Media Release: Garden Routers to benefit from LGSeta awarded Local Economic Development Programme – Students inducted
For immediate release 04 September 2024
The Garden Route District Municipality has been awarded a LGSETA Discretionary Grant to fund the National Certificate in Local Economic Development (SAQA 36436) for the training of 50 employed individuals from the district. On 27 August 2024, participants attended an Induction Session held at the GRDM’s Council Chambers.
The session was conducted by the GRDM Human Resource Unit, in collaboration with the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM). During the session, officials thoroughly reviewed all necessary documents and outlined the operational aspects of the program.
This 18-month qualification serves as an entry-level credential in Local Economic Development (LED), marking the first step in a qualifications framework that culminates in a Level 6 qualification. This NQF Level 4 qualification thus serves as a stepping stone towards the National Diploma in Local Economic Development at Level 5.
Participants who complete the program will gain essential knowledge and understanding of LED, including the critical role that Local Government plays in it. This qualification lays the foundation for developing practical competence in LED, enabling learners to identify key values and frameworks necessary for effective governance of local economic initiatives.
The qualification will equip future LED Officers with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to operate professionally in their roles. It will also enhance their career prospects by providing them with the expertise required to implement policies and procedures effectively in their field.
The Garden Route District Municipality is proud to coordinate and facilitate this programme for the seven Local Municipalities within the region.
Media Release: GRSM’s continues commitment to Skills Development – Occupational Electrician Programme learners inducted
For immediate release 02 September 2024
The Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM), an initiative of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) continues to implement life-changing skills development and training initiatives in the district. These initiatives are designed to empower the unemployed by equipping them with the necessary skills to enter the job market, while also providing employed individuals with opportunities to enhance their career portfolios. These skills not only open doors to better employment but also inspire many to pursue entrepreneurship.
Willie Matthiae, Chief Operational Officer at Africa Skills George Tech, explained the importance of apprenticeship.
Trix Holtzhausen, GRDM Executive Manager: Corporate Services, inspired the group with a word of motivation.
The event was directed by Reginald Salmons, Skills Development Coordinator at GRDM.
Michelle Smith, GRDM Human Resources Manager, explained the importance of electricity in our lives.
On Friday, 16 August 2024, an Induction Session for students of the Occupational Electrician Programme that will be rolled out by the GRDM’s Skills Mecca, in collaboration with the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA), was conducted at the Africa Skills Tech (formerly known as Africa Skills Private College). This program once again proof that the GRSM initiative is thriving, as the programme will equip yet another group of Garden Routers with essential skills needed in the district.
The three-year program is fully funded by LGSETA, with an investment of R55,000 per student, enabling them to complete this comprehensive course. Willie Matthiae, Chief Operational Officer at Africa Skills George Tech, articulated the importance of apprenticeship in all aspects of life. He shared the institution’s vision, stating: “All things you can think about, and all things people do, are linked to apprenticeship. In explaining the vision of the institution, he said: “Our vision is to be George Tech, the specialists in training artisans, an institution that has vast knowledge, skills and background to train the best artisans for this country – being about the skills gab and economy growth”. In addition, he emphasised what the group may accept being part of the programme: “This programme is going to be hard work, commitment, a few blisters, but that is the reality, that is why you want to become artisans. We believe, we as Africa Skills George Tech is the ticket for you to start with the apprenticeship that will lead you into your career,” he added.
Trix Holtzhausen, GRDM Executive Manager for Corporate Services, welcomed the participants with words of encouragement: “You are the chosen ones, fortunate to have this opportunity. Seize it and make the most of it. This is your chance to grow, improve, and move forward”. Holtzhausen further inspired the group by saying: “Be diligent in your efforts and enjoy the journey. Your success is our success—remember, nothing worthwhile comes easy, so it’s essential to work hard”.
Addressing the significance of the program, Michelle Smith, Human Resources Manager at GRDM responsible for Skills Development, highlighted the vital role electricity plays in our daily lives. She said: “Electricity connects us in our everyday lives and how we do business”. Smith made an example regarding “cellphones that you see here cannot be charged without electricity”. Smith further elaborated on the various types of electricity and their importance in maintaining a safe and reliable network. “The network requires a safe and reliable access to electricity to continue with what we do every day”. In closing off her remarks, Smith said: “There are so many innovations and technology that happens in this field that advances every day and for that we need to be adaptable and take those initiatives and transform it into something that we can use. So as the technology and innovation grow, our societies grow, if society grow, our needs grow”. In addition, Smith highlighted to the group that by choosing this career “you are helping to develop these skills in our area and also making a difference in your own lives and in your own communities”.
