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Provincial & National

15 October 2021 Update: Avian Influenza outbreak


Update: Avian Influenza outbreak

For Immediate Release
15 October 2021

Western Cape authorities continue to respond to an outbreak of Avian Influenza amongst wild seabirds, primarily along parts of the West Coast but also in parts of the Overberg. Clean up operations will continue over the weekend.

The Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, says it remains critical to conduct thorough clean up operations and to work hard and fast to prevent the spreading of the virus to other sectors of the province.

“Teams are still collecting dead and sick birds from areas where infection has been reported. We are keeping an eye on Dyer Island where clean up teams yesterday picked up 1595 dead birds. However, the situation in Bergriver Municipality area appears to be improving. From 1500 dead birds collected on Wednesday, we only collected 100 yesterday. In addition, our partners have reported no more carcasses have been found on Robben Island yesterday but they will check again today. We are hoping this trend continues dropping today and over the weekend.”

Bredell says a disposal site has been identified and prepared for the disposal of the infected wild bird carcasses. Veterinarians also continue providing assistance. Officials are following advice provided by Veterinary Services in terms of how to manage the sick birds.

“I want to thank all our workers and partners who mobilized rapidly to help and continue to work hard to stop the spread of this virus. I also want to repeat this critical message to the public: Please do not approach or touch any sick or dead birds. If you spot a bird behaving strangely, or a dead bird, please call the closest municipal office, conservation authority or your local vet.

Contact details for state veterinarians are available at https://www.elsenburg.com/services-and-programmes/veterinary-services-0#s=Animal-Health-and-Disease-Control

ENDS

Media enquiries:
James-Brent Styan
Spokesperson for the Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell

Mobile:                   084 583 1670
Telephone:            021 483 2820
E-mail:                    James-Brent.Styan@westerncape.gov.za

14 October 2021 Urgent Alert: Suspected outbreak of Avian Influenza

Urgent Alert: Suspected outbreak of Avian Influenza

For Immediate Release
14 October 2021

Western Cape authorities are responding to a suspected outbreak of Avian Influenza amongst wild seabirds in the Bergrivier Municipality on the West Coast as well as the Walker Bay area in the Overberg. All disaster nodes have been alerted and Bergrivier Municipality, both the Overberg and West Coast District Municipalities and CapeNature have already deployed teams of officials to collect the dead and sick birds. Veterinarians are on scene assisting and officials are following advice provided by Veterinary Services in terms of how to manage the sick birds.

The Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, is urging the public to avoid the area and in particular not to collect or touch sick or dead birds. “It is critical to prevent the spread of the disease. This means people must not attempt to assist or transport any sick birds, even to take them to rehabilitation centres and veterinarians as this could spread the disease. It is critical to keep a controlled environment.”

At the moment, Bergrivier Municipality remains the hotspot area with reports of dead birds from Velddrif to Arniston. Neighbouring municipalities have been alerted and urged to be cautious and to keep an eye out for potential spreading of the disease. There are additional hotspots on Dyer island and Robben Island which are receiving attention. The Western Cape Disaster Management Centre is currently doing an assessment to determine if the outbreak constitutes a disaster or not.

“This is a serious situation. We note that the deaths are occurring currently amongst endangered wild birds including cormorants. Yesterday alone an estimated 1500 dead cormorants were collected in the region.”

The current virus strain was detected in wild birds in May 2021, mainly affecting gulls. The first cormorants were only diagnosed with the disease in mid-September and cases have increased rapidly over the past week.

“This is an incurable disease affecting birds, that is not preventative, cannot be treated and is highly contagious to birds,” says Bredell.

There is also currently no evidence that this virus poses any risk or threat to humans. However, humans can transmit the virus from sick birds to other birds if their clothes or hands gets contaminated. People are advised not to handle the birds at all unless it is absolutely unavoidable and in that instance to please use gloves and face masks.

