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30 March 2022 MEDIA RELEASE: ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS ENSURING HYGIENE STANDARDS ARE MAINTAINED AT KKNK AND OTHER FESTIVALS

MEDIA RELEASE: ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS ENSURING HYGIENE STANDARDS ARE MAINTAINED AT KKNK AND OTHER FESTIVALS

For Immediate Release
30 March 2022

In terms of the Municipal Systems Act of 2000, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Municipal Health Services is one of the primary functions of a district municipality. Section 1 of the National Health Act, 2003 (Act 61 of 2003), defines municipal health services as the following key performance areas:

  • Disposal of the Dead.
  • Environmental Pollution Control.
  • Food Control.
  • Health Surveillance of Premises.
  • Surveillance and Prevention of Communicable Diseases.
  • Vector Control / Monitoring.
  • Waste Management.
  • Water Quality Monitoring.
  • Chemical Safety

The Klein Karoo National Arts Festival (KKNK)

This National Arts festival takes place from Tuesday 29 March until Sunday 3 April 2022 in Oudtshoorn.

During the Festival, EHPs of GRDM conduct routine inspections and monitor all environmental health aspects, such as food stalls, solid waste storage- and removal, wastewater disposal, public toilet facilities, camping sites, etc.

EHPs are doing daily inspections at the different events and premises at the KKNK. They will ensure that all food preparation activities conform to hygienic requirements and that waste-water, solid waste and sanitation facilities are sufficient. The EHP officials will also form part of the daily KKNK Joint Operation Centre (JOC) meetings to address all health-related matters.

On the first day of the KKNK, EHPs inspected all food stalls for compliance with Regulation 638 of 22 June 2018, Section 3(1) and determine if the owner has a Certificate of Acceptability.

FOOD STALLS

During festivals, food control is a mandatory regulation that enforces consumer protection. It ensures that food is safe and wholesome for consumption during preparation, handling, storage, processing, and distribution. Furthermore, that food conforms to the quality and safety requirements as prescribed by R146 of 1 March 2010 and is labelled correctly.

EHPs ensure that food is kept at safe temperatures; food handlers wear proper protective clothing; food stalls are kept clean and hygienic, and no animals except guide dogs are allowed in food stalls. Also, food should be protected from contamination by using good manufacturing practices and the best methods available.  EHPs also take food samples to ensure the food is safe.

GRDM already had discussions with the KKNK management regarding the issuing of Certificates of Acceptance (COA). To be approved for a food stall for the duration of the KKNK, a COA is required from the GRDM Municipal Health Office. Food stall owners were provided with a copy of the hygienic guidelines to ensure they knew the hygienic and health regulations for selling food at KKNK. Environmental Health Practitioners have provided food hygiene education and training to all food handlers and will do this going forward.

PUBLIC TOILET FACILITIES

KKNK will provide adequate toilet facilities and will maintain and clean the sanitation facilities. The EHPs will monitor public toilets daily and report unhygienic conditions to the KKNK office.  Additionally, EHP will ensure that restaurants inside and outside the festival area provide access to toilets and handwashing facilities.

WASTE WATER AND SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

The KKNK and Oudtshoorn Municipality are responsible for providing wastewater collection facilities, while the EHPs monitor the storage and disposal of solid waste. To prevent health nuisances, it is imperative that waste water and refuse bins are removed quickly.

ACCOMMODATION FACILITIES/CAMPING SITES

GRDM EHPs carried out inspections at accommodation facilities and guest houses before the commencement of the KKNK. They ensure that all guest houses that provide food to the public comply with R638 of 2018 and must have a COA for food premises

Minimum requirements regarding refuse removal, water provision, sanitation, and regular cleaning of camping sites were compiled in the past, and EHPs will regularly monitor facilities at camping sites.

SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES: TOBACCO CONTROL ACT

Premises, where meals are provided for consumption in a room, building, or tent, will be monitored. As stipulated in Regulation 975 notice relating to Smoking of Tobacco Products in Public Places, the rules regarding smoking in public places must be adhered to.

Smoking areas must conform to national legislation.  Event coordinators must provide guests access to a designated smoking area.  Smoking in or near food stalls is prohibited.

