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28 April 2022 For Public Comment: Third Adjustment Budget 2021/2022

28 April 2022 For Public Comment: Third Adjustment Budget 2021/2022

Notice 45/2022

Notice is hereby given that the Garden Route District Municipal Council’s Third 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, 26 April 2022. The document will be available for public inspection and comments on the GRDM municipal website www.gardenroute.gov.za from 29 April 2022.

Members of the public is invited to submit written comments or representations to the municipality in respect of this document. 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.

M G Stratu
Municipal Manager
Garden Route District Municipality

26 April 2022 Media Release: Best of luck Emile Conrad! Keep our flag high!

Media Release:  Best of luck Emile Conrad! Keep our flag high!

 For Immediate Release
26 April 2022

Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Senior Firefighter and multiple winner of the “Sout African Toughest Firefighter Alive Competition,” Emile Conrad, will tomorrow, 27 April 2022, depart to Lisbon, Portugal. There he will compete in the 14th edition of the World Firefighters Games, which will take place from 30 April to 7 May 2022.

Emilie Conrad, a well-known name in the firefighting community in South Africa. He has in the past won the “Men’s Individual” category of the SA Toughest Firefighter Alive Competition on multiple occasions since his first attempt in 2011.

The World Firefighters Games, which are being held every two years in a different country, brings together firefighters from all over the globe. These include full-time, part-time, volunteer structural firefighters, bush firefighters, aviation fire services, and military emergency response personnel.  The event includes more than 50 different sports and challenges, including archery, rugby sevens, windsurfing, poker, swimming, athletics, and softball, with the “Toughest Firefighter Alive” being the crowning achievement.

Emile Conrad will be part of a team of twenty (20) firefighters, eighteen (18) from the Western Cape and two (2) from the Eastern Cape who will compete under the banner of the Western Cape Firefighters Association. These men and women will be representing South Africa as well as their respective municipalities during the competition.

In response to a question regarding the competition, Conrad responded enthusiastically, “I’m very overwhelmed and thankful for everything that God has done in my life. In addition, I would like to thank my friends and Charnaud Protective Wear, who not only provided me with the best fire fighting gear, but also made this trip to Lisbon, Portugal possible.  I cannot wait for ‘Game Day!’”

The GRDM management and staff would like to wish Emile Conrad a safe journey and the best of luck in the competition.

25 April 2022 Media Release: Minister Simmers engages Municipal Executives on Human Settlements matters

Media Release: Minister Simmers engages Municipal Executives on Human Settlements matters

 For Immediate Release
25 April 2022

 Today, the newly appointed Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers engaged Mayors, Deputy Mayors and MAYCO Members for Human Settlements from all Municipalities across the Province. This engagement which forms part of Minister Simmers’ annual outreach programme, sought to amongst others ensure that municipal executives are empowered with relevant information around the various amendments that have recently occurred within the human settlements space, as well as who is being prioritised for a Fully State subsidised/Breaking New Ground (BNG) house.

Amongst others and particularly in the Affordable Housing space, these amendments included the revised Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Programme (FLISP) that is now called ‘Help me Buy a Home,’ and how more residents with a household income between R 3 501 – R 22 000 can access this subsidy. Previously, residents had to first obtain a mortgage before they could apply for this subsidy. However, since 1 April this has now been delinked, which means that it can be accessed through other sources of funding.

These include:

  1. Housing loans granted or guaranteed by a pension and provident fund.
  2. Unsecured housing loans from any registered lender.
  3. Housing loans granted or guaranteed by cooperative- or community-based savings scheme or stokvels as they’re commonly known.
  4. Housing loans supported by employer-based schemes.

The qualification criteria for Social Housing has also been slightly amended from R 1 500 – R 15 000 to a gross monthly income of R 1 850 – R 22 000. This now ensures that more residents are able to access an opportunity within the rental space since with this offer a beneficiary will never own the home. It is important to note that the rental payment in this option is 50% less than what is being charged within the market. The 50 Informal Settlements that have been identified for a variety of upgrade interventions through our Informal Settlements Upgrade Partnership Grant (ISUPG) were also highlighted. Pertaining to who could potentially qualify for a BNG unit, the criteria is:

–           The elderly (60 years and older)

–           Those living with a medically certified disability

–           Those longest on the housing demand database (15 years and longer)

–           Backyard dwellers (this is unique to the Western Cape)

–           Military Veterans (Important to note that we only build the houses. The entire administration process is managed by the National Department of Military Veterans)

–           Child-headed household (NB. Still awaiting clarity from the National Government)

It should be noted that these residents must be registered on the Housing Demand Database (HDD).

