle race registration;
  • Marathon;
  • Food markets; and
  • Tobacco control at premises.

Communicable disease outbreak

The local EHPs and relevant medical health care providers have established a strict protocol for reporting communicable disease outbreaks. Hospitals, general practitioners, and pharmacies, both private and provincial, were included.

After the festival, the EHPs participated in debriefing sessions to discuss the best practices and challenges identified.

For any further information, please contact GRDM Lakes (Knysna) Region Municipal Health Services:

Mr James McCarty

Chief:  Municipal Health Lakes (Knysna)

Tel: 044 382 7214

Cell: 082 805 9417

Address: 26A Queen Street, Knysna

 

 Mr. Johan Compion

Manager: Municipal Health & Environmental Services

E-mail: johan@gardenroute.gov.za

Tel: 044 803 1300

Featured image:  Picture taken during an oyster competition at Taste of Knysna.

12 July 2022 Media Release: Health Surveillance of Premises – places of public gatherings

Media Release: Health Surveillance of Premises – places of public gatherings

For immediate release
12 July 2022

Health surveillance of premises is a function of the Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP). They are required to promote safe, healthy, and hygienic conditions at all premises through the identification, monitoring, and evaluation of health risks, nuisance, and hazards.

When conducting health surveillance of premises, the EHPs must:

  • assess aspects such as ventilation and indoor air quality, lighting, moisture-proofing, thermal quality, structural safety and floor space;
  • assess overcrowded, unhygienic or unsatisfactory health conditions on any residential, commercial, industrial or other occupied premises;
  • monitor all buildings and all other permanent or temporary physical structures used for residential, public or institutional purposes, and the facilities in connection therewith and the immediate precincts;
  • ensure the prevention and abatement of any condition on any premises; and ensuring the health and safety of public transport facilities and public gathering places which for example needs to comply with the following National Standards of the Garden Route District Municipality’s Municipal Health By-Laws, PG. 8018 of 10 December 2018:

Waste Management-

The management of waste on the premises should comply with the relevant By-laws of the Local Authority of jurisdiction, and regulated by that Local Authority.

Refuse bins should be provided at strategic points throughout the premises for collection.

On-site management of waste should be available on the premises during events, for management of spillages and littering, to prevent any nuisances from occurring.

Arrangements should be in place between the event manager and the Local Authority, regarding waste management during and after an event.

Drinking Water supply-

In the case of an event, potable water should be available at strategic points throughout the premises/area.

The water must comply with the South African National Water Standards (SANS 241)

Sanitation facilities-

Sanitary facilities to be provided for a population of up to:


A site plan outlining the type and location of sanitary facilities during events especially for short-term events. The EHP will examine the proposal to make sure no annoyances will arise.

EHPs are stationed throughout the region. Members of the public are welcome to make contact with the following chief EHPs, should the need arise:

Mossel Bay – Mr. Sam Bendle
Tel:  044 693 0006
Address C/O Sampson & Marling Street, Ext 23, Mossel Bay.

George: Outeniqua – Ms. Emmy Douglas
Tel: 044 803 1501
Address: Mission Street, Industrial Area, George, 6530

George: Wilderness – Mr. Pieter Raath
Tel: 044 803 1501
Address: Mission Street, Industrial Area, George

Klein Karoo Region – Mr. Desmond Paulse
Chief: Municipal Health (Klein Karoo)
Tel: 044 272 2241 / Cell: 083 678 6530
Address: 94 St John Street, Oudtshoorn

Knysna Region – Mr. James McCarthy
Chief: Knysna
Tel: 044 382 7214 / Cell: 082 805 9417
Address: 26A Queen Street, Knysna

Bitou Region – Mr. Gawie Vos
Tel: 044 501 1600
Address: 7 Gibb Street, Plettenberg Bay

Hessequa Region – Mr. Haemish Herwels
Tel: 028 713 2438 / Cell: 083 678 6545
Address: 23 Michell Street, Riversdale, 6670

