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9 March 2022 Media Release: Garden Route Business Advisory Forum Established

Media Release: Garden Route Business Advisory Forum Established 

For Immediate Release
9 March 2022 

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), Knysna Municipality, Business Chambers and business forums in the region today, 8 March 2022, connected in Knysna to establish a quarterly Garden Route Business Advisory Forum. The forum will serve to promote an inclusive business environment. Being a first of its kind in the Western Cape at a district level, the GRDM Mayor, Ald. Memory Booysen also plans to form task teams to promote critical sectors like Tourism, Agriculture, and Construction.

At the first engagement, Cllr Levael Davis, Knysna Municipality Executive Mayor, said: “The Garden Route is filled with a kaleidoscope of opportunities. He shared that Knysna Municipality understands the value the GRDM adds and the importance of the platform’s establishment. “I think it is the right time for this, and we, as the Knysna Municipality, are in full support of this platform, and we know the rest of the region will follow suit.”

Deputy Executive Mayor, Adv. Gert van Niekerk was also present at the engagement with the Mayoral Committee Members, as well as Portfolio Committee members of GRDM.

During Booysen’s overview of the advisory forum, he explained that the forum was established as envisaged in the Garden Route Economic Recovery Plan. This recovery plan is widely consulted, with both government and private sector playing an active role, and subsequently, adopted by the GRDM Council on 30 March 2021. Booysen also touched on his past experiences where investors frequently asked questions that only the business chambers representatives would have had answers to. “The GRDM does not plan to engage with international investors without business chamber representatives being present. This platform will also help us to establish which business would be the best suited for the type of investor we are planning to engage with.

“Today is a new beginning – the first steps of the ‘marathon’,” said Booysen.  

He urged all political parties present at the engagement not to play dirty politics and to work with businesses to promote the region.

Paul Hoffman presented the proposed structure for GRAF, and how it fits into the structure adopted by the Garden Route to drive the implementation of the Garden Route Growth & Development Strategy and Recovery Plan. Chambers, Associations and other business Forums will form part of GRAF at an advisory and strategic level, while individual businesses and sector bodies will be more involved at the implementation level of the Strategy, and will be integrated into the 7 Priority Clusters, namely Tourism, Agriculture, Wellbeing and Resilience, Energy Transition, Water Security, Circular Economy, and a Connected Economy. Hoffman further reiterated that it is not the intention to duplicate existing structures but to be complementary to the current business structures at both a regional, as well as a local municipal level. Knowledge sharing and best practices will be key components of such an engagement, and the engagements will be driven by a “Private Sector driven – Government supported” approach.

Ald. Virgil Gericke, one of the GRDM Proportional Representative Councillors, was also at the event and said that he fully supports the Mayor in the establishment of this forum. He asked that no one stands in the way of this forum’s agenda. “The issue of transformation is critical,” said Gericke. He also emphasized the relaxation of bylaws to make it easier for businesses to thrive – currently, bylaws are not as inclusive as they should be. “The reduction of red-tape and excessively complicated administrative procedures must become a thing of the past.”  Gericke said that he personally experienced startup capital as one of the biggest hurdles when he started a small business. “Many are left with loans at a high-interest rate,” he said. It is no secret that small businesses face widespread challenges with a limited cash flow when they are getting on their feet.

The forum provides a “unique opportunity for businesses to position themselves as part of the decision making processes,” said Rachel Wall, Chairperson of the Stillbay Business Chamber. She is also in full support of the advisory forum but requested for more local municipality representatives to form part of future engagements.

A member of the George Small Business Forum, Basil Myners, urged all stakeholders at the forum to help educate small businesses by mentoring them and sharing information. “I have recently registered six co-operatives in Friemersheim to boost agriculture in the area.” Cooperatives are people-centred enterprises that are owned, controlled and run by and for their members to reach common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations.