The Disaster Management Centre urges the public to be vigilant and report unusual mortalities in any birds to their local municipality, conservation authority or state veterinarian.

Contact details for state veterinarians are available at:
https://www.elsenburg.com/services-and-programmes/veterinary-services-0#s=Animal-Health-and-Disease-Control

ENDS

Media enquiries:
James-Brent Styan
Spokesperson: Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs & Development Planning, Anton Bredell
Mobile:  084 583 1670
Telephone:  021 483 2820
E-mail:  James-Brent.Styan@westerncape.gov.za

27 September 2021 Media Release: Vaccination Weekend Garden Route

Media Release: Vaccination Weekend Garden Route

27 September 2021

The Vooma Vaccination Weekend is on our doorstep, taking place from 1 to 3 October nationally.  The aim of this vaccination drive is to vaccinate 70% of adults by the end of the year – that’s 17 million more people. If we achieve that, projections are that we will save at least 20 000 lives.

The Garden Route has administered 256 879 vaccines to date.  The percentage of the Garden Route population over 18 years who have received at least one dose vaccine stands at 41% . If you are 18 or older, don’t wait any longer! Go and get vaccinated at a site near you. The vaccination is free to everyone living in South Africa, whether you are a South African or from another country.

VOOMA Weekend Sites: 

COVID cases

The district is still showing a decrease in the total number of new cases over the last 7 days compared to 7 – 14 days ago. George Regional Hospital is also experiencing decreased pressure in wards as well as the critical care unit. Today there are 26 COVID patients in the COVID ward and 10 patients in the critical care unit. Harry Comay Hospital, a step-down facility for George Hospital has 7 COVID-19 patients. All district hospitals have decreased pressure except for Oudtshoorn Hospital, which although less busy, still has a high number of COVID inpatients.

Phumla Priscilla Mantwana (62) is a take-away and accommodation owner in Kwanokuthula, Plettenberg Bay and has been vaccinated.

“I live with my two son’s and rent out two spare rooms for temporary rentals and also sell fast food take-aways to my community. I took the vaccine because I believe in safety first for my kids and my customers. My businesses are my daily bread. I have to be up every day receiving and talking to people. I don’t want to die and leave my kids without nothing to depend on”, she said.

The Garden Route currently has one quarantine and isolation site, PetroSA. Gateway Lodge in George has been decommissioned.

COVID stats as of 27 September 2021.

Caption: Phumla Mantwana opted to get the vaccine for financial security.

-END-

Nadia Ferreira
Principal Communications Officer
Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts
Western Cape Government Health
Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za
Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

30 August 2021 Media Release:  Qolweni sod-turning is the start of improved living conditions

30 August 2021

For immediate release

Qolweni sod-turning is the start of improved living conditions

Today, Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers conducted a sod-turning to officially launch the Qolweni 169 Phase 3A Project in the Plettenberg Bay community.

This project, which has a budget allocation of R 33,5 million excluding professional fees, was approved in October 2019. Construction of the 169 units had to commence in January 2021. Due to various challenges between the Bitou Municipality, the contractor appointed by them, and community dynamics, this could not occur.

After numerous community protests, the Bitou Municipality handed the project over to the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements (WCDoHS) on 18 June 2021. Regrettably, the WCDoHS could not immediately commence with the project, as the contractor that was appointed by the municipality threatened the Provincial Department with legal action and an interdict, should the WCDoHS  start with the project.

Minister Simmers said: “Today’s sod-turning is an exciting moment for the people of Qolweni. Now the most vulnerable, particularly the elderly and those living with medically certified disabilities, will have an opportunity to live in improved and safer conditions. This is only the start of our commitment we made to the community in June when this project was handed over to us. The entire Plettenberg Bay can undoubtedly celebrate this joyous occasion.

I call on all stakeholders to ensure that there are no further hindrances or delays in this project. As the provincial and local sphere of government we’re working together and trust that the community will fully participate in this development. This is particularly important in the protection and safeguarding of the site and all materials. Since taking the project over, we’ve had regular and transparent engagements with all stakeholders. We therefore call for dialogue, should any issue for any reason arise.”