In her closing remarks, Smith expressed gratitude to all program partners—GRDM, LGSETA, and Africa Skills George Tech—stating, “Thank you for making dreams come true through this initiative.” She ended with a motivational note to the learners, saying, “Embrace this opportunity fully and live it to the fullest.”
Media Release: GRDM’s Fire & Rescue Services completes the first ever External Integrated Summative Assessment for Firefighting in South Africa
For immediate release 26 August 2024
Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and Fire & Rescue Services through the municipality’s Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) programme on 22 August 2024, completed their first ever External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) for Firefighting in South Africa.
Learners undertaking their final assessment as part of the External Integrated Summative Assessment.
The Assessment was performed in collaboration with the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) and the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA). The EISA were conducted at the Municipality’s Calitzdorp Hot Springs, which is also accredited by the QCTO as a Training Assessment Centre.
Deon Stoffels, Chief Fire Officer at GRDM Fire and Rescue Services said: “The External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) is the final assessment managed and conducted by the Quality Partner/Assessment Quality Partner; used to assess all learners nationally. In the EISA the learner proves his/her competence against the Exit Level Outcomes of the Qualification. Learners qualify for entry into EISA via a Statement of Results (SoR) issued by the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP) – the GRDM in this regard”.
Learners pictured with the LGSETA External Integrated Summative Assessment Facilitators and Invigilators. Front: Gillian Tobin (middle), Mpume Madondo (right) and back Donald Mathebula (right) and Albert Sekhwela (far right). Also in the picture is Daniel Dippenaar, GRDM Station Commander: Fire Safety & Training (far left), who took over as lead facilitator from the now retired, Brian Afrikander, and successfully saw out the last quarter of the program.
In August 2023 the GRDM Fire & Rescue Services commenced with the implementation of the NQF Level 04 Occupational Certificate in Firefighting. This qualification is a national qualification that is achieved through a training program offered by an accredited fire training institution or a fire department. The GRDM obtained accreditation as a Skills Development Provider for this qualification in September 2022. This accreditation was obtained through joint efforts of the GRDM and the Fire & Rescue Services.
The qualification bears 149 credits, equating to 1490 notional hours of learning, and in effect a total of 187 days of training, including classroom study, assignments and examinations.
This qualification addresses a need to have qualified entry level firefighters who can respond to both structural and incidental emergency situations in South Africa.
It is an entry-level qualification for persons wishing to start a career in the emergency services, especially fire and rescue services. It is aimed at learners from formal schooling background and/or employees who are currently employed as fire fighters or individuals performing firefighting related activities.
Stoffels added: “Learners who successfully complete this qualification will have a range of foundational competencies relating to emergency services, firefighting, rescue operations, victim care and protection of property and the environment, as well as generic skills in workplace processes”.
The completion and attainment of this qualification will benefit learners in terms of employment in various public and private sector organisations, as they will be in possession of the required skills. In addition, Stoffels highlighted: “The employment of qualified learners by the industry will benefit both the communities and the South African economy at large”.
The 24 learners who completed the programme include three (3) members from Bitou, five (5) from Knysna, two (2) from Mossel Bay, three (3) from Kannaland, three (3) from Oudtshoorn, two (2) from Hessequa, as well as six (6) members from George.
Students will be capped at a passing out parade on 27 August 2024, whereafter they will be eligible for work opportunities locally, as well as elsewhere.
It is a good example of how the GRDM through the GRSM initiative, continues to lead skills development throughout the district in a collaborative, cooperative and integrated manner.
Did you know?
The qualification has been developed in compliance with the South African National Standards, particularly Community Protection against Fire (SANS 10090:2003). This SANS standard, in turn, gives normative references to seven National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards that are registered by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The most relevant NFPA standards for this qualification are NFPA 1001 and 472.
The International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) is an international organisation that accredits over 100 Fire Service Providers internationally basing its accreditation on NFPA standards. This qualification has been compared against four NFPA certificates which deal with entry-level fire-fighter requirements, namely: (1) Fire fighter 1; (2) Fire fighter 2; (3) Dangerous goods awareness; and (4) Dangerous goods operations.
Feature Image: A happy and relieved group of learners after the completion of their final assessment.