Minister Simmers said: “I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to all municipal executive members for their robust engagement as it pertains to human settlements. Municipalities are a critical cog in the delivery of human settlements opportunities and being in partnership with them is key for us. The engagement proved to be fruitful and our municipal executives are now better placed to take human settlements forward in their respective municipal areas.”

Minister Simmers continued: “I’m now looking forward to further engaging Councils across the province so that all Councillors and relevant officials are equally empowered with the correct information. Human settlements is a concurrent function and the more we work together, the more we will be able to ensure the swift delivery of housing opportunities.”

Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers (right) with Ald. Memory Booysen, Executive Mayor of the Garden Route District Municipality.

Media Enquiries:

Marcellino Martin
Spokesperson for Minister Tertuis Simmers

Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za

021 483 3397 (o)
082 721 3362 (m)

Or

Mr. Nathan Adriaanse
Director: Communication and Stakeholder Relations

Nathan.adriaanse@westerncape.gov.za

021 483 2868 (o)
083 263 1720 (m)

19 April 2022 Public Notice: IDP/BUDGET AND PMS REPRESENTATIVE FORUM MEETING

NOTICE NO 42/2022

IDP/BUDGET AND PMS REPRESENTATIVE FORUM MEETING

In terms of section 16 (1) (a) (i) and 17 (1) (a) – (e) of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act No 32 of 2000, a notice is hereby given that Garden Route District Municipality will hold its IDP/Budget and Performance Representative Forum meeting in order to encourage and create conditions for the local community to participate in the affairs of the municipality.

The meeting is scheduled as follows:  

Date:   5 May 2022

Time:  9:00

The session will be broadcasted live on Eden FM and the Garden Route District Municipality’s Facebook page.

Click here to view/download the notice: IDP Budget PMS Rep Forum

12 April 2022 Media Release: GRDM Firefighters present Fire Safety and Fire Prevention educational sessions to Garden Routers

GRDM Firefighters present Fire Safety and Fire Prevention educational sessions to Garden Routers

For Immediate Release
12 April 2022

During the last few weeks the Fire & Rescue Services of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) conducted several fire awareness sessions within Garden Route district to educate residents about the dangers of fire as well as the prevention of unwanted fires.

GRDM Firefighters presents the Fire & Life Safety session to learners at Heidedal Primary School.

On the 23 March 2022, the team visited the Heidedal Primary School in George to present a Fire and Life Safety educational session to the learners from Grade R and Grade 1. The team also conducted a Fire Extinguisher Training Session at the Caltex Petrol Station in Wilderness of which five (5) participants formed part of the session. In closing their educational activities for March, the George team, on the 30 March , visited a larger group of forty-eight (48) learners from Ballotsview in Parkdene, to present a Fire and Life session to the “Speel en Leersentrum”.

GRDM Firefighting team conducts Fire Extinguisher Training Session at the Caltex Petrol Station.

It was also an eventful month for the GRDM Kannaland Firefighting team, as they conducted training and fire safety sessions at various establishments within the Kannaland area. The sessions presented by the team, include the following:

  • 16/03/2022 – Emergency Evacuation Training presented to learners and staff of E.K Primary School at their school in Zoar.
  • 23/03/2022 – An Emergency Evacuation exercise at Huis Izak Van Tonder Old Age Home presented to the staff and elders at their premises in Ladismith.
  • 23/03/2022 – Fire Extinguisher Training to the staff of Huis Izak Van Tonder Old Age Home at their premises in Ladismith.
  • 30/03/2022 – Fire Extinguisher Training presented to staff of Huis Izak Van Tonder Old Age Home at their premises in Ladismith.

