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Skills Development

08 October 2025 Media Release: GRDM acknowledges 31 successful First Aid Level 3 participants during graduation ceremony in Oudtshoorn

GRDM acknowledges 31 successful First Aid Level 3 participants during graduation ceremony in Oudtshoorn

For immediate release
08 October 2025

The Garden Route Disaster Management Centre (GRDMC) at Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) believes in building the capacity of ordinary members in our communities to be able to help those in need.

Most often the people closest to the person in need of medical assistance is a close relative, friend of family member and with seconds being the difference between a life and death event, the most basic first aid provided could save a life.

Last night, 7 October 2025, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in collaboration with Oudtshoorn Municipality, hosted a graduation ceremony to acknowledge graduates who underwent First Aid Level 3 and Firefighting for Disaster Management training during September this year.

The ceremony took place at the Bongolethu Thusong Centre in Oudtshoorn. During September month, special emphasis was placed on presenting this course to the community members in Oudtshoorn. Certificates were issued to the first group of 31 students who successfully completed the course.

The course covers a range of topics from the principles of first aid, basic life support, injuries, and medical emergencies and even emergency childbirth. The GRDMC has been providing the training free of charge to all Disaster Management Volunteers over a 4 full day period, with a formal written, as well as practical assessment on the 5th day.

During his address on behalf of Executive Mayor of the Garden Route District Municipality, Andrew Stroebel, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, MMC for Community Services at GRDM, expressed his appreciation to be part of this significant event, celebrating hard working individuals during this year. Referring to the event as a milestone, Hoogbaard highlighted that “this programme has equipped participants with critical life-saving skills and has restored a sense of hope, dignity, and opportunity to the people of Oudtshoorn”.

Additionally, he extended his sincere appreciation to all partners, trainers, and facilitators who have shared their knowledge and expertise, ensuring that this programme was a success. While also acknowledging the community leaders and stakeholders, Hoogbaard shared his appreciation on behalf of GRDM for their continued support regarding initiatives that empower the people of the area.

Above all, to the graduates Hoogbaard highlighted: “You have worked hard, remained committed, and have set an inspiring example for others. May you continue to use these skills not only to benefit yourselves but also to serve and protect your communities”. In addition, he said: “This achievement is only the beginning – we are proud of you, and we look forward to the positive impact you will make in your families, communities, and beyond. May this event be remembered as the start of even greater things to come,” Hoogbaard concluded.

This celebration, once again demonstrates the powerful outcomes that can be achieved when government and the community work together and remain committed to supporting initiatives that promote safety, skills development, and economic opportunities for all.

Feature Image:Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, MMC for Community Services at GRDM (front, 3rd left), Gail Bekeer –  GRDM First Aid Training Facilitator (front, right) and Wouter Jacobs – GRDM First Aid Training Facilitator (back, 4th right), with the graduates who successfully completed the First Aid Level 3 programme.

ENDS

07 October 2025 Media Release: Garden Route Skills Mecca Forum Strengthens Regional Collaboration to Tackle Youth Unemployment

Garden Route Skills Mecca Forum Strengthens Regional Collaboration to Tackle Youth Unemployment

Immediate release
07 October 2025

Last week, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) successfully revived the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) Forum, to strengthen collaboration among municipalities and stakeholders in advancing skills development across the district.

The forum brings together Skills Development officials from all seven local municipalities to coordinate efforts, share information, and take ownership of opportunities identified through the GRSM. This renewed collaboration marks a significant step towards institutionalising the Skills Mecca model and ensuring that the region’s skills development initiatives are aligned and impactful.

In his opening remarks, Thembani Loliwe, Chairperson of the Forum and GRDM Strategic Manager, highlighted the importance of a united approach to addressing one of the district’s most pressing challenges, which is youth unemployment.

“To strengthen the institutionalisation of the Skills Mecca in the region, it is vital that all municipalities work together to address youth unemployment, which currently stands at a staggering 62%. A regional approach to tackling this pandemic is key and aligns directly with the District Development Planning (DDP) model, which advocates for coordinated regional planning and joint efforts to address shared challenges,” said Loliwe.

He added that municipalities should view the Skills Mecca as a shared service, noting that GRDM and its local municipalities will work together to develop a shared service agreement. This will ensure that the Skills Mecca is not only a concept but becomes integrated into the budget processes of local (B) municipalities, as it already forms part of their Integrated Development Plans (IDPs).

“This platform will also ensure that local municipalities have first-hand access to information on all projects under the Skills Mecca and are included in decision-making processes,” Loliwe explained.