This project is expected to be concluded towards the end of 2022.

“As the Western Cape Government we remain committed to accelerating human settlement delivery, while promoting social inclusion through the development of integrated, safe, resilient and sustainable human settlements in an open society,” added Simmers.

-ENDS-

Media Enquiries:

Marcellino Martin
Spokesperson for Minister Tertuis Simmers
Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za
021 483 3397 (o)
082 721 3362 (m)

or

Nathan Adriaanse
Director Communication & Stakeholder Relations
Nathan.Adriaanse@westerncape.gov.za
021 483 2868 (o)
083 263 1720 (m)

15 June 2021 Call to Register: EPWP Contractor Development Programme – Apply today!

Call to Register: EPWP Contractor Development Programme – Apply today!

Emerging contractors are invited to register for the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Contractor Development Programme that is driven by the Department of Transport and Public Works’ EPWP.

The programme was designed to support emerging contractors in the Western Cape.

The objective of contractor development is to implement structured programmes that facilitate the development of emerging enterprises within the construction industry through skills and business enhancement initiatives. This will enable them to compete effectively and independently in the open marked beyond state intervention.

Click here for more information.
Click here to download the application form.

If you would like to participate in one of our programmes please complete the application form and submit via email to Keith Rass.

Directorate: EPWP Construction Industry, Innovation and Empowerment Programmes
Tel: 021 483 8924/2412
Email: keith.rass@westerncape.gov.za

30 April 2021 Media Release: Western Cape Premier Alan Wine and Minister Tertuis Simmers visit Garden Route Housing Projects

WESTERN CAPE PREMIER ALAN WINDE AND MINISTER TERTUIS SIMMERS VISIT GARDEN ROUTE HOUSING PROJECTS

30 April 2021

Yesterday, Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde and Provincial Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers visited the Mountain View Integrated Residential Development Programme (IRDP) in Mosselbay, which is currently still under construction. Pursuant to this, Premier Winde and Minister Simmers also visited the Syferfontein IRDP in George.

The Premier of the Western Cape, Alan Winde, said: “As the Western Cape Government, we are committed to creating opportunities for ownership and are driving this through the Department of Human Settlements’ numerous catalytic projects. During our visits to Mountain View project in Mossel Bay and the Syferfontein project in Pacaltsdorp today we had the opportunity to engage with recipients of housing opportunities who have now become home-owners.”

By creating opportunities for ownership, we are enabling residents to accrue assets which not only give them security but can also be leveraged. This ultimately ensures that vulnerable families can start to change the financial circumstances of generations to follow. Ownership must be our aim when creating sustainable human settlements, as it guarantees that we empower residents in the province into the future.”

The Mountain View IRDP which commenced in July 2019 with a budget of R 297 million is estimated to be completed by July 2022. Upon conclusion, it is expected to create 1 006 housing opportunities, which consists of 725 BNG units, 278 FLISP units, 1 Commercial Sites and 2 public open spaces/Playground.

The Syferfontein IRDP in George which has a budget of R 434 million commenced August 2018 and is expected to be concluded later this year. It is set to deliver 2 113 housing opportunities. This will consist of 1 668 Breaking New Ground (BNG)/free housing, 233 FLISP and various other commercial, faith and social entities. To date, 67 qualifying and deserving beneficiaries have already moved in.

Minister Simmers said: “I was happy to witness how quickly the beneficiaries are settling in and how they’re taking ownership of their space. The joy on their faces and general positive feedback serves as encouragement to continue serving our people in this manner.

This also demonstrates the Western Cape Government’s commitment to continue improving the lives of the most vulnerable in our society. It is further pleasing to note how the Syferfontein development is playing its role in integrating our citizens, as people from various backgrounds, creeds, languages, cultures and sexual orientations are now living in one new community.