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

For any further information, please contact GRDM Klein Karoo Region Municipal Health Services:

Mr. Desmond Paulse

Chief: Municipal Health (Klein Karoo)

Tel: 044 272 2241

Cell: 083 678 6530

Address: 94 St John Street, Oudtshoorn

 Mr. Johan Compion

Manager: Municipal Health & Environmental Services

E-mail: johan@gardenroute.gov.za

Tel: 044 803 1300

 

29 March 2022 Media release: Wowee for WoW! Champions

Media release: Wowee for WoW! Champions

For immediate release
29 March 2022

A number of Health staff from across the Garden Route received recognition during an award ceremony in Cape Town recently for promoting wellness within their communities as part of the Western Cape on Wellness (WoW!) initiative.

WoW! is a healthy lifestyles-promoting partnership programme of the Western Cape Government and its valued partners. The overarching purpose of WoW! is to promote health, reduce health inequalities and strengthen social inclusiveness/connectedness by co-creating enabling environments for sustained healthy lifestyle choices throughout our life course. The programme was implemented in 2017 and wellness champions were identified and trained to promote wellness within their facilities and communities.

The winners were as follow:

Bronze: The KwaNokuthula WOW Wellness Club

WoW champions:  Thamsanqa Happiness Magwebu, Masixole Blouw and Nonkoliso Zandile from Kwanokuhtula clinic in Plettenberg Bay.

The KwaNokuthula WOW Wellness Club started with exercises for staff. Fitness instructors visited the clinic on a regular basis during lunchtime for all to participate in aerobic exercise. The club started the Adolescent Youth Friendly Services (AYFS) group and Safe Play Streets which included many activities within communities to include children.

Silver: Hessequa for the programme “Restore total wellness”

WoW! Champions: Dina-Marie Dwyer (lead champion) and Chanel Louw (co-champion)

Projects included funding and distributing gifts for Nurses Day 2021, running a healthy lifestyle competition with a twist and starting a food garden.

Their main focus however was the emotional and mental wellness of staff. They’ve established an onsite wellness clinic via the Employee Health and Wellness Programme for staff to be able to attend sessions.

Silver: Jolly Gymmers programme in Riversdale

WoW! Champions: Chanel Louw

The Jolly Gymmers currently consist of 26 group members of which 18 members are committed and consistent. They focus on physical activities, i.e. exercise session three times per week from 17:00-18:00 and participate in community events like fun walks and the CANSA relay for life. They also participate in continuous healthy eating/lifestyle challenges as motivation and encouragement to live healthy. These challenges focus on eating healthier, drinking water and getting enough sleep. Many of the ladies are diagnosed with chronic diseases of life and through the group activities, they aim to decrease uncontrolled vitals and reach a level of consistent good health.

‘The Jolly Gymmers are a bunch of dynamic adults with beautiful souls and vibrant personalities. You can’t but be enriched after spending time with this group’, said Chanel.

Silver: Bridgeton Elderly Wow! Group

WoW! Champions: Eshida May and Mariam Darries

The Bridgton Elderly WoW! Club was established three years ago.

Mrs Miriam Darries is the coordinator for the Elderly Crime Prevention Desk. In conjunction with SAPS and other role players, the elderly meet once a week.

Different activities are enjoyed such as needlework, knitting, food gardens, etc.

Reaching out to other elderly people is done daily and largely focuses on abuse, negligence in the care of the elderly as well as the exploitation of SASSA grants. This club offers support to the elderly as well as meals twice a week. The Department of Health visits the club monthly. A focus on health, observations as well a healthy lifestyle are emphasized. Exercises are done monthly with the elderly.

Gold: Swartberg Senior Club in Dysselsdorp. This team also won the innovation award.

WoW! Champions: Caria Booysen, Brigette Dysel and Christa Harmse

What started in 2018 as a program designed to support the seniors group at Swartberg in Dysselsdorp through activities including healthy eating, talks/advice/information sharing, exercise, food gardening, sugar challenge campaign, salt reduction campaign, has grown to where they now serve 72 regular members on a weekly basis. The Swartberg Senior Club is proudly supported by the Department of Health, local churches, local NGOs, schools and share the honours with relevant stakeholders and supporters.

Well done to all the clubs and keep up the good work!

Caption: The Bridgeton Elderly WoW! Club.