Media Release: GRSM and stakeholders engage in capacity building workshop in preparation of R 36,4 million project to benefit Tourism and Hospitality sector
For immediate release 20 August 2024
On Monday, 5 August 2024, delegates from various organisations including officials from the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) responsible for Skills Development, Finance and Tourism, members from the National Skills Fund (NSF), Eden Hospitality & Training and Africa Skills George Tech (formerly known as Africa Skills College), participated in a Nationals Skills Fund (NSF) Tourism & Hospitality Project Capacity Building Workshop.
Trix Holtzhausen, GRDM Executive Manager for Corporate Services (left), welcoming and addressing all stakeholders at the Capacity Building workshop held at GRDM.
Athenkosi Tsayingwe from the NSF addressing the stakeholders regarding the importance of accurate processes to ensure the success of the implementation and the way forward of the project.
Innocent Nyambi from the National Skills Fund (right) presented the content that led to fruitful discussions at the National Skills Fund Tourism & Hospitality Project Capacity Building Workshop.
Programme Manager of the GRSM, Dr Florus Prinsloo (2nd from right), highlighted the structures of the GRSM and explain how the GRSM is represented at the various municipal areas in the district.
A room of stakeholder representatives participated in the capacity building workshop that was held at the Municipality’s Loerie Committee Room in George.
Stakeholders represented at the workshop were GRDM, GRSM, National Skills Fund, Eden Hospitality & Training and the Africa Skills George Tech.
The purpose of the workshop was for all stakeholders involved in the R 36,4 million project that was approved by the Director-General of the National Department of Higher Education and Training in collaboration with the NSF on 5 July 2024, to plan and discuss the technical groundwork and way forward in relation to the project.
The project will be implemented by the GRDM as the largest single project under the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) since its emergence in 2017 from the Knysna Fires disaster.
Officially called the Garden Route and Klein Karoo Hospitality and Tourism Skills Development Project, it has its two key objectives:
Train 200 unemployed persons across the Garden Route on the nationally occupationally accredited programme for Cooks; and
Offer workplace experience for 200 unemployed persons who have already completed Tourism and Hospitality programmes at academic institutions.
Although the official approval of the project came through on 5th July 2024, the award for the project was issued on 20th October 2023. Since that time the Skills Mecca Team across the Garden Route have been busy with preparatory work that included advocacy and recruitment of learners as well as host employers and an accredited provider for the Cook training programme.
Dr Florus Prinsloo, Programme Manager of the GRSM, said: “That preparatory work has resulted in 400 applications for Cook Training and 644 applications for Work Experience Placement. This recruitment process was completed utilising the first-ever online recruitment system developed by the GRDM specifically for the NSF project simply because of the size of the recruitment process, with over 1 000 persons applying. Such a process would have been immensely difficult if completed manually.” Prinsloo added.
The preparatory work also included a tender process for accredited providers to apply for the Cook Training, that has resulted in locally based Eden Hospitality & Training, also known to many as the Francois Ferreira Academy, being awarded the contract.
Although a number of employers have put their names forward to host both sets of learners over the next 12 – 18 months, many more are required and the GRSM Team are engaging with Tourism and Hospitality employers across the District to open up their workplaces to offer unemployed persons the opportunity to learn and work in this critical industry.
“Given the size and complexity of these large NSF projects, there is always a need for careful designed and detailed planning and capacity-building processes right at the beginning of these programmes”. To further ensure the success of the project, Dr Prinsloo highlighted that “the Municipality has a good structure in place which is the GRSM and as part of the structure are individuals located at all local municipalities in the district,” he added.
Items that were discussed during the session includes:
Key project deliverables and Management;
First tranche payment;
Financial Reporting;
Learner data reporting and safekeeping;.
Circular 5/Audit readiness;
Project communication channels;
Learner sites and visits; and
Project team roles
The importance of the project to the Garden Route has also been acknowledged by the newly appointed Executive Mayor for the GRDM, Mayor Andrew Stroebel, who has agreed to host a formal launch of the project at Carpe Diem School in September this year.
Media Release: GRDM Skills Mecca programme launches its first ever RPL Firefighter Programme with LGSETA Funding
1 August 2024
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Skills Mecca programme is coordinating and facilitating skills development projects in collaboration with all seven Garden Route district Local Municipalities (LM) and the Central Karoo District Municipality.
During October 2023, a Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) Discretionary Grant funding window application period opened. GRDM, with the support of other Local Government stakeholders, applied for R1.75 million in funding to offer recognition of prior learning (RPL) to 50 employed municipal officials for an Occupational Certificate: Fire Fighter. The application was subsequently approved, and the funding was approved for GRDM.
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for Occupational Certificate for Fire Fighters qualification is a process that results in an opportunity for recognizing and validating existing skills, knowledge, and experience of persons who have been working in the firefighting environment for many years but without formal certification.
