You are invited to an Informal Food Traders Workshop in George
Date: 25 November Time: 09:00 – 11:00 Venue: Thembalethu Thusong centre, Jeriko Street, Thembalethu, George
The Garden Route District Municipality is pleased to host an Informal Food Traders Workshop in collaboration with George Municipality. This educational session is designed to empower individuals who own, operate, or work in informal food premises.
The workshop will provide essential information on the legal requirements for running a spaza shop, along with insights from expert speakers on key topics such as:
Health and Hygiene
Fire Safety
Building Plan Compliance
Waste Management
And other important aspects related to operating informal food trading businesses
This interactive and engaging session is a great opportunity to refresh your knowledge and gain valuable guidance to enhance your operations.
If you have any questions about this upcoming event, please contact Jessica Erasmus on 044 803 1522 or WhatsApp 081 346 3118, e-mail jessica@gardenroute.gov.za
Media Statement: Nine children experience severe stomach cramps after consuming chips in Mossel Bay – they are fine now
18 November 2024
Earlier today, nine (9) children from the Mossel Bay area shared packets of chips that they bought from a spaza shop, which resulted in them experiencing persistent stomach cramps. They were immediately taken to a local hospital for medical attention.
According to Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel, “the children received prompt care, with their parents/guardians by their side throughout the ordeal. Medical staff confirmed that all 9 children have since recovered and discharged.”
“Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) from the GRDM have already initiated an investigation into the incident. The chips will be sent to a laboratory and test results will be made public once received back as part of the standard procedures followed by EHPs,” said Stroebel.
Further updates will be provided when more information becomes available.
Please continue to report any incidents of suspected counterfeit or tampered foods. Members of the public are urged to contact their nearest SAPS or reach out directly to the Garden Route District Municipality’s Municipal Health Services.
Johan Compion – Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management & Air Quality Control
Desmond Paulse – Manager: Municipal Health Klein Karoo
E-mail: desmond@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 272 2241 / Cell: 083 678 6530
94 St John Street, Oudtshoorn
Rinay Cloete – Acting Chief: Municipal Health Mossel Bay
E-mail: rinay@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 693 0006 /Cell: 083 630 6108
C/O Sampson & Marling Street, Ext 23, Mossel Bay
Emmy Douglas – Chief: Municipal Health George (Outeniqua)
E-mail: emmy@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1537 / Cell: 078 457 2824
Mission Street, Industrial Area, George
Jessica Erasmus – Acting Chief: Municipal Health George (Wilderness)
E-mail: jessica@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1522 / Cell: 081 346 3118
Mission Street, Industrial Area, George
James McCarthy – Chief: Municipal Health Knysna (Lakes)
E-mail: james@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 382 7214 / Cell: 082 805 9417
26A Queen Street, Knysna
Gawie Vos – Chief: Municipal Health Bitou (Lakes)
E-mail: Gjvos@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 501 1600 / Cell: 083 557 1522
7 Gibb Street, Plettenberg Bay
Media Release: GRDM and stakeholders continue with Blitz Operations and Health Education in communities of the Garden Route
For immediate release 15 November 2024
Continued Blitz Operations
On 12 November 2024, Garden Route District Municipality Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) accompanied by Mossel Bay Municipality’s Law Enforcement Officers and the South African Police Service (SAPS) from Kwanonqaba and Herbertsdale, conducted a joint Blitz Operation in the Mossel Bay area. During the operation, five (5) Spaza Shops were visited and inspected.
Following thorough inspections by EHPs, several foodstuffs were confiscated for non-compliance to the labelling regulations, damaged packaging (foodstuffs got freezer burn due to packaging being torn), expired products, rotten vegetables and fruit and best-before-dates being tampered with.
Mossel Bay Law Enforcement Officers then issued three (3) Notices for shop owners to appear in Court for failing to have valid Business Licences.
In Oudtshoorn’s Bongolethu area, GRDM Klein Karoo EHPs, alongside SAPS, Oudtshoorn Municipality Law Enforcement, and Immigration officials, conducted a similar Blitz Operation on 13 November 2024.
