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Municipal Health

12 June 2026 Media Release: GRDM delivers health outreach at a Knysna Informal Settlement

Media Release: GRDM delivers health outreach at a Knysna Informal Settlement

For immediate release
12 June 2026

The Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) conducted a health and hygiene awareness inspection at an informational settlement situated near the Knysna Waste Transfer Station. This was done in commemoration of World Environment Day, celebrated annually on 5 June, combined with Food Safety Day, which took place 7 June.

According to Johan Compion, GRDM Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Waste Management, Air Quality: “This settlement, in existence for roughly 2 years, comprises of nine informal structures, housing 21 people (12 men and 9 women)”.

“Of most concern is that the site in its current form is not connected to basic services such as water and sanitation.”

New settlements, not forming part of Integrated Development Plans, and budgets of municipalities always run the risk of resulting in serious health hazards to the occupants because basic services were not planned by the relevant planning departments of a municipality.

Health and Hygiene Interventions

Focus areas by the EHPs relating to environmental health included the following:

  • The importance of hand hygiene practices
  • Safe food preparation (including clean fires and environmental pollution control)
  • Personal hygiene practices (including safe waste disposal/sanitation)
  • Personal health screening
  • Communicable disease awareness

After completion of the awareness session, residents were given 9 potable water containers and hand soap. Containers hold up to 20 litres of water each.

GRDM EHPs further identified urgent infrastructure gaps that pose environmental and public health risks to residents and the adjacent Knysna Estuary.

GRDM will continue to ensure that there’s ongoing coordination with the Knysna Local Municipality and other stakeholders to provide sanitation, water access, and waste management to prevent contamination and protect community health.

Dwellers standing outside their housing structures

ENDS

05 June 2026 Media Release: GRDM promotes cleanliness and hygienic practices across spaza shops in the Klein Karoo

Media Release: GRDM promotes cleanliness and hygienic practices across spaza shops in the Klein Karoo

For immediate release:
05 June 2026

The Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) conducted a comprehensive Food Safety Day Awareness campaign across the towns of Ladismith and Oudtshoorn on 5 June 2026, to enforce compliance with norms and standards of food handling and raise awareness about foodborne risks.

In observation of World Food Safety Day, the EHPs of the Klein Karoo area, are supporting the theme: Food Safety: From Burden to Solutions – safe food everywhere” by promoting cleanliness and food safety at spaza shops in the Oudtshoorn and Ladismith areas. “Through inspections, education, and engagement with shop owners, EHPs encourage proper hygiene practices, safe food handling and regular cleaning of premises,” said GRMD’s Municipal Health Chief: Klein Karoo, Desmond Paulse.

“This year’s theme aims to inspire action to help prevent and manage foodborne risks to safeguard food security and healthy communities.”

GRDM’s highly competent team of EHPs regularly conducts inspections not only to spaza shops, but also to manufacturers, restaurants and supermarkets, to name a few. This is done to monitor compliance with hygienic and preparation standards. Paulse added that these actions help reduce foodborne health risks, improve compliance with food safety standards, and contribute to healthier communities.

The EHPs placed particular emphasis on cleaning and proper disinfection as these are effective methods to ensure safer food for human consumption. “Clean and hygienic shops play an important role in food safety. A clean shop helps prevent contamination, reduces the spread of harmful bacteria, viruses, and protects customers from a range of foodborne illnesses,” said Paulse.

The EHPs encourage spaza shop owners to adhere to good hygiene practices, such as regular cleaning, proper food storage, and safe handling of food, to ensure that food remains safe and of high quality.

On World Food Safety Day, as GRDM, we recognise that maintaining clean shops remains essential for protecting public health.

ENDS

05 June 2026 Awareness Article: Pest Control: A Key Pillar of Food Safety on World Food Safety Day

Awareness Article: Pest Control: A Key Pillar of Food Safety on World Food Safety Day

For immediate release:
05 June 2026

World Food Safety Day is commemorated annually on 7 June, and in 2026 the global theme, “Safer Food, Better Health,” reinforces the importance of protecting consumers from foodborne risks. One of the most critical, yet often underestimated, components of food safety is effective pest control.

Pests such as rodents, flies, cockroaches, and ants pose a serious threat to food safety across the entire food supply chain, from farms and food processing plants to retail outlets, restaurants, schools, and households. These pests are known carriers of harmful pathogens that contaminate food, equipment, and preparation surfaces, increasing the risk of foodborne diseases.