I’d also like to thank all provincial and municipal officials for ensuring there’s been a swift response from the contractor to address some of the snags reported by beneficiaries. We’re looking forward to the conclusion of both projects so that more people can take ownership of these new opportunities and participate in this lifechanging experience.

As the Western Cape Government, we remain committed to accelerating human settlement delivery, while promoting social inclusion through the development of integrated, resilient, safe and sustainable human settlements in an open opportunity society.”

Media Enquiries:

Marcellino Martin

Spokesperson for Minister Tertuis Simmers

Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za

021 483 3397 (o) / 082 721 3362 (m)

Or

Nathan Adriaanse

Director Communication & Stakeholder Relations

Tell: 021 483 2868 / Mobile: 083 2631720

Email: Nathan.Adriaanse@westerncape.gov.za

9 March 2021 Media Release: Thembalethu Bridge upgrade will boost Southern Cape economy

MEDIA RELEASE: Thembalethu Bridge upgrade will boost Southern Cape economy
Issued on behalf of SANRAL and George Municipality, Tuesday 9 March 2021

Western Cape, 9 March 2021 – With road infrastructure being prioritised in South Africa’s economic recovery plan in a post-COVID environment, the upgrade of the Thembalethu Bridge in George, bodes well for the Southern Cape economy. This project is a collaborative venture between SANRAL and the George Local Municipality, with the Department Transport having provided R82,127 million towards the funding of the project. SANRAL is the Implementing Agent working closely with the George Municipality.

The total construction period is between 24 and 30 months, which should create project participation opportunities for SMMEs as well as both direct and indirect jobs for the local community.

The scope of works involves the widening of the Thembalethu Bridge across the N2 from a single carriageway to accommodate two lanes in each direction, with additional turning lanes as well as extra space for pedestrians and cyclists.

“A new bridge will be constructed on the Western side. Once completed, the existing bridge will be raised and stitched to the new bridge, to ensure that the upgraded structure complies with the minimum bridge clearance of 5.2 metres,” explained Petronella Theron, SANRAL Project Manager.

Detailed design works are currently being finalised and the tender for a contractor will be out by June 2021. Taking the procurement processes into account, the contractor should be appointed by November 2021.

All SANRAL projects are guided by a 14-point plan that sets the tone for project liaison, sub-contracting and labour sourcing, as well as a commitment to its transformation policy that seeks to prioritise economic empowerment of black businesses in South Africa.

“With 30% of the project value being committed to targeted enterprises for subcontracting, there are huge opportunities for start-ups and emerging SMMEs to benefit from project participation,” said Thembinkosi Mosobela, SANRAL Stakeholder Coordinator in the Western Region.

A process of engagement with relevant stakeholders is already underway and SANRAL, together with the George Local Municipality will explore opportunities to provide training and development of SMMEs in the road construction sector, to ensure that they are equipped, capacitated and ready to tender for work packages that become available on this project.

“These information-sharing and training sessions are of cardinal importance to ensure we broaden the scope of economic opportunities to businesses in the surrounding communities. Our transformation objectives are particularly aligned to facilitate the participation of persons with disabilities, women-owned business as well as youth-owned operations,” continued Mosobela.

– Ends –

Issued on behalf of SANRAL by FTI Consulting. For assistance please contact Melany Kühn on 078 8877 004. For editorial content or additional information contact: pressoffice@nra.co.za

Regards

Chantèl Edwards-Klose

Manager: Communications & IGR

Office of the Municipal Manager

Office:044 801 9160

Cell:082 350 2420

Email: cedwardsklose@george.gov.za

15 February 2021 Media Release: Community Economic Recovery Project injects R3 million into the informal economy; provides food relief in Covid-19 hotspots

 

MEDIA RELEASE BY DAVID MAYNIER

WESTERN CAPE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

15 February 2021
For Immediate Release

Community Economic Recovery Project injects R3 million into the informal economy; provides food relief in Covid-19 hotspots

Today Premier Alan Winde and Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, David Maynier, visited Lingelethu Cash Store and Mpumi’s Kitchen, a spaza shop and community kitchen in Khayelitsha that are participants in the Community Economic Recovery Project.