Lusanda Menze, GRDM Executive Manager: Planning and Economic Development and the current Acting Municipal Manager of GRDM, in wrapping up the session, said: “It is fitting to say this is the start of many more engagements we will have with the business sector.” He assured those present that he fully supported the newly established organized platform and sees the GRDM fulfilling its coordination role. However, he indicated that the business fraternity will need to take the leading role. 

“The GRDM Mayor has planted the seed, and it is now up to us to water it so that it can grow.”

“We are building an enabling environment for business to grow,” Menze concluded.  

Feature image:
Pictured at shortly after the first regional Business Advisory Forum – Ald. Memory Booysen, GRDM Executive Mayor (wearing chain) and Knysna Executive Mayor, Cllr Levael Davis (back-right), with stakeholders from various business forums and chambers in the region, as well as municipal representatives.

ENDS

4 March 2022 Media Release: Local produced products and services to be showcased by Small Businesses at a pop-up market at the Garden Route Mall

MEDIA RELEASE: LOCAL PRODUCED PRODUCTS AND SERVICES TO BE SHOWCASED BY SMALL BUSINESSES AT A POP-MARKET IN GEORGE, GARDEN ROUTE MALL, 10-13 MARCH 2022

For Immediate Release
4 March 2022

Small Enterprise Development Agencies (Seda) in partnership with the Department of Economic Development, and Tourism (DEDAT), and Garden Route District Municipality will provide 30 SMMEs in the Garden Route District an opportunity to showcase their products at a Pop – Up Market in George, Garden Route Mall from 10-13 March 2022. Alex T Qunta, Seda Western Cape Provincial Manager believes that this programme will respond and address one of the key challenges that hamper the growth of small businesses in South Africa, which is access to the market.

Advocate Gert Van Niekerk, Executive Deputy Mayor of the Garden Route District is expected to do a walk-about on Thursday, 10 March 2022 from 13:00. The Deputy Mayor will be joined by Seda Provincial leadership and the Portfolio Committee for Economic Development of the District Municipality.

List of businesses who will exhibit at the mall include:

Business name Product/Service offering
Kaaihaar Hair Care Products
Insomniac Party Bus: Party Bus Events
Lakhiwe’s Creations: Formal Hats and Clothing
Consistency Group: Clothing and Clothing Printing Services
Mayan Chocolate: Chocololate Manufacturing
Litch & Titchi (Pty) Ltd: Hand & Body cream manufacturing
Favors Galore: Cosmetics & soap shop
Ilovani Manufacturing: Home Décor & Furnature manufacturing
Porcupine: Ceramic Manufacturing
Elsies Handmade Products (Pty) Ltd: Sheepskin Slippers
Karootjie (Pty) Ltd: Knitted clothing items
Western Cape Honey Bush Co-operative Ltd: Honeybush Tea
Nelton Willemse t/a Nelton Art: Art
Catchemia Crafts: Art
Barely There Gems: Jewellery
BMD Engineering: Braais
In the Gap Clothing: Apparel
Lumarco Food Distributors: Garlic Food Items
Piekant: Picnic blankets and cooler bags
Rise Coffee Co: Coffee
Rococo: Chocololate Manufacturing
Sharlebel: Mushroom Preserves
Silk Screen Stencils: Silk Screen Stencils
90s Urban Store: Clothing
Omaz Projects: Jewellery
Zukiswa Gqirana: Jam
Fusion Africa: Décor
Living Rocks: Art
Amanda Barendse t/a Keiko: Manufacturing of play dough
Aweh Arts Gifts and Crafts (Pty) LTD: Crafts and Soap
Kaukou (Pty) LTD: Honeybush Tea
Bunting Boutique: Clothing
Sasa-Zee: Clothing (Manufacturing)
Couture By Austin: Clothing
Besige Bytjies: Honey
Lethemba Art and Crafts: Arts and Crafts
Kairos Foods and Services: Catering/Baking
Ouma Barbie se Stoepkombuis: Baking/cakes

 Issued by Seda Market Unit

 For media inquiries, please contact Mr. Sibongile Somdaka, Seda Western Cape Provincial Marketing & Stakeholder Relations Specialist on 072 573 2193.