Disease causing pathogens such as salmonella, E. coli, listeriosis, and Norovirus can result from poor pest management practices. Vulnerable groups, including young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals, are particularly at risk. Preventing pest infestations is therefore not only a hygiene issue, but a public health priority.

In South Africa, food premises are legally required to implement pest control measures. The Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, 1972 (Act 54 of 1972) mandates that food sold or handled must be safe and free from contamination. In addition, Regulation R.638 of the Health Act, 1977 (General Hygiene Requirements for Food Premises and the Transport of Food) clearly states that food premises must be kept free of pests, and that adequate measures must be in place to prevent their access and harbourage.

Furthermore, the National Health Act, 2003 (Act 61 of 2003) places a responsibility on food business operators to ensure that conditions do not pose a risk to human health. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in fines, closure of premises, or legal action.

Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) emphasise that pest control is a non-negotiable element of food safety.

“Effective pest control is one of the first indicators of a well-managed food premises. Where pests are present, the risk of food contamination and disease transmission increases significantly. Preventing infestations protects not only consumers, but also the reputation and sustainability of food businesses,”

An effective approach to pest control is Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which prioritises prevention through good housekeeping, proper waste disposal, regular cleaning, sealing of entry points, and safe food storage. Where chemical control is necessary, it must be conducted by trained and registered pest control operators using approved products in a manner that does not compromise food safety.

World Food Safety Day serves as a reminder that food safety is everyone’s responsibility. Business owners, food handlers, regulators, and consumers all play a role in preventing contamination and safeguarding public health.

By maintaining strict pest control measures, we protect food from contamination, reduce the spread of disease, and support healthier communities. As we observe World Food Safety Day under the theme “Safer Food, Better Health,” it is clear that effective pest control is not optional — it is essential.

Here’s how you can maintain hygiene when handling food:

 

ENDS

4 June 2026 Media Statement: Public urged to stop from spreading false information about food safety and shops operated by foreign nationals

Media Statement: Public urged to stop from spreading false information about food safety and shops operated by foreign nationals

4 June 2026

The rendering of Municipal Health Services by Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP’s) within the district remains the responsibility of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM). Food control includes the regular inspection of food premises, sampling of foodstuffs offered to the public, and the monitoring of compliance with legislation.

EHPs must ensure that food sold and distributed within the district are fit for human consumption. Food is sold at both formal and informal establishments, such as supermarkets, restaurants, food stalls, spaza shops, street vendors, and other informal food outlets operating within the municipality’s area of jurisdiction. These facilities are routinely monitored and inspected to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

In recent years, social media has become a significant platform for the sharing of information and opinions, including matters related to food safety. While these platforms can play an important role in raising awareness, they can also contribute to the rapid spread of misinformation and unverified allegations.

The GRDM is therefore making a serious appeal to members of the public to refrain from circulating unverified information, rumours, or allegations regarding the distribution of food and, more specifically, claims that foodstuffs are being deliberately poisoned by foreign nationals operating within our communities. Such statements are not only irresponsible but can also create unnecessary fear that can lead to xenophobia.

EHP’s are actively present in communities and conduct ongoing inspections and investigations throughout the district. Any concerns regarding food safety, food-related illnesses, or suspected non-compliance should be reported directly to the to the Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management and Air Quality on 082 803 5161or e-mail jcompion@gardenroute.gov.za. Reports received through official channels are investigated thoroughly and objectively in accordance with established procedures.

Over the years, the municipality has received several complaints relating to alleged foreign objects found in packaged food products, including chips, biscuits, and similar food items. Each complaint was subjected to a comprehensive investigation, including inspections of premises and the sampling and examination of the products concerned. To date, no evidence has been found to substantiate claims that foreign objects were intentionally placed in food products at the locations where complaints were reported.

Public cooperation is essential in maintaining community trust, promoting social cohesion, and safeguarding the health and well-being of all residents.

ENDS

25 May 2026 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Receives Gold Recognition for Municipal Health Excellence

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Receives Gold Recognition for Municipal Health Excellence

Issued on behalf of the Office of the Executive Mayor, Marais Kruger

25 May 2026

“It is a proud moment to announce that Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Community Services Department has been awarded a Gold Certification of Recognition by the Western Cape Provincial Government (WCG) Department of Health and Wellness,” said Marais Kruger, GRDM Executive Mayor. The award reads: For technological advancement in Environmental Health Norms and Standards during the 2025/26 financial year and achieving 97.8%”.

“The Gold Certification positions GRDM as a provincial leader in Municipal Health innovation and climate-responsive service delivery,” said Mayor Kruger.