During the operation, from the four (4) of the six (6) spaza shops that was planned to be visited, two (2) shops were closed when the team arrived.
Furthermore, of all the premises visited and inspected in the Sector 1 of Bongolethu, three (3) of the premises was in an acceptable state, however one (1) was temporarily closed due to hygiene concerns. The team will be conducted a follow-up inspection at the premises that was closed during the blitz operation.
GRDM EHPs serving the Hessequa region, in conjunction with the Hessequa Municipality’s Law Enforcement Services and SAPS in the Melkhoutfontein and Heidelberg areas conducted blitz operations at Spaza shops in Melkhoutfontein on 12 November 2024 and in Heidelberg on 14 November 2024. The team was also accompanied by GRDM Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, who monitored the activities of the operation.
Considering the recent deaths related to the consumption of food products bought from Spaza shops in various parts of the country, the team focused their attention on Food safety, with emphasis placed on hygiene; the sale of damaged (rusted and dented) products and products that is not labelled properly and the storage and sale of pesticides and insecticides. Furthermore, the operation was used as an education platform to address the sale of products that have reached their best before/ sell by/ use by dates.
During the operation damaged products, perishable products(yogurts, fresh milk, cheese and milk based juices), which have reached their use by dates and those not labelled properly, were confiscated and condemned. Subsequently, these products were destroyed and buried at the local landfill site, under the supervision of EHPs, Law Enforcement and SAPS.
GRDM urges the public to be vigilant when buying food products and that the public double check that the date markings on products are within the timeframe before buying them.
Door-to-door Health and Hygiene Awareness
Recently, the GRDM EHPs from the Outeniqua (George) region conducted a door-to-door health and hygiene awareness campaign within the Parkdene community, visiting households to educate residents on essential health practices. During the campaign, the team shared essential information such as health practices, including proper sanitation, waste management, handwashing and other hygiene practices to help prevent the spreading of diseases.
These initiatives aimed to raise awareness, address specific health concerns, and empower residents to create a cleaner, healthier environment. By promoting these practices, the campaign seeks to reduce the spread of diseases within the community.
Continue to report any incidents of suspected counterfeit or tampered foods, members of the public are urged to contact their nearest SAPS or reach out directly to the Garden Route District Municipality’s Municipal Health Services.
Johan Compion – Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management & Air Quality Control
Media Release: GRDM and Stakeholders Conduct Collaborative Spaza Shop Blitz in areas of the Garden Route
For immediate release 8 November 2024
Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) and stakeholders took part in a joint operation targeting Spaza shops in the Nekkies/Damsebos area of Knysna on 30 October.
Knysna Municipal Health Team and stakeholders during a Blitz Operation conducted in the Knysna area.
GRDM’s Desmond Paulse (middle) with Warrant Officer Govender, (right),with a Spaza Shop owner (left) in Dysselsdorp.
During this initiative, eleven (11) Spaza Shops were inspected by EHPs, the Knysna Municipality’s Law Enforcement Unit, as well as the South African Police Service. The inspections focused on:
Validity of Certificates of Acceptability, per Regulation 638 under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, 1972 (Act 54 of 1972);
overall hygiene standards;
proper food labelling;
expired products; and
the Illegal sale of poisons or pesticides to the public.
Following thorough inspections, one (1) Spaza shop was closed due to serious hygiene violations. Additionally, five (5) food samples from various shops were collected for chemical health analysis at the National Health Laboratory Services.
In the Klein Karoo region, the GRDM Manager for Municipal Health, Desmond Paulse, and Warrant Officer, M. Govender from the Dysselsdorp Police, conducted a multi-stakeholder inspection to ensure that every Spaza Shop in the area have a Certificate of Acceptability in terms of Regulation 638 of 2018. They further inspected the shops to determine whether they are in a good state of hygiene, sell healthy foodstuffs to the public and that foodstuffs are properly labelled and provided with date marking so that the public can make informed decisions when buying foodstuffs. Five (5) shops were inspected throughout this operation.
In the George area, during a recent blitz several establishments were inspected and four (4) shops including three (Spaza Shops) as well as one (1) restaurant in town were closed.