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

29 March 2022 Media release: Western Cape Human Settlements opens Individual Subsidy Applications on 1 April 2022

Media release:  Western Cape Human Settlements opens Individual Subsidy Applications on 1 April 2022

For immediate release
29 March 2022

On 1 April, the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements will open applications for its Individual Subsidy. Applications only open once a year, in April, and close as soon as the subsidy allocation limit has been reached.  The Individual Subsidy is aimed at residents with a household income of between R0 and R3500, and allows one to: buy an existing house; buy a house on a plot-and-plan basis, or finish an incomplete house. The subsidy amount is just over R200,000 and is paid directly to a seller, conveyancer, financier or contractor, depending on the case. Successful applicants will receive this subsidy only once.

There are various housing subsides available from the Department that does not require citizens to wait for a government housing development in your area. Assistance provided via the Individual Subsidy allows residents to, for example, identify a house for sale for the subsidy amount, or use it as a top-up, to purchase a home. As there is a limited budget, assistance with this subsidy is only provided once a year and is allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis. Priority will be given to applicants who are elderly or have special needs (ie. disabled).

“The Individual Subsidy is one of the subsidy programmes that can assist Western Cape residents with a housing opportunity, without waiting for a specific government housing development to be built in an area. The subsidy can be used to purchase an existing house or to build a house on a vacant plot owned by the applicant” commented Ms Phila Mayisela, Acting Head of Department.

To qualify for this subsidy residents must :

  • Be registered on the housing demand database (ie. waiting list)  at your nearest municipality;
  • Must have been on the housing database for a minimum period of 10 years in Cape Town, and 5 years in areas outside of Cape Town;
  • Be a South African citizen or have a permanent residency permit;
  • 18 years or older;
  • Be married or living with a partner;
  • Be single or divorced, and have proven financial dependents living with you permanently;
  • Not have owned a property before;
  • Earn a monthly household income of R3500 or less, before deductions;
  • Not have received a housing subsidy from the government before.

Western Cape residents who are still on the waiting list, meet the qualification criteria, and are interested in applying for the Individual Subsidy, are urged to submit their applications from 01 April at the Department of Human Settlements offices in Cape Town. More information, including application forms, for this subsidy, can be found on the Department’s website.

 

Click on the link to download the Individual Subsidy Booklet: Individual Subsidy Booklet

 

-End-

Media Enquiries:

Mr Nathan Adriaanse

Director: Communication and Stakeholder Relations

Nathan.adriaanse@westerncape.gov.za

021 483 2868 (o)

083 263 1720 (m)

 OR

 Marcellino Martin

Spokesperson for Minister Tertuis Simmers

Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za

021 483 3397 (o)

082 721 3362 (m)

25 March 2022 GRDM and Hessequa Executive Mayors with delegation praise Roads team with progress of Roads Project in Jongensfontein

GRDM and Hessequa Executive Mayors with GRDM delegation praise Roads team for progress of Roads Project in Jongensfontein

For immediate release
25 March 2022

Wednesday, 16 March 2022, is a day to remember for the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Roads workers who have been working tirelessly to complete the Jongensfontein roads project.  The team was surprised with a visit from the GRDM Executive Mayor, Ald. Memory Booysen, the Mayoral Committee Members,  Acting Municipal Manager, Mr Lusanda Menze, and officials. Soon after their arrival, the delegation was also joined by Executive Mayor of Hessequa  Municipality, Cllr Grant Riddles.

The purpose of the visit was for the delegation to view the progress of the project and to extend warm words of gratitude to the team members that are actively busy repairing the road that was swept away by floods late last year. The road which is now in its final stage (99%) of completion plays a critical role, especially for the Tourism Sector in the Hessequa area and the Garden Route.

GRDM Executive Mayor, Ald. Memory Booysen, addressing the delegation and GRDM Roads team at the Jongensfontein road construction site.

In his welcoming address at the site, Cllr. Riddles, shared words of appreciation with Mayor Booysen and said: “I am thankful to you Mayor Booysen, and the GRDM Roads team for your favourable response in ensuring that the road gets repaired”. With these words he added: “With the situation currently experienced in our country, it is incredible to see that a district municipality handles the needs of the local municipality as a priority – we thank you for your commitment,” he said.

The Roads project in Jongensfontein (Hessequa) that is now in its final stage (99%) of completion.

Ald. Petru Terblanche, GRDM Portfolio Chairperson responsible for Roads and Transport Planning, described the area and the view to the beach as a breath-taking experience when he gave an overview of the project. He said: “About six (6) weeks ago I was shocked to see the huge landslip halfway filled up, and now to see the progress made so far, I am thankful to the engineers and road workers for their splendid work”.  Adding to this he said: “The R7 million invested in this project was for the purpose to prevent this incident from occurring in the future again so that our grandchildren one day will be able to see the superb work performed by their grandparents”.