Loliwe further emphasised that the forum aims to improve communication with all stakeholders and provides a platform for meaningful contributions from partners in the skills ecosystem.

During the meeting, Reginald Salmons, GRDM Coordinator for Skills Development, presented both current and historical projects implemented under the GRSM. Representatives from each local municipality also showcased their respective skills development projects and programmes, highlighting local progress and challenges.

The meeting was well-attended by Local Economic Development representatives, Integrated Development and Skills Development Managers, and Coordinators from all municipalities across the district.

As part of the next steps, the Forum will develop a Terms of Reference (ToR) to formalise its operations, reporting structures, and rules of engagement. Additionally, all projects will be mapped across the district to avoid duplication and promote effective coordination.

The next Garden Route Skills Mecca Forum meeting is scheduled to take place from 19 to 20 November 2025, where members will continue strengthening regional cooperation to empower the youth and drive inclusive economic growth.

ENDS

22 July 2025 Media Release: Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Visits Garden Route District Municipality to Discuss Skills Development

Media Release: Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Visits Garden Route District Municipality to Discuss Skills Development

For immediate release
22 July 2025

Yesterday, 21 July 2025, the National Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, visited the Offices of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) to engage in discussions and information sharing regarding the importance of skills development in the district and initiatives that can sharpen the implementation of programmes to ensure its overall success thereof.

In welcoming Dr Gondwe, Speaker of Council, Ald. Georlene Wolmarans, noted: “Our district has placed significant emphasis on creating an enabling environment for youth development, education and work-based learning opportunities. A commitment reflected in our adoption of the Skills Mecca model,” she added.

Discussions were mainly revolving around the effectiveness of the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) within the district, matters pertaining to the National Skills Development legislation.

A thorough presentation regarding the overview of the GRSM was delivered by the Strategic Manager in the Office of the Municipal Manager, Thembani Loliwe, who is responsible for overseeing the programme since 1 July 2025.

The presentation covered topics ranging from the initiative’s inception to the number of skills development programmes created and implemented across the district to the partnerships with various stakeholders, such as the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA) and the National Skills Fund. These discussions prompted questions raised by Dr Gondwe enquiring about the collaboration between GRDM and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges to ensure student success, including placement in organisations for practical skills development. In response to the question, Dr Florus Prinsloo acknowledged that work have already been put into agreements by the GRDM and certain colleges, stating that the development of task teams to ensure the finalisation of agreements hinders the processes.

Dr Gondwe also shared her interest questioning how the GRSM is implemented on local municipal level in the district, to which Mr Loliwe explained the process of Skills Mecca Technicians that are placed at each municipality. Dr Prinsloo elaborated saying that the placement of Skills Mecca Technicians is a coordinated structure, as they have to fulfil a certain role in their respective local municipalities and has a responsibility to report back through the structure in terms of skills development progress made.

Apart from raising the importance of aligning local and national efforts in strengthening skills development, improving coordination and ensuring that communities benefit from inclusive and future-fit education systems, she made an example of the issue of exclusivity. She provided examples highlighting the need to consider various aspects when formalising agreements, such as the distance youth must travel to access TVET colleges. She said: “The distance that youth have to travel from Knysna to Plett or George to access these facilities, is putting an extra financial burden on these students resulting in them dropping out and ending up in front of spaza shops”.

These discussions were the beginning of many discussions to follow, and the Deputy Minister committed to be in the centre of sharpening Skills Development within the district, stating that close relations between the GRDM and the Office of the Deputy Minister will foster growth in the field of skills development.

In closing, Ald. Nompumelelo Ndayi, MMC for Corporate Services at GRDM, extended words of gratitude to Dr Gondwe for her visit to the GRDM and said: “The GRDM appreciates the commitment of your office to strengthening skills development across all levels of government and society. Regarding Dr Gondwe’s and the department’s continued collaboration with local government, Ald. Ndayi said: “It will be realising a skills development agenda that is responsive, inclusive and forward-thinking”.

GRDM Deputy Executive Mayor, Ald. Vlancio Donson, also thanked all Councillors, officials, stakeholders, and partners who participated and shared their thoughts and ideas. “By working together, we can build skills and create more opportunities for our people,” he concluded.