ENDS

04 March 2022 Media Release: GRDM Firefighters educate Garden Routers about wildfires in Summer seasons

Media Release: GRDM Firefighters educate Garden Routers about wildfires in Summer seasons

For immediate release
04 March 2022

 The Garden Route is historically a fire-prone district with many areas which are a high risk to fire.  

During the hot and dry Summer season, wildfires are more prevalent and are difficult to control. Wildfires happen mostly outside urban areas that also have the potential to spread out of control. These types of fires also have the potential to kill people and destroy property. 

Most wildfires are started by people, compared to a lesser amount which is started by natural occurrences such as lightning. 

GRDM Disaster Management official with a member of the Melkhoutfontein community member during a Fire Awareness Campaign.

When it comes to fire safety awareness, one of the most important methods is identifying potential fire threats and ensuring that a well-thought-out fire safety plan is in place as soon as a fire occurs. 

The Fire & Rescue Service and Disaster Management teams from Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) continuously place a lot of efforts on preventative measures in the form of awareness and education. They especially do this in and around rural and remote areas and within high-risk areas on the urban perimeters.  Areas in George such as Hoekwil/Touwsranten and Wilderness Heights recently received educational visits from the GRDM firefighters.

Members from the Garden Route District Disaster Management Centre furthermore collaborated with Hessequa Fire and Rescue Unit to conduct a Fire Awareness Campaign at the Melkhoutfontein “Kerksegronde” community. The aim was to teach the community to be fire safe and prevent undesirable structural and veld fires, also to raise awareness of the dangers of fires. The community was encouraged to take responsibility for reducing fire risks and its potential impacts. Emergency contact details were also distributed. 

To date the fire season has been relatively busy, as well as around the Western Cape.

To illustrate further (in the pictures) are interventions undertaken by the GRDM firefighters during the past ‘non-fire season’ in different areas within the Garden Route district where the team created awareness about fire safety.

ENDS

03 March 2022 Public Notice: Application for consolidation, rezoning and consent use: Erven 22494 and 22495, George

LAND USE APPLICATION ADVERTISEMENT

 GEORGE MUNICIPALITY

 APPLICATION FOR CONSOLIDATION, REZONING AND CONSENT USE: ERVEN 22494 & 22495, GEORGE

Notice is hereby given in terms of Section 46 of the George Land Use Planning By-Law, 2015 that the undermentioned application has been received on Erven 22494 and 22495, George by the George Municipality, Directorate: Planning and Development.

Any objection(s) and/or comment(s) with full reasons therefore and how their interests are affected, should be lodged in writing via email to the responsible Administrative Officer (Primrose Nako – pnako@george.gov.za) or if no email facility is available, via SMS to the cellphone number of the said Official (only provided on request) and/or to the applicant, in terms of Section 50 of the George Land Use Planning By-Law, 2015, on or before 02 April 2022, quoting the application erf number, your property description, physical address and full contact details (email and telephone) of the person or body submitting the objection/comment, without which the Municipality/applicant cannot correspond with the said person/body.

Enquiries or requests for more information on the application may be directed to the Town Planning Department on Telephone: 044 801 9171 or email the responsible Administrative Officer (Primrose Nako – pnako@george.gov.za) or the applicant (details below). The application will also be available, on the Municipal Website (https://www.george.gov.za/george-documents/land-use-applications/land-use-submissions) for 30 days. Any comments received after the aforementioned closing date may be disregarded.

Property Description

Erven 22494 & 22495, George

 Applicant

Garden Route District Municipality (Email: records@gardenroute.gov.za) (Tel: 044 803 1300)

Municipal reference number – 2198116

Nature of application

Application is submitted in terms of Sections 15(2)(e),(a) & (o) of the George Land Use Planning By-Law, 2015 for the following:

  • Consolidation of Erven 22494 & 22495, George.
  • Rezoning of the consolidated portion from Industrial Zone II to Utility Zone.
  • To allow for a Consent Use to accommodate an Authority Use (Fire Station and offices).