According to the GRDM Snr. Manager: Municipal Health, Waste Management and Air Quality, “My Unit achieved a score of 97.8% for Municipal Health initiatives and Climate Change programme”. The Silver Recognition Certificate was awarded to a Metropolitan Municipality – the City of Cape Town, while the Bronze Recognition Certificate was presented to the West Coast District Municipality.

Mayor Kruger also extended his congratulations to the Mayoral Committee Chairperson for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard; Municipal Manager Monde Stratu; Executive Manager, Nthabeleng Raisa-Mlandu; her Senior Manager, Chiefs and all EHPs – congratulations on your achievement, professionalism, and innovation.”

“The award acknowledged GRDM’s comprehensive community educational material developed as part of its Climate Change Programme, aimed at strengthening public awareness and resilience regarding climate-related health and environmental risks.”

“The municipality’s innovative technology-driven Municipal Health Programme received commendation for enabling EHPs to work smarter and more efficiently in serving communities across the district.”

The Provincial Department also recognised the critical role played by the GRDM EHPs during the George building collapse disaster response. “Municipal Health officials were instrumental in monitoring and ensuring the safe provision of food and water to rescue workers operating on-site during the emergency operation,” concluded Mayor Kruger.

Feature Image: Proudly displaying the Gold Certificate of Recognition Award that GRDM’s Municipal Health Services won, from left to right are the GRDM leaders pictured: Nthabeleng Raisa-Mlandu, Executive Manager: Community Services; Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, MMC: Community Services, Marais Kruger, Executive Mayor; Monde Stratu, Municipal Manager; and Johan Compion, Snr. Mgr: Manager: Municipal Health, Waste Management and Air Quality.

ENDS

Media Release: Empowering Food Handlers: Food Safety & Hygiene Training at Meals on Wheels Community Service

Media Release: Empowering Food Handlers: Food Safety & Hygiene Training at Meals on Wheels Community Service

For immediate release
21 May 2026

A Food Safety and Hygiene Training session was recently facilitated for the food handlers of Meals on Wheels Community Services (MOWCS). MOWCS serves some of the most vulnerable members of the community, including the elderly, the frail, and children. These individuals are at a higher risk of complications from foodborne illnesses. “This makes food safety not merely a regulatory requirement, but a direct expression of care and dignity for every person who receives a meal,” said Nonkosi Somwahla, Environmental Health Practitioner (EHPs) at the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM).

As a non-profit organisation involved in the preparation and serving of food, MOWCS is required to hold a valid Certificate of Acceptability (COA) and ensure that all food handlers receive adequate training in Food Safety and Hygiene.

The training was presented by GRDM’s EHPs. The aim was to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills required to handle, prepare, and serve food safely, while ensuring compliance with South African food safety legislation.

 The session covered key areas of food safety relevant to the day-to-day work of the MOWCS team, including the identification and control of food safety hazards, safe food handling practices, personal hygiene standards emphasise the importance of washing hands, and the maintenance of clean, pest-free premises. Participants engaged actively throughout the session, which was well received by all in attendance.

All attendees who participated in the Food Safety and Hygiene Training received Certificates of Attendance at the end of the session in recognition of their participation and commitment to improving food safety practices.

The training was well received, with positive feedback from Meals on Wheels leadership. The Regional Director of Meals on Wheels, Mr Jeremy Vlotman, shared the following feedback with the EHP, Nonkosi Somwahla: “Thank you for a professional and informative presentation. We have received positive feedback thus far; our next step is to ensure implementation.”

The EHP’s looks forward to supporting Meals on Wheels Community Services through this process, including follow-up visits and ongoing guidance as needed.

-END-

18 May 2026 Public Awareness: Food safety during power outages

Public Awareness: Food safety during power outages

18 May 2026

During the recent storms experienced across the Western Cape, many areas in the Garden Route district were and are still left without electricity for hours and even days. This type of disaster may lead to great food safety risk that a lot of citizens and holiday-goers, are not aware of.  During this time, food can spoil quickly if it is not stored or handled properly. Knowing what to do can help protect everyone from foodborne illnesses.

Below find several simple, but important food safety tips.

How to keep your food colder for longer

  • One of the most important things to remember during a power outage is to keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed for as long much as possible. Although there is no electricity used while keeping the doors closed, the refrigerator maintains the temperature for an extended time and therefore delays the spoilage of perishable food.
  • If the outage in an area continues, consider using a cooler box with ice packs for foods that must remain cold, such as milk, meat, eggs and leftovers.