ENDS

13 May 2025 Media Release: NSF visits GRDM to witness success of R36 million skills investment benefiting 400 people

Media Release: NSF visits GRDM to witness success of R36 million skills investment benefiting 400 people

12 May 2025

The Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Training Section received a visit from the National Skills Fund (NSF) Executive Committee from 8 to 9 May 2025.  The visit formed part of their  annual performance monitoring and oversight visits to beneficiaries. This follows the approval last year by the Director-General of the Department of Higher Education and Training, allocating R36 378 000 to the GRDM to benefit 400 beneficiaries over a period 31 month period.

During a brief ‘meet-and-greet’ session on Thursday with the NSF Executive Committee, the Municipal Manager of GRDM Monde Stratu, welcomed the team and highlighted the good working relationship that has been established since 2017. Stratu expressed his appreciation for the strong partnership between GRDM and NSF and thanked them for their continued financial contribution and support, towards skills development in the region. Following this, the NSF leadership continued to reflect and assess the progress of NSF projects in the region.

GRDM and NSF delegations during the Day 1 meet-and-greet session.

On Friday morning, the visit by the NSF continued as the GRDM Training Unit briefed the delegates on the performance of the NSF funded projects.  Ald. Ndayi  (Portfolio Councillor of the Corporates Services) thanked the NSF for the project and the positive impact of the program on the life of the beneficiaries. She motivated the learners on the program and encouraged them to remain positive and dedicated to complete it. During the same session, the NSF representatives also met with some of the Professional Cookery Learnership and Work Integrated Learning (WIL) students, who had the opportunity to share their experiences, skills gained and overall appreciation.

Following this, NSF leadership visited the African Skills Centre in Thembalethu, where they met and engaged with beneficiaries trained as professional cooks.  The final stop was at Fancourt, where they interacted with beneficiaries working and training in the hospitality industry.

Activities underway during Day 2

-END-

9 May 2025 Media Release: Fruitful Pre-Indaba Discussions lay the groundwork for Skills Development Indaba later this year in Uniondale

Media Release: Fruitful Pre-Indaba Discussions lay the groundwork for Skills Development Indaba later this year in Uniondale

9 May 2025

Local skills development providers from the Garden Route District recently gathered for the George/Garden Route Skills Uniondale Pre-Indaba, hosted by the George Municipality in conjunction with Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM).  This engagement provided a platform for local representatives from the business chambers, TVET colleges, and various departments involved in skills development.

The well-attended event took place in Uniondale and was chaired by Luvo Bomvana, the Local Economic Development (LED) Manager of George Municipality.  Bomvana stated that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the Skills Mecca Programme and how it fits in to the town of Uniondale. There were also engagements with community leaders and the local business community about the skills development potential of Uniondale and key initiatives.

George Municipality’s Councillor Jarques Esau who officially opened the event, also extended his special appreciation to the George Municipality’s LED Unit and the Garden Route District Municipality’s Skills Mecca for bringing skills development opportunities to Uniondale. He reiterated that youth unemployment is very high in the area. Uniondale currently faces various skills shortages, particularly in the fields of Occupational Qualifications and urgently needs Read Seal Artisans in bricklaying, welding, furniture making, motor mechanics, and many more.

This was followed by a presentation from Reginald Salmons, the GRDM Coordinator of Skills Development, who provided an informative overview of the Garden Route Skills Mecca journey and the various opportunities available. Following the presentation, stakeholders provided valuable input.

It was agreed that a two-day Summit and Career Festival would be organised in June 2025, with various stakeholders and SETAs in attendance to inform and uplift the youth of Uniondale and Haarlem.  Also that the LED Manager of George Municipality will communicate the date to all role players and stakeholder and will work closely with the Garde Route Skills Mecca Team to coordinate the Summit and Carrer Festival.

The successful event will pave the way for the official Skills Indaba for Uniondale and Haarlem, bringing together a broad spectrum of key role players.

Featured image and images above: Stakeholders participating in the Pre-Indaba discussion session in Uniondale.

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06 May 2025 Public Notice: Register on the Garden Route Skills Mecca Unemployment Database

Public Notice: Register on the Garden Route Skills Mecca Unemployment Database

6 May 2025

The Garden Route District Municipality invites unemployed persons currently residing within the Garden Route District Municipal area, to register themselves on the Garden Route Skills Mecca Unemployment Database.

WHY REGISTER?
By registering, you will:

  • Be included in a central database used to match job seekers with opportunities.
  • Be considered for skills development programs and employment initiatives.
  • Receive communication about relevant training and development projects.