Launched in September 2020, the Community Economic Recovery Project has provided 225 community kitchens in Covid-19 hotspots with digital vouchers every two weeks that are then spent at nearby participating spaza shops. To date over 135 spaza shops have participated in the project.

As a public-private partnership between the Western Cape Government, the DG Murray Trust and the Western Cape Economic Development Partnership (EDP), the project supports vulnerable communities during the Covid-19 pandemic by injecting R3 million into the local economy between community kitchens and spaza shops.

Funding for the project has been jointly provided by the Western Cape Government who contributed R2 million and the DG Murray Trust who contributed R1 million, of which 100% will be distributed to the beneficiaries by the end of the project.

After meeting with those who have benefitted from the Community Economic Recovery Project, Premier Alan Winde said: “This project is an innovative way to support local businesses and ensure that we are responding to the humanitarian need in communities at the same time. Throughout the pandemic, the Western Cape Government has always balanced saving lives, with saving livelihoods, and this is just one of a number of ways we have helped to support businesses to continue to operate. This project encompasses two of our key priorities – supporting jobs and dignity and wellbeing.  In my SOPA address on Wednesday, I will be outlining more steps that this government will be taking in response to Covid-19, and to support businesses and grow the economy, and to promote dignity and wellbeing.”

In addition to benefiting communities in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, this initiative has also been implemented in other areas of Cape Town such as Atlantis, Elsies River and Mitchells Plain, and in other municipalities across the Western Cape including Breede Valley, Langeberg, Witzenberg, Drakenstein, Overberg, George and Mossel Bay.

Minister David Maynier thanked all the partners involved in the Community Economic Recovery Project, “This project is a great example of how the public and private sector, together with civil society, can partner quickly, effectively and innovatively in a time of crisis. I look forward to our continued efforts to work together to mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the economy so that we can save businesses and save jobs in the Western Cape.”

Andrew Boraine, CEO of the EDP, said: “By focusing on an urgent social need, this programme has not only supported the retention of jobs in spaza shops by injecting cash into some of the neighbourhoods hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, but it has also provided food relief to vulnerable communities.  Working in collaboration with community kitchens and spaza shops has led to the creation of a dynamic network of entrepreneurs and civil society, from whom we have been able to learn valuable lessons about what is possible for future township economy programmes.”

Media Queries:

Francine Higham

Spokesperson for the Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities

(Responsible for the Provincial Treasury and the Department of Economic Development and Tourism)

Cell: 071 087 5150

Email: francine.higham@westerncape.gov.za

Click here and download the Fact Sheet_Community Economic Recovery Project_210214

5 February 2021 Media Release: Garden Route Health Platform Update

5 February 2021

The Garden Route District has recorded a 35% decrease in active COVID-19 cases the last 7 days compared to 7 – 14 days ago.

The latest stats for 5 February 2021.

Sub-district Total Active Recovered Died
Hessequa 1 901 83 1 723 95
Mossel Bay 7 140 125 6 811 204
George 11 475 261 10 806 408
Knysna 4 721 63 4 501 157
Bitou 2 653 35 2 514 104
Kannaland 811 42 733 36
Oudtshoorn 3 771 150 3 391 230
TOTAL 32 472 759 30 479 1 234

Vaccine

The first of 1 995 vaccinators from all corners of the health system in the Western Cape have started with training towards administering the COVID-19 vaccine.

The training will equip them with adequate knowledge and skills to ensure safe and efficient COVID-19 vaccine administration. These vaccinators are the backbone of our vaccination programme and will be a major asset in ensuring that as many people as possible are reached within the shortest possible time, with safety and due process at the heart of the roll out.