25 February 2022 Public Notice: Demand Database information about Affordable Housing in the Garden Route District

PUBLIC NOTICE:  Demand Database information about Affordable Housing in the Garden Route District

For Immediate Release
25 February 2022

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) recently approved a new Integrated Human Settlements Strategic Plan which will guide its eventual implementation of its affordable housing typologies. This critically requires the determination and understanding of the level of demand and supply from members of the public located in the Garden Route District. In order to be able to do that, GRDM needs therefore to generate an updated demand database mechanism that will assist in preparing its Affordable Housing programmes and projects.

The housing demand database will assist Council with defining the types of Affordable Housing preferences, in line with the expressed interests of members of the public from the various communities within the District.  Such interest should originate from all 7 B-municipalities (Bitou, Knysna, George, Mossel Bay, Hessequa, Kannaland and Oudtshoorn).

In line with the above, we have prepared a standard application form that those interested in Affordable Housing must complete. Forms are available through the following platforms, namely:

  1. The Garden Route Corporate Website at: www.gardenroute.co.za
  2. At all local Human Settlements (Housing) offices of the 7 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 and Mr Lubabalo Nicholas Ketani at telephone 044 803 1454.

You have three options to complete the application forms.

  1. Submit it at a Local Municipality
  2. 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

Download documents here:

GRDM Demand Database INFO on Affordable Housing 25 FEB 2022

GRDM Questionaire for Registering Interest in Affordable Housing 25 FEB 2022

25 February 2022 Media release: Busy month for Health


Media release: Busy month for Health

February was a busy month on the health calendar.   Health teams have been out in full force across the district  to educate and provide guidance on family planning (pregnancy education week), Human Papilloma Virus (HPV first round) and Sexually Transmittable Disease (STI and condom month).

Pregnancy Education Week

Using protection during sexual activities will not only reduces the risk of unplanned pregnancies, but also prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS.

Health teams took to the streets of Pacaltsdorp to promote the use of family planning.

Teenage pregnancy, the use of emergency contraceptives, early bookings, and access to prenatal care was the focus of this year’s Pregnancy Education Week from 12 – 19 February.

Between April 2019 to December 2021, 3922 teenage pregnancies were recorded at public hospitals in the Garden Route District. This is 14% of the total deliveries for the district.

The Department has various support programs in place to assist pregnant teenagers who have social challenges as part of the First 1000 Days plan, where a child’s health is most vulnerable during the first 1 000 days of its life and the mother’s mental health is important for a healthy pregnancy and birth. This period, from conception until a child’s 2nd birthday, offers a unique window of opportunity to shape healthier and more prosperous futures.

Another form of support as part of the First 1000 Days program for young mothers is the MomConnect mobile platform which has three main objectives:

  • To register each pregnancy at a government health facility.
  • To send stage-based, personalised SMSes to each mom in the registry.
  • To allow women to engage with the health system through help desk tools and services.

 Human Papilloma virus (HPV)

 The first round of this year’s campaign takes place from 14 February 2022 until 31 March 2022

HPV is the virus that causes cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is the second most prevalent cancer among women after breast cancer. Over 99% of all cervical cancers are caused by persistent infection of high-risk types of HPV.  The vaccination protects girls from being infected by HPV and reduces the risk of developing HPV related cervical cancer later in life. The younger your daughter is, the better her body’s immune system can respond to the vaccine, resulting in the production of protective antibodies against the virus. The provincial campaign at public and special schools is only targeted at Grade 5 girls over 9 years of age. Please remember to send the signed consent form to school. If your daughter is attending a private school and you would like her to be vaccinated, you need to contact a private health care facility and have the vaccination done privately          

STI and Condom Month

Sexually Transmitted Infections are infections caused by germs that are passed from one person to another mainly during unprotected sex. Most symptoms are easily noticed and can be treated if reported early to the sister at the clinic.

How will I know if I have an STI?