When sharing the methodology/recipe for a project of this nature, Japie Strydom, GRDM Manager of Maintenance, Construction and Mechanical Services, explained that skilled people, a good design office and material are needed. He said: “We have the skilled people, a good design office; however, we still have a challenge with the material”. In explaining his statement, he said: “We need all the relevant stakeholders to come together and have discussions as to how we can prevent the high costs incurred for these projects”.

GRDM Acting Municipal Manager, Lusanda Menze, expressed a word of gratitude to all stakeholders and staff for their contribution to the project. When referring to the aspect of skills development, he said: “Unemployed workers that were appointed on the project, will now be able to do work for themselves elsewhere with the skills transferred to them. For these reasons, the project is doing very well,” he said.

GRDM Executive Mayor mentioned the importance of the cooperation between district and local municipalities for the benefit of the people and he highlighted: “Behind the scenes, I always bring up the idea that municipalities can work together – and this project is a clear indication that municipalities are able to work together”. To the Roads Department under the leadership of John Daniels, who facilitated the programme, he said:  “I am always happy with the work you perform and we will do whatever we can for the Garden Route to remain tops”.  In closing, Mayor Booysen referred to how Mayor Riddles always react to the roll-out of projects in the Hessequa area and he said: “One of the most important aspects Mayor Riddles is always interested in is how many jobs the project can create for the residents of Hessequa. Lastly, he said: “I am impressed with the work performed thus far – let us all keep up the good work, and let us continue with it”.

In closing, Executive Deputy Mayor, Adv. Gert van Niekerk, extended words of appreciation to all involved and specifically to the road team he shared his sentiments relating to the art of road construction projects. He referred to a few detailed aspects of a successful project and with this, he motivated the team as follows: “Nothing is more encouraging for road workers to see how others appreciate their work.  What you have built is a permanent structure – this is not something that can be taken away. Every single aspect is an artwork and every single part of the project will contribute to its overall success. In essence, this project reflects the skills that we have in our area, and we thank you that you have given us enough reason to be proud of”.

Feature Image: GRDM Executive Mayor, Ald. Memory Booysen (3rd left) and Hessequa Exexutive Mayor, Cllr Grant Riddles (left), with Executive Manager for Roads and Transport Planning, John Daniels (back middle) with the Roads team during the visit to the Jongensfontein Roads project site.

ENDS

19 March 2022 Media Release: Swarms Locusts (grasshoppers)  tearing through the Karoo

Media Release: Swarms Locusts (grasshoppers)  tearing through the Karoo

For immediate release
19 March 2022

On Monday, 14 March 2022, large swarms of locusts descended onto the Klein Karoo region. Reports of locust swarms around the Calitzdorp area was received by the Garden Route District Municipality Disaster Management Centre (GRDM DMC) on Monday, 15th March 2022. Later, it was confirmed that farmers in Kruisvallei and Buffelskloof were seeing swarms of locusts flying from west to east along the foothills of the Swartberg mountains.

Over the past year, the increase of locust activity has become apparent, which resulted in the Department of Agriculture conducting several pesticide spraying actions in the Northern- as well as the Eastern Cape and the Central Karoo. However, historically these locust plagues were confined to the Northern parts of the Western Cape as well as the  Central Karoo district.  Therefore, most pro-active Department Locust Officers (DLO’s) training was done in the Central Karoo District Municipal area.

The mandate to deal with locusts lies with the National Department of Agriculture due to locusts being a migratory pest.

On Wednesday, 16 March 2022, the Garden Route District Municipality Disaster Management (GRDM DM) activated its Joint Operation Centre (JOC) in response to the locust infestation.  A JOC meeting was held in response to the Locust Infestation affecting parts of Calitzdorp and Oudtshoorn.   Various stakeholders attended the JOC, including the Greater Oudtshoorn Municipality Manager of Fire Services & Disaster Management, Agri- Western Cape and the Department of Agriculture Western Cape.