These closures were enforced due to poor hygiene standards and the absence of valid Certificates of Acceptability, as required under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics, and Disinfectants Act (Regulation 628 of 22 June 2018: General Hygiene Requirements for Food Premises, Transport of Food, and Related Matters).
Law enforcement will monitor the closed premises to ensure compliance, while follow-up inspections will be conducted by the respective EHPs overseeing these areas.
Other recent Municipal Health outreaches
In recent outreach efforts, GRDM’s Municipal Health team in Knysna conducted an educational session for food handlers from restaurants and grocery stores in Buffalo Bay, Goukamma, and Sedgefield. More than 30 food handlers attended, participating in presentations on food safety, handling, and hygiene practices. Attendees were assessed on the material covered and enthusiastically engaged in group discussions, applying principles learned during the session.
In Bitou, EHPs conducted a Health and Hygiene session at the Jack and Jill Educare Centre in Kranshoek, focusing on communicable disease prevention and handwashing. This initiative, as part of the recent Environmental Health Day, also highlighted the urgency of these practices amid rising measles cases.
GRDM’s Municipal Health team with Foodhandlers during an Educational Session.
EHPs conduct a Health & Hygiene session at Jack and Jill Educare Centre in Kranshoek.
EHPs strengthens operations through Food Safety Plan to Protect Public Health during the Festive Period
As the festive season approaches, GRDM’s Municipal Health Section is set to implement a Food Safety Plan to ensure safe food handling across all food premises, including stalls, retail shops, spaza shops, and mobile vendors in the District. The plan seeks to protect public health by reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses, also considering the recent food-poisoning related cases reported across the country.
EHPs, empowered under Regulation R328 of 20 April 2007, are responsible for ensuring that all food establishments meet hygiene standards to provide safe products to the public. The Food Safety Plan will focus on regions across the Garden Route, including the Klein-Karoo, Knysna, Mossel Bay, Hessequa, Bitou, and Outeniqua areas.
Targets and Operations
The campaign will target a variety of food premises and educational facilities, including informal traders, soup kitchens, wholesalers, taxi ranks, shopping centres, and early childhood development facilities. Inspections will assess pest control, chemical safety, labelling, and ventilation. Chemical and bacteriological sampling, including hand-swabs of identified foods, will be conducted in early November.
The plan also includes weekly awareness sessions and roadblocks in high-traffic areas to further promote health and hygiene. Community outreach events will involve both the general public and the business sector, with educational sessions and pamphlet distribution at food premises. Inspections will extend to weekends and after hours as needed, and non-compliant shops will face closure if operating without a Certificate of Acceptability.
Ultimate Risk
Failure to implement this food safety plan could pose a severe health risk to the community, potentially resulting in foodborne illnesses and, in extreme cases, fatalities. However, the GRDM is committed to actively monitoring and managing risks to safeguard the health of Garden Route residents.
Feature Image: Recent blitz operations conducted in the George area.
Mediaverklaring: Pille gevind in “chips” en ander voedselverpakkings – Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit se reaksie
Vir Onmiddelike Vrystelling 5 November 2024
Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM), die Suid-Afrikaanse Polisidiens (SAPD), Plaaslike munisipale Wetstoepassers en ander rolspelers is bewus van insidente in die Groot-Brak en Friemersheim-omgewing waar vreemde voorwerpe/pille in “chipspakkies” en ander produkte gevind is. ’n Ondersoek is tans aan die gang om die feite rondom hierdie insidente te bepaal. Die TDM is toegewyd en verantwoordelik om te verseker dat voedsel wat aan die publiek verkoop word, veilig is vir verbruik.
In reaksie tot sosiale media plasings en berigte in die media, het Burgemeester Andrew Stroebel, die volgende genoem: “Ons verseker die publiek dat ons hierdie saak uiters ernstig opneem en onmiddellik alle amptenare ten volle van die situasie in kennis gestel het. Die veiligheid van die publiek, veral met betrekking tot gesondheid, sal prioriteit bly.”
Die SAPD het die TDM in kennis gestel van vreemde pille wat in chips-pakkies en ander voedselpakkies aangetref is en dis vervolgens by die Groot-Brak Polisiekantoor gerapporteer.