The GRDM is an accredited provider and assessment centre with the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), specifically for the Occupational Certificate: Fire Fighter NQF Level 4 qualification. This means the GRDM can roll out training and RPL programs related to firefighting.
Yesterday, 31 July 2024, the induction for the program took place for learners from Kannaland, Bitou, the Central Karoo District, Beaufort West, and the GRDM. The RPL programme will officially commence in August 2024. At the end of the programme, the learners that comply with all the necessary evidence will write an External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) exam, and successful candidates will receive a national certificate.
Feature image caption: Learners from Kannaland, Bitou, the Central Karoo District, Beaufort West, and the GRDM who form part of the RPL programme.
A couple of mood shots captured during the induction session.
Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Hosts Training Provider Capacity Building Workshop
25 July 2024
On Tuesday, 23 July 2024, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) held a Training Provider Capacity Building workshop, attended by approximately 100 Skills Development providers. The training took place in the in person and was also attended via Microsoft Teams to ensure broader accessibility.
The objectives of the workshop aimed to inform Skills Development providers about the registration process for becoming part of the panel of service providers and to educate service providers on crucial aspects relating to supply chain management at the GRDM.
Feature Image Caption: Participants in the Capacity Building Workshop
Media Release: Seventeen (17) youth from the Garden Route to gain workplace experience through the BIG Hearts initiative
For immediate release 25 July 2024
On Monday, 22 July 2024, a second group of eight young people from the Garden Route district participated in an induction session as part of the YES initiative. The previous group attended their Induction session on 18 July 2024. The YES Initiative in collaboration with the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), offers participants the chance to gain skills through a twelve-month workplace experience program.
The induction sessions were conducted by BIG Hearts and this will prepare participants to understand the objective of the programme before being placed at various municipalities, including Knysna, Mossel Bay and Ladismith municipalities.
Portfolio Chairperson for Property Development and Management at GRDM, Cllr Hilton Stroebel, addressing the participants with a message of motivation.
The contract signing session took place at the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), a stakeholder of this initiative. During the session, the representative from BIG Hearts, Christine van Niekerk, conducted the induction to help participants understand the process, expectations, and details of their contracts.
Witnessing the occasion were GRDM’s Portfolio Chairperson for Property Development and Management, Cllr Hilton Stroebel, within the Integrated Planning and Economic Development Department, as well as the GRDM Manager responsible for Expanded Public Works Programme, Richard Dyantyi, as well as officials from GRDM and Oudtshoorn Municipality.
Cllr Stroebel encouraged the participants in his motivational speech, urging them to seize this opportunity for personal growth and envision a bright future. He concluded by emphasising that this initiative should inspire hope in others who may feel there is no way forward. Stroebel also thanked BIG Hearts for partnering with the municipality, highlighting the importance of such collaborations in providing hope to the youth.
Now all participants are looking forward to being placed in various departments within GRDM and the remaining participants will be assigned to local municipalities in the district, focusing on waste management.
Their monthly remuneration will be funded by the public sector, while GRDM committed to cover the administration costs of all contracts which will officially commence on 1 August 2024.
Feature Image: The second group of participants from across the district with representatives of GRDM’s EPWP Unit, BIG Hearts and Oudtshoorn Municipality after the signing of their contracts at the Induction Session.
Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality’s Workplace Skills Plan approved
For immediate release
17 April 2024
On Friday, 12 April 2024, the Education and Training Development Committee from Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) approved the Municipality’s Workplace Skills Plan (WSP). To conclude the final stage of the process, the Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, on 16 April 2024 endorsed the Plan for submission to the Local Government Sector Education and Training Association (LGSETA) before 30 April 2024.
Municipal Manager of GRDM, Monde Stratu (front, middle), endorsing the WSP, in the presence of officials (FLTR back) Ilse Saaiman, Nolwando Sambokwe, Reginald Salmons, Michelle Smit, Salman Damons, Khanyisa Madolo, Jacqueline Thomson, Proy Koopman (front, left) and Trix Holtzhausen (right).
The process included rounds of internal consultations by the Municipality’s Human Resources’ Training Section with specific focus on the WSP and it included management and employees from the various departments of the Municipality, as well as trade union representatives.
With the GRDM being registered with the LGSETA, the Skills Development Act, requires all registered employers with an annual payroll exceeding R500 000, to pay skills development levies. These levies encourage learning and development across the country and are used to develop and improve the skills of employees.