The following concerns were highlighted:

  • That a shortage of chemicals needed to spray the locust infestation causes significant challenges. Currently, there are only 54 000 liters of Decis (a pesticide used for locust control) available in South Africa.
  • Training for locust control has been requested from the National Department of Agriculture and is expected to commence on the 23 March and will take place at a venue identified in Oudtshoorn. Both Kannaland and Oudtshoorn areas will be included in the training.
  • It is challenging to locate the ‘head’ of the swarms, making it difficult to determine the direction they are travelling. Moreover, the swarms move to higher parts of the mountain, making it a challenge to control the swarms without aerial spraying.

According to Agri SA, this is one of the biggest locust swarms in years and, with the assistance of donors and the Department of Agriculture, farmers are trying everything to save crops and ensure food security.

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture has made R5 million available immediately to provide support to purchase personal protective equipment, sprayer pumps. pesticides and aerial spraying support to teams combating the outbreak of locust swarms in the Western Cape.  Combating the locust infestation is critical for food security and rural livelihood.

Farmers from the area and organisations who would like to undergo training for locust control are requested to contact Ms Adel Supra-Vertue, Manager from the Oudtshoorn Municipality Fire & Disaster Management Services at 064 125 9227/ 044 203 7810. We also would like to request farmers and residents not to start fires as a measure to kill or deter locusts.  Our Karoo areas are still arid, and these fires may cause runaway fires.

Training for Locust District Officers will take place on the 23rd of March from 09:00 am until 14:00 pm at the De Hoek Mountain resort.  Interested parties are requested to send their names to Mr Lonwabo Luthango at Lonwabo@gardenroute.gov.za or to contact him by cell: 084 881 5853.

Pro-active and re-active actions are coordinated by Me Vuyokazi Mpumlwana from the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD).  Her contact detail is 084 760 8176.  Other coordinators from the National Department of Locust Control are Dr Ikafeng, who can be contacted at 072 198 9882.

17 March 2022 Media Release: The GRDM Proudly Prepares Itself as a Provider of Sustainable Housing Opportunities

Media Release:  The GRDM Proudly Prepares Itself as a Provider of Sustainable Housing Opportunities

For Immediate Release
17 March 2022

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) has now positioned itself to be a provider of affordable housing. This is in addition to the support role that it plays to the seven local municipalities, namely, Bitou, Knysna, George, Mossel Bay, Hessequa, Oudtshoorn and Kannaland.The GRDM has developed a Human Settlements Strategy, which will guide the development.

Four staff members have, to date, been appointed at the GRDM Human Settlements Division, with funding from the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements (WC DoHS).  The most recent appointments were that of a Town Planner who will assist with Spatial Planning, Town Planning Authorities and Project Feasibilities and an Administration Officer who will concentrate on the Demand Data Base and Subsidy Administration.

In the near future GRDM will make announcements about the Affordable housing opportunities:

  1. Social Rental Housing – for households whose monthly income is between R1501 and R15 000
  2. Student accommodation
  3. Finance Linked Individual Projects (FLISP) – This is an ownership program targeting potential beneficiaries whose monthly income is between R3501 and R22 000
  4. Inclusionary Housing – This is a new ownership concept that encourages partnerships between the GRDM and various private developers, employers, etc.

 Milestones achieved during the 2021/22 Financial year 

  • Formulated an Integrated Human Settlements (IHS) Strategic Plan;
  • Established an organisational structure for the newly established Human Settlements Division;
  • Prepared a draft Municipal Accreditation Business Plan, which awaits final approval by both the Provincial and National Departments of Human Settlements;
  • Worked with the seven B-municipalities to ensure a coordinated and structured approach in dealing with the District Development Model;
  • Appointed a Social Housing partner, Own Haven, to develop Social Housing; and
  • Appointed an external consultant team to assist with the formal production of a Human Settlements Sector Plan  which will show the program for the various projects.

More significantly, the GRDM Human Settlement Department has begun to align its functions with the Garden Route’s local municipalities in an attempt to meet the requirements of co-planning, co-budgeting and co– implementation.

Public Service Sector Education and Training Authority (PSETA) 

GRDM Human Settlements, in conjunction with Cape Peninsula University of Technology, are hosting two interns namely Messrs. Lubabalo Ketani and Loyolo Ndima.

Alignment to the District Development Model (DDM)/Joint Metro Development Approach (JMDA)

 GRDM has been identified as one of the District Councils in South Africa where the District Development Model will be piloted.