‘n Pil, afgeneem saam met skyfies wat deur SAPS gekonfiskeer is (Bron: Verskaf en geverifieer deur Omgewingsgesondheidspraktisyns)
Blitsoperasies word weekliks uitgerol, waarvan nog een môre sal plaasvind. Tydens hierdie sessies word verskeie informele voedselhandelaars besoek. Belanghebbendes wat deel vorm van hierdie operasies, sluit in die SAPD, Plaaslike Munisipale Wetstoepassers, en die Departement van Binnelandse Sake, onder andere.
Meer inligting oor die insident sal op ’n latere stadium bekendgemaak word.
Lede van die publiek word aangemoedig om hul naaste SAPD-stasie te kontak of direk uit te reik na die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit se Omgewingsgesondheidsdienste, indien hul op voedselprodukte afkom wat verdag lyk.
Johan Compion – Senior Bestuurder: Munisipale Gesondheid, Vaste Afvalbestuur en Lugkwaliteitsbeheer
Media Statement: Pills Found in Chips and other Food Packaging – Garden Route District Municipality response
For Immediate Release 5 November 2024
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), the South African Police Service (SAPS), local municipal law enforcement, and other stakeholders are aware of incidents in the Great-Brak and Friemersheim areas where foreign objects/pills have been found in packets of chips and other food packaging. An investigation is currently underway to determine the facts surrounding these incidents. In this regard, the GRDM is dedicated and responsible for ensuring that food sold to the public is safe for consumption.
GRDM Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel, in response to reports of these serious incidents, said: “We can assure the public that we regard this matter with utmost seriousness and have immediately made all officials fully aware of this situation. The public’s safety in terms of health is a priority.”
SAPS informed the GRDM about the foreign pills found in packets of chips and other food packaging, which were earlier reported to the Great-Brak Police Station.
A pill found in one of many packets of chips and reported to SAPS (Source: Supplied, verified by Environmental Health Practitioners)
Blitz operations are conducted weekly, with another scheduled for tomorrow. During these sessions, various informal food vendors are visited. Stakeholders involved in these operations include the SAPS, local municipal law enforcement, and the Department of Home Affairs, among others.
Further information about the incident will be released at a later stage.
To report any incidents of suspected counterfeit or tampered foods, members of the public are urged to contact their nearest SAPS or reach out directly to the Garden Route District Municipality’s Environmental Health Services.
Johan Compion – Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management & Air Quality Control
Media Release: Illegal dumping a threat to the prosperity of the Garden Route
For immediate release
4 November 2024
“Industrial- scale illegal dumping and littering was one of the major drivers impacting on the severity of the April 2022 Durban flood disaster when some 459 people lost their lives with billions of Rands’ damage to hard infrastructure, property and the economy”, says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).
Globally the advent of climate change enhanced the severity and regularity of flooding with storm water drainage systems and infrastructure simply not designed for such severe events. During the Kwazulu-Natal 2022 floods, the impact of storm water drainage systems blocked by waste and rubble rendered them ineffective to channel storm water. The severe flooding caused severe damage to infrastructure like bridges, roads and resulted in thousands of tons of waste washing up on KZN beaches – a disaster on its own.
All Garden Route towns are serviced weekly in terms of standard waste removal best practice but despite best efforts illegal dumping and littering prevail unabated.
The degrading impact of littering and pollution on the well- being and quality of life of communities is well documented. Changes in climate will further the damage caused by unmanaged waste and litter if social behaviour patterns do not change.
Garden Route municipalities have no choice but to spend millions of Rands, earmarked for service delivery annually, to clean illegal dumping sites and remove mountains of litter from vacant land and township borders.
Illegal dumpsites are a breeding ground for pests and diseases.
Littering and illegal dumping, just like the impact of invasive alien plants have become an immense threat to not only the environment but also human safety and well- being. The degradation of water quality, river health, bio-diversity, marine and coastal environments and general quality of life of those living in the Garden Route is at stake.
Many Garden Route residents do take ownership with regular community beach and river clean-ups, and we salute all who assist the overwhelmed public services.