You may have an STI if you have one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Discharge from the penis, burning or pain when passing urine.
  • Abnormal vaginal discharge, smelly, itching, burning or painful urination.
  • Mild to severe lower abdominal pain, sometimes fever, with or without vaginal discharge.
  • Sore(s) or blisters on the genitals with or without painful swelling in the groin.
  • Sores, itching of glands, penis pain.
  • Scrotal swelling, with or without pain.

We urge the public to make use of the services we provide to better their health and that of their community.

For more information visit: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/dept/health

Feature photo: School Health teams visited Franken Primary School as part of the HPV campaign. From left: Mona Fortuin, Henrunesha Blouw, Elvina Jaftha and Jennifer Bielh.

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

23 February 2022 Public Notice: EXTENSION OF CONTRACT FOR TUNIMART TRAVELLING AGENCY

EXTENSION OF CONTRACT FOR TUNIMART TRAVELLING AGENCY

NOTICE IN TERMS OF SECTION 116(3) OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT: MUNICIPAL FINANCE MANAGEMENT ACT, 2003 (ACT 56 OF 2003)
FOR THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT OF THE EXISTING AGREEMENTS:

Notice is hereby given in terms of Section 116 (3) (a) and (b) of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (Act 56 of 2003) that it is the intention of the Garden Route District Municipality to extend the following existing contract:

 TENDER NO DESCRIPTION SUPPLIER NAME EXTENSION PERIOD
E 18/18-19 Travel Agency for all International and Domestic Travel of GRDM TUNIMART TRAVELLING AGENCY From 1st March 2022 Up until 29 February 2023

 Notice is hereby further given in terms of Section 21 and 21A of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act 32 of 2000) that the local community and affected parties are invited to submit comments or representations on the proposed amendment of the contracts. Such comments or representations must be submitted by not later than the 11th  of March 2022 at 12:00.

Comments or representations must be submitted in a sealed envelope clearly endorsed “COMMENTS ON NOTICE OF AMENDMENT OF EXISTING CONTRACT and be physically submitted at the Garden Route District Municipality Reception located at 54 York Street, George.

No faxed or email comments will be considered.

For any information about the above, please contact the Strategic Manager: Thembani Loliwe  via e-mail: Thembani@gardenroute.gov.za or at the telephone number: 044 803 1300.

Click here and download the official notice: EXTENSION OF CONTRACT FOR TUNIMART TRAVELLING AGENCY

22 February 2022 Media Statement: Garden Route Municipalities not affected by Typhoid Fever

Media Statement: Garden Route Municipalities not affected by Typhoid Fever

For Immediate Release
22 February 2022

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Executive Manager, Community Services, Clive Africa, also confirms that there are no cases of Typhoid Fever in the Garden Route.

Typhoid fever also known as enteric fever is a bacterial infection that can spread throughout the body, affecting many organs. Typhoid Fever is caused by a bacterium called Salmonella typhi, related to the bacteria that cause salmonella food poisoning. It is highly contagious and an infected person can pass the bacteria through contaminated faeces. If someone else eats food or drinks water that has been contaminated they can become infected with the bacteria and develop typhoid fever.

Typhoid fever is most common in communities that have poor sanitation and limited access to clean water.

Municipal health services as defined in the National Health Act, 2003 do monthly water sampling of all municipal water sources in the Garden Region and potable water in the region is still safe for human consumption. Cases of typhoid in the Western Cape have also not been linked to municipal water sources. Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) form part of the Garden Route District Response Team and will investigate any suspected cases.

SYMPTOMS
Typhoid fever symptoms include weakness, stomach pain, headache, diarrhoea or constipation, cough and loss of appetite. Some people with typhoid fever develop a rash of flat, rose-coloured spots.

PREVENTION

  • Proper hand hygiene, which includes thorough washing of hands with water and soap.
  • After using the bathroom/toilette, and before preparing or eating a meal.
  • After handling nappies.
  • Maintain good hygiene in the kitchen when you are handling and preparing a meal.
  • Ensure that household water from a safe source.
  • Safe disposal of human faeces and nappies.