The DDM approach will strengthen cooperation between the following stakeholders:

  • GRDM
  • Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Bitou, Oudtshoorn and Kannaland
  • WC DoHS
  • National Department of Human Settlements (N DoHS)
  • Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA)
  • Housing Development Agency (HDA)
  • SHRA Accredited Social Housing partners
  • Private developers

These relationships will enable the GRDM to plan, package, and implement projects in a coordinated manner.

Stakeholder involvement  

Two weeks ago, the GRDM placed an invitation on all their media platforms, inviting interested members of the public to register on an affordable housing demand database. The housing demand database will assist Council with defining the extent to which it rolls out Affordable Housing.

A standard questionnaire, for those interested in Affordable Housing, is still available at the following locations:

  1. The Garden Route Corporate Website at: www.gardenroute.co.za
  2. At all local Human Settlements (Housing) offices of the seven B-municipalities in the district.
  3. All the GRDM sub-offices in the region.

For any related enquiries, please direct them to the GRDM Human Settlements office representatives, namely Ms. Shehaam Sims, Mr. Luyolo Ndima or Mr. Lubabalo Nicholas Ketani at telephone 044 803 1454.

You have three options to obtain and submit the questionnaire.  

  1. Obtain and submit it at a Local Municipality
  2. Obtain and submit it at any of the Garden Route District Municipality offices in the region
  3. E-mail a scanned copy of the forms to info@gardenroute.gov.za

15 March 2022 GRDM Media Release: Disaster Management officials presented their 1st First Aid Level 3 Training for the year

GRDM Disaster Management officials held their first First Aid Level 3 Training for the year

For immediate release
15 March 2022

The Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM’s) Disaster Management Centre, recently hosted its first First Aid Level 3 training session for the 2022 calendar year. The course was held from 21 to 25 February 2022 and involved 6 unemployed and 3 employed people from the George Local Municipal area.

The following topics were covered during the session:

  • Basic principles of First Aid;
  • Safety and lawful aspects;
  • Patient assessment;
  • Basic life support;
  • Airway management;
  • Treatment of shock;
  • Dressing and bandages;
  • Injury emergencies;
  • Medical emergencies;
  • Environmental emergencies; and
  • Emergency childbirth.

After completing the theoretical and practical parts of the course, all participants were rated as competent after they completed their practical exams. GRDM Disaster Management volunteers formed part of this successful session and are now able to apply the principles covered in the session in their daily lives. One participant is employed at the South African Police Services (SAPS) and two (2) present horse-riding training in the Pacaltsdorp area. All topics covered will enable these participants to effectively apply the course material and practical demonstrations in their respective careers.

Participants of the First Aid Level 3 Training Session presented by Garden Route District Municipality, with Facilitator and Disaster Management official, Gail Bekeer (right).

The training programme is part of Disaster Management’s annual awareness programme and is aimed at capacitating employed and unemployed Garden Routers to be able to save lives in any kind of emergency. The municipality has been providing First Aid Level 3 training since 2008 and to this point has trained more than 1700 community members. Each session takes place over a period of a week once per month and is facilitated by the GRDM Disaster Management officials at the municipality’s Head Office in George.

For more information regarding the programme, contact the GRDM Disaster Management official, Wouter Jacobs, at 044 803 1300.

First Aid Tips

  • Never place any ointments on a superficial burn wound. It will create secondary complications. The best treatment is to rinse the wound with cold water or cover the wound with a Burnshield.
  • An unconscious patient may never lay flat on his/her back. Always place the patient in the recovery position, in other words on his or her side, this position will protect the patient’s airway.
  • The stinger of a bee should never be pulled out but rather scraped off with something with a sharp edge like a bank card, this will prevent the poison from being squeezed from the venom sack of the bee into the patient’s skin.

ENDS

15 March 2022 Media Release: NYDA Focusses on Youth Development In The Garden Route

Media Release: NYDA Focusses on Youth Development In The Garden Route

15 March 2022
For immediate release

 

The second keynote speaker at the first Garden Route Skills Mecca for 2022 was Tshepo Manyama – Regional Manager of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Western Cape. He outlined NYDA’s skills development plans, opportunities, and needs that support youth development in the Garden Route.

NYDA is a South African-based agency established primarily to address challenges faced by the nation’s youth. The youth development agency was established by an Act of Parliament (Act 54 of 2008) to be a single, unitary structure addressing youth development issues at the National, Provincial and Local Government levels. The Agency should be seen within the broad context of South Africa’s development dynamics.

During Manyama’s presentation, he outlined their economic participation goal, which is to enhance the contribution of young people to the economy through targeted and integrated programs.