The number of vaccinators that need to be trained is determined by the NDOH – one vaccinator can vaccinate between 40 to 50 people per day. It is estimated that 414 vaccinators are required for phase one. As the number of people needing to be vaccinated increases in phases 2 and 3, our number of vaccinators will also increase.

Healthcare workers have years of training, experience, and knowledge on administering vaccines. Therefore, the focus of this training will be on specific information related to the COVID-19 vaccine – including the handling, storage, research, product information, data management and reporting aspects of this vaccine.

Healthcare workers are at higher risk of COVID-19 infection and illness. That is why they have been prioritised to get a COVID-19 vaccine when it will be administered in the coming months. Information sessions will continue at health facilities to equip health workers with all the relevant information regarding the vaccine in order for them to make an informed choice.

“I will definitely take the vaccine, particularly because I’ve previously had COVID and I really don’t want to get it again. Also, both my parents are older than 60 years and are on chronic medication and therefore I  rather want to be safe than unnecessarily put their lives at risk”, said Allinda Van Blerk, Assistant Director: Support Services at George Hospital.

Professional Nurse, Asekhona Matinise from Kwanokuthula community day centre will also be getting a COVID-19 vaccine. “I need to protect myself”.

Sr Roslyn Broster is responsible for the day-to-day running of the Virus Testing Unit (VTU) at the George Hospital, and is a COVID-19 survivor herself. She says that she will definitely get the vaccine as she does not want to get sick with COVID again. Broster mentioned that at first she was a bit sceptical about the vaccine, but after speaking to a friend who is a health care worker in Canada who got immunized, aside from the usual flu, experienced no side effects. This has convinced her to also get the vaccine. “  As health care workers we have to do everything in our power to protect ourselves as there is still a long way to go”.

Feature photo: Sr Asekhona Matinise will get the vaccine to protect herself.

END

Nadia Ferreira
Principal Communications Officer
Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts
Western Cape Government Health
Town Clinic, Plettenberg Bay
Tel: 076 379 5423
Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za
Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

1 February 2021 Media Release: Procurement Disclosure Report reveals R1.85 billion spent on Covid-19

MEDIA RELEASE BY DAVID MAYNIER

WESTERN CAPE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

Date: 01 February 2021

Release: immediately

 Procurement Disclosure Report reveals R1.85 billion spent on Covid-19  

We are pleased to publish the seventh edition of the Procurement Disclosure Report by Provincial Treasury which affirms our commitment to transparency and clean government in the Western Cape. This edition of the Procurement Disclosure Report confirms that to date R1.854 billion has been committed towards Covid-19 related expenditure across departments and public entities in the 2020/21 financial year in the Western Cape.

For the period 1 April 2020 to 31 December 2020, provincial departments’ total Covid-19 expenditure was R1.851 billion, while provincial public entities’ spent R2.980 million.

A total of R869.660 million, or 46.89%, of all Covid-19 expenditure by provincial departments and public entities was spent with small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs), which exceeds the national target of 30%.

Total Covid-19 procurement expenditure for December 2020 amounted to R78,119 million, of which R78,055 million was spent by provincial departments and R64 332,61 by public entities.

Monthly reporting on all Covid-19 procurement expenditure transactions is available via the National Treasury Covid-19 dashboard with a summary report provided by the Provincial Treasury in the Procurement Disclosure Report.

To access the dashboard and the Procurement Disclosure Report, visit: www.westerncape.gov.za/provincial-treasury/procurement-disclosure-report.

For more information and to submit feedback or suggestion on improvements to the Public Disclosure Report please email to our Supplier Helpdesk.

 Media Queries:

Francine Higham

Spokesperson for the Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities

(Responsible for the Provincial Treasury and the Department of Economic Development and Tourism)

Cell: 071 087 5150

Email: francine.higham@westerncape.gov.za

If you do not want to receive future media releases from Minister David Maynier then please reply directly to this email requesting to be removed from our mailing list.