All sessions were well received as the firefighters and facilitators used practical methods to ensure that toddlers, learners and participants remained interest in the topics that were discussed and demonstrated.

Learners from the ‘Speel en Leersentrum’ during their session presented by the GRDM Firefighters.

These continuous initiatives form part of the GRDM Fire Services’ Fire Prevention and Fire Safety functions. Whilst the focus is placed on rural communities, businesses and schools within the residential areas are also assisted upon request.

Some of the Fire Safety tips shared at the sessions include:

  1. Do not make drum fires in your house, and if done, please ensure that the fires are extinguished before going to bed.
  2. Continue to burn rubbish and debris in designated areas.
  3. Do not make large ‘bond’ fires in between informal houses especially when winds are prevailing as the conduction and radiation of heat happen easily from one structure to another.

ENDS

12 April 2022 Media Release: Several Garden Route DM APAC members complete their terms

Media Release: Several Garden Route DM APAC members complete their terms

For Immediate Release
12 April 2022

After years of strategic services rendered to the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Audit and Performance Audit Committee (APAC), the terms of three (3) members have come to an end.

Dr Adele Potgieter, the outgoing Chairperson of APAC, finished her term yesterday. She commenced her duties on 1 November 2012, Advocate Derick Block served on the Committee from 1 March 2016 until 31 October 2021, and Mr Geoff Stenekamp served on APAC from 1 September 2017 until 28 February 2022.

APAC’s primary role is to advise the municipal council, political office bearers, accounting officers, and management of the Municipality about several matters. These include, but are not limited to, financial control and reporting, internal audit, risk management, accounting policies, performance management, governance, performance evaluations, and other matters referred by the institution.

Therefore, the effectiveness of this Committee requires an appropriate mix of professional skills, which are the prerequisites the GRDM identified for APAC members to hold. Appointing APAC members can be a daunting task because finding the relevant skills locally or regionally is not always possible. This is experienced all over the country.

The Chairperson of APAC’s leadership role is central to setting the tone of the work style and ensures that each agenda contributes to the effectiveness of the Committee.

BRIEF EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND OF OUTOING MEMBERS

Dr Potgieter is a Senior Lecturer at Nelson Mandela University. She holds a PhD in Business Management, Marketing, and related support services, a BCom Investment Honours, and a BA degree in Industrial and Organisational Psychology. She’s also served on numerous audit committees

Advocate Block holds a B. luris, LLB, and Postgraduate Diploma in Taxation. He has served on more than fifteen (15) committees and boards. He has vast knowledge and experience in local, provincial, and national government, legal, constitutional matters, risk management, audit, corporate governance, and compliance.

Mr Geoffrey Stenekamp has Bsc, BCompt degrees, and he is a qualified Chartered Accountant (SA). He was the national leader of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and has served on three (3) other Audit Committees before.

CLOSING REMARKS

During Dr Potgieter’s closing remarks, she recalled the journey she walked with the Municipality for more than a decade. “I’ve done countless performance appraisals, worked with various municipal managers, mayors and other professional staff.” She also shared how proud she is of the functional managers of Internal Audit, Risk Management and Performance Management, who have grown immensely since she started working for the GRDM.

“I have learned to work with many good people, new employees – young and old. However, what stood out for me is their willingness to work together – employees want to do good in this Municipality,” she said. “Thank you on behalf of APAC for the diligence on your financial statements. I wish you well going forward. May your days be blessed, and think of us fondly going forward. She also thanked Mr Stratu and the GRDM Council for their leadership.

In her advice to the APAC, she said: “Always stay independent, don’t get gobbed down by others and listen to your heart.”

During his closing remarks at an APAC engagement yesterday, Acting Municipal Manager Lusanda Menze said: “Thank you for the service of APAC and what it has done for the community in its entirety and us.” When referring to the APAC as advisors, Menze referred expressly to Proverbs about wisdom and listening to advisors. “You have also helped steer GRDM to attain a clean audit.”

The GRDM is grateful for the outgoing APAC members and the positive contribution they’ve made and wishes them the best for their future endeavours.