He added that programs created by the NYDA aims to facilitate and provide employment opportunities for the youth and to include them in the economy.

The implementation of this goal is at the following strategic objectives:

  • To provide socio-economic empowerment interventions and support for young people in South Africa
  • To provide increased universal access to young people

NYDA runs several economic programs that include:

  • Grant funding R1 000.00 to R10 000.00
  • Business Consultancy Services
  • Sales Pitch and BBBEE Training
  • Business Management Training
  • Mentorship
  • Market Linkages

On youth with disabilities, Manyama had the following to say: “Young people with disabilities are not homogenous as there are different disabilities that require different interventions. The sector representing youth with disabilities proposes the establishment of a disability unit at the NYDA to undertake to facilitate all programs aimed at transforming the lives of youth with disabilities.”

He concluded his presentation by stressing the importance of eradicating discrimination and stigmas against people with disabilities and increasing economic opportunities for them.

Access to education is limited and inadequate and this needs to be addressed. Integration of people with disabilities will also need to be addressed as there is a tendency of lumping them together despite their different needs.

15 March 2022 Media Release: Growth And Development Of The Agricultural Sector In The Garden Route

Media Release: Growth And Development Of The Agricultural Sector In The Garden Route

15 March 2022
For immediate release

Clyde Lamberts from the Western Cape Department of Agriculture was invited to speak at the first Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) Forum of 2022 and his focus was on the growth and development strategy of the department for the Garden Route. He opened his comprehensive presentation with the following quote by Allan Savory:

“Agriculture is not crop production as popular belief holds – it’s the production of food and fiber from the world’s land and waters. Without agriculture, it is impossible to have a city, stock market, banks, university, church or army. Agriculture is the foundation of civilization and any stable economy”.  

To put this quote into perspective, Lamberts shared one of the Department’s recent success stories: A farm in Herald was in a dilapidated state due to a lack of interest in purposing the land. A businessman who was passionate about farming bought it, and spent the next five (5) years turning it into a viable business that now produces honeybush and proteas. He is the first black commercial farmer to produce honeybush in the Southern Cape. It is because the Department assisted him that his business was able to create sixteen (16) permanent jobs, with opportunities for an additional twenty (20) seasonal workers.

Before this, in Waboomskraal, the Department assisted another farmer, who became the first black farmer in the area to produce proteas and hops.

Lamberts noted: “When all spheres of government work together in an integrated fashion, these are the type of results we will see”. 

Lamberts listed the activities and services the Department provides to farmers and all other stakeholders as the following:

  • Independent agricultural advice and information
  • Supporting Livestock farmers – Development program. Livestock Forum
  • Performance testing/annual evaluation/ID limitations and opportunities
  • Investigating and implementing new hardy breeds and crossbreeding
  • Investigations in lowering inset cost through conservation agriculture – cover crops
  • Investigations into pasture species for marginal lands
  • Crop production advice and information
  • Niche crops/markets
  • Training

The type of training that is provided includes evidence-based and practice-based farmers’ capacity building. This is done through farmers’ days, demonstrations, peer-to-peer learning, and face-to-face interactions. Since 2018, the department trained 820 beneficiaries and this ranged from vegetable training to farm implement operation training.

The Department has a memorandum of understanding with GRDM and vacant land has been identified that the municipality owns which is conducive for agricultural development opportunities. The Department is researching the potential of commodity processing facilities in the Garden Route, which will be a source of immediate job creation – a game-changer for job creation in the region.

The Department furthermore envisions the building of Agri-Business Platforms for clients where potential products can be processed ready for consumption. Through Conservation/Regenerative agriculture, farmers are encouraged to rehabilitate and look after their own soil to turn it into organic matter that fertilizes with very few chemicals. Trials on livestock projects have yielded very positive results to date, and the global view is that going regenerative holds many financial and ecological benefits.

Agritourism needs to be promoted as it holds several untapped opportunities for the tourism sector. There is a need to compile tour packages to visit farms and processing facilities for both local and international tourism. The Roads Department has a role to play as well, as it must ensure easy access through regular road maintenance and upgrades.

The Department is in the process of revisiting mechanization which would allow for a central point that offers services such as ploughing, for example, as well as repair and maintenance services on farm implements.

Lamberts concluded his presentation by saying that we can be very proud of our district and that the Department is very excited to continue its work in the area.