HOW TO REGISTER:
1. Visit: https://skillsmecca.gardenroute.gov.za/.
2. Click the red button labelled “Unemployment Solutions”.
3. Select “Create Account”.
4. Go to “Your Profile” and choose “Create Your Unemployment Profile”.
5. Fill in all required information.
6. Upload the following documents:
– Your CV;
– A certified copy of your ID; and
– Certified qualifications

For any enquiries, do not hesitate to contact Reginald Salmons at 044 803 1363, Ms Khanyisa Madolo at 044 803 1456 or Mrs Nolwando Sambokwe at 044 803 1345 during office hours only. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Should candidates not be contacted within one month of the closing date, they must consider their application as
unsuccessful.

Click here to download the Official Advert.

Closing date: 30 June 2025
Notice number: 41/2025

10 April 2025 Drivers License (Code C) 140 Training Opportunities for Unemployed

Drivers License (Code C) 140 Training opportunities for unemployed

Another Garden Route Skills Mecca Initiative!

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) invites unemployed persons between ages of 18 to 40, male or female residing within the Garden Route District Municipal area, to apply for an opportunity to be trained for a Drivers License Code C as part of a  Garden Route Skills Mecca initiative. Opportunities are currently available within all the seven (7) municipal areas of the Garden Route district:

Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Bitou, Oudtshoorn and Kannaland.

 The total number of opportunities available for each municipal area is 20 each.

Applicants must register and apply using the online UNEMPLOYMENT SOLUTIONS (RED BUTTON) on the Garden Route Skills Mecca Web site at https://skillsmecca.gardenroute.gov.za/ or browse to this shortlink: https://tinyurl.com/34unespk

 Programme and Entry Requirements

  • Applicants must have Grade 11 (NQF 3) or equivalent as a minimum requirement.
  • Persons must be between ages of 18 to 40 .
  • Men and women must reside within the boundaries of the Garden Route district.

Scope of Qualification

A qualified learner will be able to:

  • Demonstrate attitudes related to drivers to reduce driving risks and maintain safety on the roads.
  • Demonstrate techniques to improve driving skills and apply the system of vehicle control.
  • Drive a motor vehicle in accordance with the system of vehicle control requirements with specific reference to the applicable K53 tests.

THE GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY WILL ONLY CONSIDER APPLICATIONS COMPLETED IN FULL AND IF THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS HAVE BEEN UPLOADED: 

  • An updated CV
  • Certified South African ID Copy (ID Card both sides must be copied).
  • Certified copy of highest educational qualifications

For any enquiries, do not hesitate to contact Reginald Salmons at 044 803 1363, or Sisanda Sajini at 044 803 1450 during office hours only.  

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Should candidates not be contacted within two months of the closing date, they must consider their application as unsuccessful.

Download the notice here

Join the Garden Route WhatsApp Channel for Skills, Jobs and Tenders, by clicking here with your phone: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va92oJoJpe8eiTvq3q33

Closing date:  25/04/2025
Notice number: 37/2025

02 December 2024 Media Release: Garden Route Skills Mecca initiative invests millions of Rands in Skills Development opportunities in the Garden Route

Media Release: Garden Route Skills Mecca initiative invests millions of Rands in Skills Development opportunities in the Garden Route

For immediate release
02 December 2024

The Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM), an initiative of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), has invested significantly in training and skills development programs across the district’s local municipal areas over the past three years.

Earlier this year, a 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 to gain workplace experience at the GRDM, through the GRSM initiative.

Through these programmes, the GRSM continuously aims to collaborate, cooperate and integrate skills development activities across all GRSM roleplayers, ever-increasing its numbers of partnerships in support of Skills Development, as well as continue expanding its network of industry-based occupationally based programmes designed to meet the region’s needs.

The skills development programs implemented through GRSM include diverse fields such as cellphone repairs, construction, and more. These efforts highlight a steady increase in skills development initiatives within the Garden Route, contributing to noticeable growth in the region.

Since 2022, nearly R124.4 million has been invested across local municipalities, creating opportunities for more than 2191 individuals in the Garden Route district. An additional R114.26 million worth of projects are currently in the implementation phase. These efforts, made possible by the GRSM initiative, have included training in areas such as Training for Skills Mecca Technicians through the Expanded Public Works Programme, Project Management, Tourism and Hospitality, Small & Media Enterprise training and business support, Digital skills, Water and Sanitation, Firefighting and artisan development programmes such as plumbing, electrician training to name a few.