Subsequently, a Workplace Skills Plan (WSP), together with an Annual Training Report (ATR) must be submitted to the LGSETA no later than 30 April, annually. By submitting the municipality’s Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) annually, allows the Municipality access to Mandatory and Discretionary Funding from the LGSETA for skills development.
Media Release: GRDM funds training for 120 unemployed youth as Patrol Officers
For immediate release 23 February 2024
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) was granted funding by Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA) to train 120 unemployed learners as Patrol Officers across the Garden Route district. This programme includes all the (7) b-municipalities, under the coordination of the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) program – a skills development initiative owned by the GRDM.
Training commenced on 30 October 2023 and will conclude on the 1st of March 2024.
Management and officials from Garden Route District Municipality, with beneficiaries of the Patrol Officer Training Programme.
The allocation per municipal area includes: Bitou – 17, Knysna – 14, George –13, Mossel Bay – 10, Kannaland – 31, Hessequa – 20 and Oudtshoorn – 15.
The course consists of both theory and practical experience that includes the following unit standards:
How to perform basic firefighting.
Carry out basic first aid treatment in the workplace.
How to use security equipment.
Conduct a security patrol in an area of responsibility.
Handle complaints and problems.
Perform handover and take-over responsibilities.
Give evidence in court.
Apply legal aspects in a security environment.
Explain the requirements for becoming a security service provider.
Training takes place at various venues across the region and learners are hosted at different workplaces to complete their practical part of the programme. Apart from learners receiving a monthly stipend, each student will furthermore receive a certificate for General Security Practices Skills Program: Patrol Officer NQF 3, when successfully completed.
These learners were placed at various institutions to do their practical training. These institutions include:
George Municipality
Knysna Municipality
Oudtshoorn Municipality
Hessequa Municipality
Kannaland Municipality
Mossel Bay Municipality
Alert Patrol Securities (Mossel Bay)
Plett Security (Bitou)
Isolomzi Securities (Bitou)
Sisanda Sajini, one of the twelve (12) Garden Route Skills Mecca Technicians who is based at the GRDM’s Economic Development Unit, currently provides project management assistance by coordinating meetings and continuously gives feedback and updates to the GRDM.
Project Manager of the SASSETA, Boniswa Witbooi, on the 7th of September 2023, visited the GRDM for an induction session as part of a monitoring process organised by the Corporate Service Department of GRDM.
GRDM is grateful for the opportunity to work with the SASSETA, especially the team, including Wahida Moosa, Boniswa Witbooi and Katlego Pitso, in combating unemployment and poverty within the Garden Route district.
Did you know?
After completion of the Patrol Officer Training, learners will be able to work as Patrol Officers, Security guards and will operate mainly in the security sector.
This is an entry-level qualification which will enable individuals to enter the Security industry and develop competencies in standard security practices, such as access and egress control, security response and patrols, asset protection and visible security operations and will also enhance their career opportunities within the security environment.
Media Release: By Minister Anroux Marais: Work experience opportunities for Youth
For immediate release 11 January 2024
The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, through its Youth and After School Programme Office, is calling for unemployed youth, aged 18-25, to apply to be part of the YearBeyond youth service programme for 2024.
Applications for the education programmes are now open for youth living in the Western and Eastern Cape who meet the criteria. All the education programmes require a matric certificate, and some require minimum marks for Language or Maths.
The YearBeyond programme offers young people the opportunity to get a year of hands-on working experience and build their work readiness competencies, while also giving back to their communities. Commonly known as YeBoneers, successful applicates will be placed either at a school or community hub where they will assist learners and parents.
The Eastern Cape programme is run with funding from the National Government and facilitated by the Western Cape YearBeyond team. The opportunity to provide youth in the Eastern Cape with this experience is an important part of skills development beyond the Western Cape.
The success of the programme is evident as seen from the feedback received from previous years. A total of 96% of participants believe the experience helped them to get to know themselves better and 95% feel the programmed prepared them better for the world of work and study. Encouragingly, between 75% and 78% of Yeboneers have progressed to becoming economically active in the world of employment or study, or a combination of the two, upon finishing the programme.
Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais, said: “I encourage our young people to apply for this opportunity. It is a great programme for our youth which equips them with skills for entering the world of work or study. We want to give our youth a hand up to become successful and active members of society who contribute not only to the economy, but also serve their communities.”
Applications and further information on the education streams are now open via the website: https://www.yearbeyond.org/apply. Applications close on 18 February 2024.
Did you know?
Media Release: By Minister Anroux Marais: Work experience opportunities for Youth