The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for environmental managers and a climate change think- tank. (grefscli.co.za).
Feature Image: Children are often subjected to illegal dumping hotspots.
Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Introduces Innovative Exemption Policy for Dog-Friendly Dining
31 October 2024
In recent years, South Africa has seen a growing trend of patrons bringing their dogs to restaurants, a practice that many restaurant owners have embraced. This is also the trend in many countries abroad.
However, it is essential to acknowledge that the Regulation Governing General Hygiene Requirements for Food Premises and the Transport of Food and Related Matters R 638 of 22 June 2018 mandates that animals, with the exception of guide or service dogs accompanying individuals with disabilities, should not be allowed in areas where food is handled. To address this, the GRDM Council took a proactive step of developing an exemption policy related to Section 14(1) of Regulation 638. This new policy aims to provide clear guidelines for municipal health services and restaurant owners on establishing “dog-friendly areas” in compliance with existing regulations.
GRDM Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel, who spearheaded the policy change soon after he took office, said the following during the Council meeting on 30 October 2024: “I want to thank the Community Services Department for the record time in which they developed this policy. Also, thank you to Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, the Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services and the GRDM Council, who assisted to get this policy developed and approved”.
“The GRDM Council made significant strides by approving this pioneering exemption policy and it is a first-of-its-kind at a District Municipality the country. This initiative not only enhances service delivery, but reduces red-tape and positions the Garden Route as an attractive tourist destination which is open to more segments of society.”
“As the holiday season approaches, we recognize that restaurant owners are eager to implement their plans,” said Stroebel.
The key documents to download and read through for those interested in this exemption policy can access, include the following:
Alternatively browse to this link to access the documents.
Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel (right) with his Deputy Executive Mayor, Vlancio Donson, on the day that the Policy for the Exemption of Section 14(1) of Regulation 638 was passed by the GRDM Council.
Johan Compion, Snr. Mgr. Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management & Air Quality Control who manages Environmental Health Practitioners throughout the entire region is pictured on the right. With him is Trix Holtzhausen (Executive Manager: Corporate Services), Monde Stratu (Municipal Manager), Rian Boshoff (CFO), John Godfrey Daniels (Executive Manager: Roads Services), Lusanda Menze (Executive Manager: Integrated Planning and Economic Development). At the back is Adv. Sinekaya Maqekeni (Council Secretariat) with Speaker, Ald. Georlene Wolmarans.
According to Johan Compion, Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management & Air Quality Control, “It is important to note that submitting an application for a dog-friendly area does not guarantee automatic approval. A thorough application and approval process will be in place to ensure compliance and safety.”
Within the next week, a general notice will be distributed to all food establishments, outlining more details relating to the application process for establishing dog-friendly areas.
Please note that full compliance with the application requirements is essential for the review and approval process.
For more information, please use the following contact information (download the list of contact details of Municipal Health Chiefs here) to submit your forms to and to request for any questions of clarity:
*Landline numbers are only in use during weekdays
Johan Compion – Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management & Air Quality Control
E-mail: jcompion@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1550 / 082 803 5161
Desmond Paulse – Manager: Municipal Health Klein Karoo
Email: desmond@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 272 2241 / Cell: 083 678 6530
94 St John Street, Oudtshoorn
Rinay Cloete – Acting Chief: Municipal Health Mossel Bay
Email: rinay@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 693 0006 /Cell: 083 630 6108
C/O Sampson & Marling Street, Ext 23, Mossel Bay
Emmy Douglas – Chief: Municipal Health George (Outeniqua)
Email: emmy@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1537 / Cell: 078 457 2824
Mission Street, Industrial Area, George, 6530
Jessica Erasmus – Acting Chief: Municipal Health George (Wilderness)
E-mail: jessica@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1522 / Cell: 081 346 3118
Mission Street, Industrial Area, George
James McCarthy – Chief: Municipal Health Knysna (Lakes)
Email: james@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 382 7214 / Cell: 082 805 9417
26A Queen Street, Knysna
Gawie Vos – Chief: Municipal Health Bitou (Lakes)
Email: Gjvos@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 501 1600 / Cell: 083 557 1522
7 Gibb Street, Plettenberg Bay
GRDM Municipal Health Services celebrate Global Handwashing Day at Crèches in Borchards, Donating Supplies to Enhance Learning Environments
On Monday, 14 October 2024, representatives including Councillors and officials from the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Municipal Health and Disaster Management Units, visited two crèches in George as part of the municipality’s national celebration of Global Handwashing Day, observed today 15 October 2024, to promote hygiene awareness.