Kannaland Region – George Hendriksz
Tel: 044 272 2241 / Cell: 082 907 3492
Address: 15 Regent Street, Oudtshoorn

ENDS

12 July 2022 Media Release: Blanco health outreach to youth

Media Release: Blanco health outreach to youth

For immediate release
12 July 2022

Community health workers (CHWs)from Blanco had an outreach to youth in Golden Valley in June to raise awareness on sexual and reproductive health. CHWs informed the groups of youth they met on the range of contraceptives methods available and to use contraceptives in addition to condoms every time during sexual intercourse to protect them from unwanted pregnancies and sexual transmitted infections, including HIV. They also touched on voluntary male medical circumcision to prevent the acquisition of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Information packages were shared and the CHWs referred youngsters to the Blanco health facility for contraception.

‘It was good to hear that the young boys knew what medical male circumcision was and where to go for the services,’ said health promoter, Claudel Draai.

The CHWs also discussed the dangers of cigarettes, dagga and hookah pipes with the youngsters. ‘We can only inform them of the dangers of using any form of drugs and hope that they will make an informed decision regarding their health.’

Emphasis was specifically on the importance of visiting the nearest healthcare facility when not feeling well and to go for sexual reproductive health services when needed.

Western Cape Government Health and Wellness invites youth to make use of our services through their local clinic.

‘We welcome youth to Blanco clinic to make use of the services on offer. These include family planning, HIV and AIDS and TB screening and testing, mental health services, substance abuse and health promotion. We have a dedicated time slot from 14:00 to 16:00 for youth, but you are welcome to visit us throughout the day,’ said operational manager, Barinda van der Merwe.

END

Nadia Ferreira

Principal Communications Officer

Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts

Western Cape Government Health

Tel: 044 813 1831

Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za

Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

11 July 2022 Media Release: Partnership between GRDM, Wesgro, SATSA, FEDHASA and Local Tourism Offices – Destination Marketing Organisation Launch

Media Release: Partnership between GRDM, Wesgro, SATSA, FEDHASA and Local Tourism Offices – Destination Marketing Organisation Launch

For immediate release
11 July 2022

This morning, the Garden Route District Municipality launched a partnership with Wesgro, SATSA, and FEDHASA, as well as Local Tourism Offices in the Garden Route. In line with the mandate and mission of the parties to collaborate for purposes of tourism promotion of the Garden Route & Klein Karoo, the Destination Garden Route & Klein Karoo project has been initiated.

The purpose of the project is to collaborate for the purposes of tourism promotion of the Garden Route and Klein Karoo region in a manner that embodies strategic cohesiveness and the efficient utilisation of resources between the stakeholders. The stakeholders have all recognised the need for a coordinated approach when implementing the Project and to this end have committed themselves to conclude a Memorandum of Understanding.

The areas of collaboration include but are not limited to marketing and promotion, events, strategic initiatives (including cruise and air route development), and tourism, with the purpose of conducting joint marketing and development initiatives, as amended from time to time by the Steering Committee.

With the Garden Route and Klein Karoo region being a beautiful asset of the Western Cape, the Garden Route brand will now be promoted to the domestic and international traveler in a joint approach, supported by Government, together with the private sector that will participate and do all the right things to showcase this region as a whole.

The partnership was officially launched this morning at the King George Hotel, in George. The launch coincided with the establishment of the Sustainable Tourism Cluster workshop, as per the Garden Route Growth and Development Strategy and the 7 priority clusters that were identified.

Feature Photo:
FLTR: Corleen Barnard, Tourism Manager: Oudtshoorn & De Rust; Joan Shaw – Tourism Manager: George, Wilderness & Uniondale; Alderman Memory Booysen, GRDM Executive Mayor; Monika Leul, Chief Marketing Officer at Wesgro; Melanie Wilson, GRDM Manager for Economic Development & Tourism and Lusanda Menze, Executive Manager for Planning & Economic Development at GRDM.