ENDS

12 April 2022 Media Release: Saasveld road construction is nearing completion

Media Release: Saasveld road construction is nearing completion

For immediate release
12 April 2022

Good progress is being made on repairs of Madiba Drive, also known as Saasveld road. Months of earth-and foundation work have been done by the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Roads Services.  Ten Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP)  contract workers are appointed to assist with the project. The work is performed using in-house resources, personnel, and EPWP contract workers. The Saasveld road has been inaccessible since November’s flash flood last year.

Earlier this year, the old Armco structure under the road was removed, and the work area was accessed. Approximately 600 m3 of material had to be excavated to reach the bottom of the pipe and to lay the 200 mm diameter pipe (bypass pipe) in order to prevent the trench from flooding.

On Tuesday, 1 March 2022, a further 600 mm was excavated due to the wetness of the in-situ material. The GRDM Construction Team had sourced more materials to strengthen the bedding before they could lay off the 1.8 m concrete pipe.

Four to five layers of bedding were constructed; the first was rock-filled, the second was gravel material mixed with cement, and the third, the laying of the pipes.

 

Pipe laying commenced on 4 April 2022.  Mr John G Daniels, Executive Manager of the GRDM Roads Services and the Portfolio Chairperson of Roads and Transport Services, Alderman Petru Terblanche, were on-site to witness the laying of the first pipe.  The anticipated date to finish laying all the pipes is 14 April 2022.  Upon completion, in-situ material mixed with cement will be used as a cradle to support the pipes and bulk backfilling to 300 mm below road level will commence.  Three layers will then be constructed; 150 mm of sub-base, 150 mm of base course and the surface layer.

According to Mr Lungisa Qendu, Senior Engineering Technician on the construction site, they have already laid six units.  “The in-situ material has been taken to the laboratory for testing, and other materials are currently in the procurement process,” said Qendu.

Mr Qendu further explained that the team’s aim and priority are to lay all pipes, backfill, and open the road as soon as possible.  Activities like headwalls and gabions will not affect road users as these are outside the roadway.

The road closure has caused inconvenience to regular users of the road who has to make use of alternative routes. We thank them for their patience and assure them that we are doing everything possible to have the route reopened as soon as possible.

Click on the link below for a short video of on-site operations.

 

11 April 2022 Media Release: Annual World Travel Market Africa attended by local and regional tourism representatives

Media Release: Annual World Travel Market Africa attended by local and regional tourism representatives

For Immediate Release
11 April 2022

This year’s World Travel Market (WTM) Africa 2022 kicked off with virtual sessions from 4 – 5 April, and continues now, starting 11 – 13 April at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). The Garden Route and Klein Karoo (GR&KK) Regional Tourism Office (RTO), several Local Tourism Offices (LTO) and Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Resorts, and other tourism products from the region are in attendance.

According to Amagene Koeberg, GRDM Senior Tourism Coordinator, the GR&KK and its LTO partners, seek to position the region as the preferred destination to live, play, work, and invest.

Passmore Dongi, Manager: Projects, Properties, Facilities & Resort Management, who is also in attendance with the GR&KK and LTOs, highlighted the importance of the GRDM Resorts being present at trade and consumer shows. “This is the first tradeshow for the GRDM Resorts to attend and it will certainly not be the last”. A marketing and promotional platform like this presents a perfect opportunity for the Municipality to network and build valuable relations across the globe. “It ensures that the Garden Route remains top of mind,” said Dongi.

WTM Africa provides a Business-to-Business platform for international travel professionals, buyers, exhibitors, and media to showcase the continent’s diverse offerings. The Tourism Industry embraces this much-needed promotional platform.

The WTM Africa includes a wide spectrum of speakers and events like the International Business Tourism Market (ibtm) Africa, EQUAL Africa, Travel Forward, the Sports and Events Tourism Exchange (SETE) and Responsible Tourism (RT) Conference and Awards.

The four resorts of Garden Route District Municipality can be accessed below.

Photo caption (fltr): Denver Johnson (GR&KK Tourism Officer), Herman Pieters (GRDM Chief Communication Officer), Amagene Koeberg (GR&KK Senior Coordinator), and Passmore Dongi (GRDM Projects, Properties, Facilities & Resort Management).

ENDS