What are considered high risk foods: Food that spoils quickly?

Raw meat, chicken, seafood, dairy products and cooked leftovers are high-risk foods and should be checked carefully after an outage.

Shelf-stable foods such as tinned goods, unopened juices, peanut butter and dry cereals are generally safer during long power cuts.

Remember these important rules: if food smells strange, looks unusual, or feels warm when it should be cold, throw it away and thawed food cannot be refrozen.

What are safe temperatures?

Food safety depends heavily on temperature. If perishable food has been above safe temperatures for more than two hours, it is safest to discard it.

How to maintain hygiene during storms

  • Storms can sometimes affect water supplies. It is best to use safe water or boil the water before use.
  • Wash your hands with soap and clean water before handling food. If clean and safe water is limited, use hand sanitiser containing at least 60 percent alcohol.
  • Also make sure kitchen surfaces, utensils and containers are kept clean to prevent contamination or cross-contamination.

How can you prepare for emergencies?

Preparation can make a major difference during emergencies. Keep an emergency supply kit with:

  • Ice packs
  • A food thermometer
  • Bottled water
  • A torch
  • A manual can opener
  • Non-perishable foods

Being prepared helps reduce stress and keeps your household safer during extended outages.

For more information or to report unhygienic practices by food handlers, contact the following GRDM offices within the Garden Route:

Johan Compion
Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management and Air Quality
E-mail: info@gardenroute.gov.za
044 803 1300 / 082 803 516

Klein Karoo & Kannaland
Desmond Paulse – Manager: Municipal Health (Klein Karoo)
94 St John Street, Oudtshoorn
044 272 2241 / 083 678 6530

Mossel Bay
Rinay Cloete – Acting Chief: Municipal Health
C/O Sampson & Marling Street, Ext 23, Mossel Bay
044 693 0006 /  083 530 3709

George Outeniqua
Emmy Douglas – Chief: Municipal Health
Mission Street, Industrial Area, George, 6530
044 803 1501 /  078 457 2824

George & Wilderness
Lusizo Kwetshube – Acting Chief: Municipal Health
Mission Street, Industrial Area, George, 6530
044 803 1599 / 081 555 6992

Knysna
James McCarthy – Chief: Knysna
26A Queen Street, Knysna, 6571
044 382 7214 /  082 805 9417

Bitou
Gawie Vos – Chief: Lakes (Bitou)
4 Virginia street, Plettenberg bay, 6600
044 501 1600 / 083 557 1522

Hessequa
Haemish Herwels – Chief: Hessequa
24 Michell Street, Riversdale, 6670
028 713 2438 / 083 678 6545

25 March 2026 Media Release: Blitz Operation by GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners, Hessequa Law Enforcement and Police

Media Release: Blitz Operation by GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners, Hessequa Law Enforcement and Police

25 March 2026

A coordinated joint operation between Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Municipal Health Services, Hessequa Municipality’s Municipal Police and the South African Police Service (SAPS) resulted in the inspection of 38 spaza shops over a two-day period, on 19 and 20 March 2026.

The operation formed part of ongoing efforts to ensure public health, enforce applicable by-laws, and address any illegal activities. Officials conducted thorough inspections focusing on food safety standards, including the monitoring of expired goods, hygiene practices, storage conditions, and the verification of valid Certificates of Acceptability.

Compliance issues were identified and addressed during the operation. Unsafe food products were confiscated while certain establishments may face further enforcement action. Hessequa Municipality’s Municipal Police also addressed matters relating to fire safety and relevant bylaws, with SAPS providing support to ensure the safety and security of all officials involved.

Officials carrying out inspection activities during the operation.

Cllr Hoogbaard, MMC for Community Services at GRDM, during the session reiterated that the operation demonstrated the commitment from all role players to protect public health and ensuring that all businesses operate within the legal framework and that similar operations will be conducted to promote compliance.

Residents are encouraged to report any concerns related to food safety or non-compliant issues to this department businesses to the municipality.

Johan Compion
jcompion@gardenroute.gov.za
044 803 1550 / 082 803 5161

Haemish Herwels – Chief: Municipal Health Hessequa (Langeberg)
haemish@gardenroute.gov.za
028 713 2438 / Cell: 083 678 6545
23 Mitchell Street, Riversdale

 

Opsomming in Afrikaans

’n Gekoördineerde gesamentlike operasie tussen die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM) se Omgewingsgesondheidspraktisyns, Hessequa Munisipaliteit se Munisipale Polisiediens en die Suid-Afrikaanse Polisiediens (SAPS) het gelei tot die inspeksie van 38 spaza-winkels oor ’n twee-dag tydperk, op 19 en 20 Maart 2026.