Visit to Kekkel and Kraai Crèche
At Kekkel and Kraai Crèche in Borchards, Johan Compion, Senior Manager for Municipal Health at GRDM, emphasised the importance of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of illnesses. He underscored the need to instil good hygiene practices from an early age. Following his remarks, Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) from GRDM, conducted a practical demonstration teaching young learners a step-by-step approach to proper handwashing, while stressing the importance of regular and thorough hand cleaning.
GRDM Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, reminding all present regarding the importance of Global Handwashing Day.
GRDM Cllrs Jobieth Hoogbaard (left) and Monique Simmers (2nd right), Principal Jacoline Muller (2nd left) and George Municipality’s Cllr Melvin Roelfse (right) during the handover.
Johan Compion, GRDM’s Senior Manager for Municipal Health, emphasised the importance of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of illnesses.
EHPs conduct a practical demonstration teaching young learners a step-by-step approach to proper handwashing.
During the event, Councillors Jobieth Hoogbaard, Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services and Chief Whip of the GRDM Council, Monique Simmers, accompanied by Councillor from George Municipality, MMC Melvin Roelfse, donated new mattresses to the crèche’s principal. These gifts are intended to improve comfort for both children and staff. Cllr Hoogbaard used the occasion to further highlight the broader significance of Global Handwashing Day, stating that the day serves as a reminder of the role that proper hand hygiene plays in preventing the spread of diseases.
Hoogbaard also praised the educators, saying that the role of teachers cannot be overstated in shaping the future of the community. The crèche’s principal, Jacoline Muller, expressed deep gratitude for the support, noting how these contributions would enhance the learning environment for the children in Borchards.
Visit to Paddavoetjies Crèche
The GRDM delegation continued their outreach at Paddavoetjies Crèche, also located in Borchards, where they were warmly welcomed by staff and learners in bright yellow crèche branded t-shirts. Compion reiterated the day’s message, focusing on the importance of hygiene education, particularly handwashing, in safeguarding public health.
The Principal of Paddavoetjies Crèche extending words of appreciation to the GRDM for reaching out to crèche and addressing the needs of the children.
GRDM’s Johan Compion, enjoyed the eagerness of the children while addressing them regarding the importance of hand hygiene.
Paddavoetjie Crèche learners enjoying themselves while participating in the demonstration presented by the GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners.
GRDM’s Yonwaba Sifo (left) and Jessica Erasmus (right) demonstrating proper handwashing techniques to the children at Paddavoetjies Crèche.
Once again, the EHPs with a practical demonstration, engaging the young learners with a hands-on lesson on how to properly wash their hands to prevent the spread of germs.
In addition to the hygiene demonstrations, Councillors Hoogbaard, Simmers and Roelfse also handed over new mattresses to the crèche. Cllr Hoogbaard encouraged the educators to maintain overall cleanliness, noting that while handwashing is essential, keeping the entire environment hygienic is just as important.
The principal of Paddavoetjies Crèche also expressed her sincere thanks, stating that the new mattresses would significantly improve the daily experience for both the children and the staff.
The GRDM’s outreach and donation efforts, aligned with Global Handwashing Day, highlight the importance of supporting Early Childhood Development through both hygiene education and practical resources that enhance learning environments.
What are the IMPORTANT steps linked to washing hands properly?
Wet hands with clean, preferably running water.
Apply soap to cover all surfaces of hands and wrists.
Following thorough inspections by EHPs, several foodstuffs were confiscated for non-compliance to the labelling regulations, damaged packaging (foodstuffs got freezer burn due to packaging being torn), expired products, rotten vegetables and fruit and best-before-dates being tampered with.