ENDS

11 July 2022 Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua: Yellow level 2: Damaging Waves 12/07/2022 – 14/07/2022

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued an Impact Based Weather Warning for Western Cape and Namaqua for Damaging Waves  valid from Tuesday, 12 July 2022 (12:00) to Thursday, 14 July 2022 (00:00), as follows:

 Hazard Alert Level Affected Municipalities Valid From
(SAST)		 Valid To
(SAST)
Damaging Waves Yellow(L2)
(High likelihood of Minor Impacts)		 M_Bitou, M_Cape Agulhas, M_Cape Agulhas, M_City of Cape Town, M_George, M_Hessequa, M_Knysna, M_Mossel Bay, M_Overstrand, M_Saldanha Bay, M_Swartland, M_Table Bay 12/07/22 – 12h00 14/07/22 – 00h00

Discussion: High energy waves with periods of between 15 and 16 seconds will result in significant south-westerly waves of 4.5 to 5.5m between Saldanha Bay and Cape Agulhas tomorrow spreading to Plettenberg Bay from Wednesday afternoon into Thursday, these conditions may result in difficulty in navigation at sea.

Impact: Difficulty in navigation at sea for small vessels and personal water crafts (e.g. kayaks) is possible, small vessels at risk of taking on water and capsizing in locality as well as localised disruptions of small harbours and ports for a short period of time.

Instruction: Small vessels are advised to seek shelter in harbours, bays or inlets.

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

WC_IBF_DM_Warning_Damaging_Waves_L2_11072022

6 July 2022 Media Release: Calitzdorp Hot Springs to host a Music, Arts, and Food Gathering with a purpose

Media Release: Calitzdorp Hot Springs to host a Music, Arts, and Food Gathering with a purpose

6 July 2022
For Immediate Release

Echo Outdoor Gatherings is no stranger to the regional electronic music scene and for years they have hosted events of the highest quality.

After holding their flagship event – Elements of Life – successfully at De Hoek Mountain Resort near Cango Caves for the past five years, Daniel Mentz (event organizer), branched out to Calitzdorp Hot Springs in March with another exciting festival: Valley Of Dreams. The three-day event turned out to be a huge success, which was sold out completely, with people trekking from across the country to attend. According to David, the event attracted nearly 600 festival-goers, which was also a much-needed boost for business and tourism. Festival-goers venture out into the area during an event to explore and some opt to stay for longer as they usually travel from all over the country to attend such festivals.

“Our festival-goers want to make the best of their stay and frequently talk about what they were up to when venturing out to explore the area,” said Mentz.

This July, Echo Outdoor Gatherings will return to Calitzdorp Hot Springs with an even bigger event called ‘Elements of Fire’.

From Friday, 29 July to Sunday, 31 July festival-goers can look forward to a weekend that promises to be a visual and sonic experience like no other. Food stalls will sell falafels, breakfasts, steaks, and freshly pressed juice. Vegan and vegetarian options will also be made available.

Various craft stalls will sell items like dream catchers, leather works, jewellery, clothing brands, and macrame. There will also be two fire shows every night.

Winter Warmer Drive

Echo Outdoor Gatherings wanted to say thank you to the community of Calitzdorp for their warm welcome and decided to give back. This is why they are currently running a food and blanket drive for Friends Of Calitzdorp Animals (FOCA).

FOCA was launched six years ago when the founding member helped some friends to look after stray animals. Today they feed 250 dogs, 70 cats and facilitate up to 30 sterilisations a month. FOC are also constantly building kennels and continues to educate the local residents on animal welfare.

‘The amount of neglect FOCA witnesses every day is horrifying, to say the least,” said Mentz.

To supplement the Winter Warmer Drive, Echo Outdoor Gatherings and Feel Good Entertainment will donate 10% of the bar proceedings for the weekend to FOCA.

Garden Route District Municipality is proud to host the Echo Outdoor Gatherings events as Daniel takes pride in what he does. Every event is carefully planned and those attending must adhere to strict rules.

“Family is at the core of Echo Outdoor Gatherings and will always be,” said Mentz

ends