Die operasie vorm deel van TDM se voortdurende pogings om openbare gesondheid te beskerm, toepaslike verordeninge se implimentering te verseker, en enige onwettige aktiwiteite aan te spreek. Amptenare het deeglike inspeksies uitgevoer wat gefokus het op voedselveiligheidsstandaarde, insluitend die monitering van vervalde produkte, higiënepraktyke, bergingstoestande en die verifikasie van geldige Aanvaarbaarheidssertifikate.

Oortredings is geïdentifiseer en aangespreek, onveilige voedselprodukte is gekonfiskeer, en sekere besighede kan verdere afdwingingsaksie verwag. Hessequa Munisipaliteit se Munisipale Polisiediens het ook brandveiligheid en toepaslike verordeninge aangespreek, terwyl SAPS die veiligheid van alle betrokke amptenare verseker het.

Soortgelyke operasies sal in die toekoms voortgaan om voldoening aan verordeninge te bevorder.  Inwoners word aangemoedig om enige bekommernisse rakende voedselveiligheid of nie-nakoming aan die munisipaliteit te rapporteer.

-Einde-

23 March 2026 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Celebrates Global Recycling Day with Young Innovators

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Celebrates Global Recycling Day with Young Innovators

23 March 2026

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in collaboration with Mossel Bay Local Municipality, celebrated Global Recycling Day on 18 March 2026 at Herbertsdale Primary School, embracing the theme “Don’t Waste, Think Opportunity.”

This celebration brought creativity and environmental awareness together as learners participated in a unique activity where they designed garments using recyclable materials. Others transformed waste into imaginative fashion statements, demonstrating that recycling can be both innovative and inspiring.

In a show of inclusivity and encouragement, every learner was recognised as a winner, while the top five participants were highlighted for their exceptional creativity and innovative use of recyclable materials. This approach not only celebrated excellence but also motivated broader participation among learners.

The initiative successfully linked recycling to real-world creativity, spreading the message that waste can be transformed into opportunity. To ensure the sustainability of these lessons, the school was also equipped with four colour-coded recycling bins, promoting proper waste separation as part of daily school activities.

Highlights of activities from the Global Recycling Day celebration held on 20 March 2026 at Herbertsdale Primary School.

GRDM further acknowledged the valuable support of its partners, including POLYCO, Aquelle, and the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning. Their collaboration played a key role in making the event impactful and sustainable.

This initiative forms part of GRDM’s ongoing commitment to environmental education and community awareness, empowering young people to adopt responsible waste management practices and to see opportunity in what is often discarded.

-END-

09 March 2026 Disposal of the dead: Transportation of Human Remains

Media Release: Disposal of the dead: Transportation of Human Remains

For immediate release
09 March 2026

The transportation of human remains to and from areas is a occurs regularly, resulting from urbanisation and family members being dispersed across South Africa and neighbouring countries.

Transportation of bodies from the Garden Route district to areas outside the boundaries of the district, takes place by either registered funeral undertakers, private individuals or public transport provided that the criteria are met as legislated.

Disposal of the dead also known as Management of human remains, are one of the nine (9) Municipal Health / Environmental Health functions assigned to Local Government in terms of the National Health Act 2003 (Act 61 of 2003).

Desmond Paulse, Garden Route District Municipality’s Manager for Municipal Health in the Klein Karoo, said that legislation utilised by the Municipal Health section to regulate management of humans remains, is Regulation 363 promulgated under the National Health Act. Paulse further added that “the Management of human remains involves the handling, storage, preparation and transportation of the human body after passing.

How are human remains transported.

  • Human remains can only be transported in a manner that does not endanger public health.
  • Coffins should be leak-proof and free of offensive odours during transportation with public transport.
  • If a private vehicle is solely used for the transportation of human remains, the vehicle in terms of the National Health Act, should be in possession of a COC.
  • If the person at the time of their passing suffered from an infectious disease which can transmit even after death, the funeral undertakers transporting the body should adhere to the requirements set out in Regulation 363 and accompanied by a declaration from a medical practitioner.

The following documents should accompany the body during transportation:

  • Death Certificate
  • Burial order
  • Transport certificate to be issued by the SAPS

The transportation of human remains is a regulated and procedurally sensitive undertaking that requires strict adherence to the applicable legislation to preserve public health.

END