Environmental Health Practitioners provide health and hygiene training on a monthly basis at crèche and schools in the district to illustrate and practice of proper handwashing techniques as well as the importance thereof.

For any further information, please contact us at the respective Regional offices within the Garden Route District Municipality:

Johan Compion
GRDM Manager: Municipal Health & Environmental Services
E-mail: info@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1300

Mosselbay:
Sam Bendle
Chief: Municipal Health (Mossel Bay),
Tel:  044 693 0006
Address C/O Sampson & Marling Street, Ext 23, Mossel Bay.

George Outeniqua:
Emmy Douglas
Chief: Municipal Health (Outeniqua)
Tel: 044 803 1501
Address: Mission Street, Industrial Area, George, 6530

George Wilderness:
Pieter Raath
Chief: Wilderness (George)
Tel: 044 803 1501
Address: Mission Street, Industrial Area, George

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

Knysna
James McCarthy
Chief: Knysna
Tel: 044 382 7214
Cell: 082 805 9417
Address: 26A Queen Street, Knysna

Bitou
Gawie Vos
Chief: Bitou
Tel: 044 501 1600
Cell: 083 557 1522
Address: 4 Virginia Street, Plettenberg Bay

Hessequa
Haemish Herwels
Chief: Hessequa
Tel: 028 713 2438
Cell: 083 678 6545
Address: 23 Michell Street, Riversdale, 6670

Kanaland
George Hendriksz
Chief: Kannaland
Tel: 044 272 2241
Cell: 082 907 3492
Address: 15 Regent Street, Oudtshoorn

ENDS

22 February 2022 Media Release: Council unanimously agrees to reappoint Monde Stratu as Municipal Manager for Garden Route DM

Media Release: Council unanimously agrees to reappoint Monde Stratu as Municipal Manager for Garden Route DM 

For Immediate Release
22 February 2022

Yesterday, 21 February 2022, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Council unanimously agreed, for the second time, to appoint Monde Stratu as the Accounting Officer of the GRDM. He is set to start his duties after all formal processes are finalised.

Similar to 2017, the GRDM Accounting Officer position was advertised nationally. This time around 35 applicants applied, of which three (3) were shortlisted for the top spot.

According to Memory Booysen, GRDM Executive Mayor, “an extensive interview process took place with three (3) candidates undergoing a competency-based structured interview conducted by a selection panel”. With Stratu being a lawyer and having approximately 20-years of experience in local government, he unsurprisingly performed the best of those shortlisted.

Editor’s note: Section 57(6) of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 2000, provides that an MM must be appointed on a fixed-term contract for no longer than five (5) years at a time. This contract may not exceed a period ending one year after the election of a new council.

Pictured: Monde Given Stratu, GRDM Municipal Manager for the 2021/22 – 2026/27 term.

ENDS

 

21 February 2022 Public Notice: 2021/2022 Second Adjustment Budget – Open for Comment and Public Inspection

21 February 2022 Public Notice: 2021/2022 Second Adjustment Budget – Open for Comment and Public Inspection

Notice 23/2022

Notice is hereby given that the Garden Route District Municipal Council’s Second Adjustment Budget for the period 2021/2022-2023/2024, was compiled in accordance with the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act 2003 (Act 56 of 2003).

This document was approved by the Garden Route District Municipality at a District Council meeting held on Monday, 21 February 2022 and is available for public inspection and comments on the GRDM municipal website www.gardenroute.gov.za from 23 February 2022.

Members of the public are invited to submit written comments or representations to the municipality in respect of this document. Click here to view the official public notice.

All comments and inputs must be directed to:

The Municipal Manager
Garden Route District Municipality
54 York Street
GEORGE
6530

Please contact the Budget Manager (Ms Louise Hoek) at 044 803 1300 with any enquiries.

L Menze
Acting Municipal Manager
Garden Route District Municipality