The breakdown of investment and programme rollout in local municipal areas includes:

  • Bitou: Programmes implemented in the area amounts to more than R12 million.
  • Knysna: An investment of nearly R35.5 million was made.
  • George: Approximately R23 million was invested in skills and training initiatives in the area.
  • Mossel Bay: Almost R13 million was allocated for the implementation of programmes.
  • Oudtshoorn: Received close to R14 million for the roll-out programmes.
  • Hessequa: Benefited from R8 million for skills development and training programmes.
  • Kannaland: Skills development investment amounted to almost R5.9 million.
  • Additionally, the GRSM furthermore invested approximately R5.3 million in the developing interns placed at various departments of the GRDM. These interns are placed at various departments of the municipality.

More Skills Development Programmes are in the pipeline to be implemented which include: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Skills, Maritime Training, Rural Development, cell phone repairs training etc. The establishment of training academies are also in the process to the completed and established.

The success of the GRSM can be attributed to key milestones achieved since its inception, including:

  • The hosting of three Skills Summits in various areas within the district.
  • Local skills Indabas also took place across all local municipal areas during this period.
  • A website was furthermore developed that serves as central information hub for training providers and stakeholders;
  • The municipality established an online recruitment system for all projects and programmes.
  • R36 million received from the National Skills Fund to the GRSM.
  • Skills Mecca technicians placed at each municipality to coordinate activities of the GRSM at local level thus ensuring a more coordinated approach that contributes towards the smooth operations of the broader GRSM initiative.

Although the GRSM continues to create possibilities for both employed and unemployed persons within the Garden Route to drive its vision which is the “the preferred destination for developing and honing specific skills and expertise that leads to employability,” it cannot exist without valued partnerships that involves local municipalities, the various SETAs, training providers and the private sector.

Feature Image: Fire Services participants who graduated after completing an Occupational Firefighting training programme through the GRSM, with their families at the event earlier this year.

ENDS

22 November 2024 Opportunities: International Scholarship Opportunity in China for Unemployed Beneficiaries 2024/2025

Opportunities: International Scholarship Opportunity in China for Unemployed Beneficiaries 2024/2025

Opening Date of Funding Window: 14 November 2024
Closing Date of Funding Window: 14 December 2024

Are you a South African matric graduate seeking international study opportunities?
The Chinese Culture and International Education Exchange Centre (CCIEEC), in partnership with the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) and the Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority (INSETA), invites matric graduates who completed matric prior to 2024 to apply for an exciting opportunity to study towards a Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in China.

This initiative aligns with the LGSETA and INSETA Annual Performance Plan targets, contributing to South African youth skills development and employability.

Who can apply?

To qualify for this incredible opportunity, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. South African citizens.
  2. Must have completed matric prior to 2024 (no restrictions on the number of years post-matric).
  3. Unemployed at the time of application.
  4. Aged 18 to 25 years.
  5. Willingness to commit to the full programme duration in China.
  6. Ability to adapt to a new cultural and academic environment.
  7. No criminal record.
  8. Medically fit for international travel (HIV, TB and Syphilis negative) according to the rules of the People’s
    Republic of China. A medical exam will take place before departure to China.

Click here to download the Official Advert

09 October 2024 Opportunities: Work Experience Placement -Tourism and/or Hospitality

Work Experience Placement Opportunities: Tourism and/or Hospitality  – another Garden Route Skills Mecca Initiative

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) invites unemployed persons currently residing within the Garden Route District Municipal area, to apply for an opportunity to be placed at a Tourism and/or Hospitality related organisation for an 18-month work experience opportunity as part of a Garden Route Skills Mecca Initiative. Preference will be given to persons with disabilities.

Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 35. Young people from rural areas are encouraged to apply. Opportunities are currently available in all areas of the garden route district.

Programme and Entry Requirements
This is an 18-month work experience placement programme at Tourism / Hospitality related organisation in the Garden Route.

Applicants will be selected based on the following sequentially prioritised criteria:
• 1st Criteria: Persons with a NATED N6 Tourism / Hospitality qualification that need 18-months work experience for a National Diploma.
• 2nd Criteria: Persons with any Local or International Tourism / Hospitality qualification that have had no work experience.
• 3rd Criteria: Persons with any Local or International Tourism / Hospitality qualification that have had less than six months work experience.

In addition, the GRDM, subject to receiving enough applications and available workplaces, will also attempt to allocate applicants evenly across all Municipal Wards in the District.

Scope of Work and Duties
• This will be determined by the Tourism / Hospitality organisation but could include administration, reception, room services, bar services, restaurant services, food services, customer services or any other typical work within tourism and hospitality.
• All shortlisted candidates will be required to complete an interview with the host employer.
Stipends will be paid for 18-months by GRDM. Stipends must be used for meals, accommodation and travel costs.

The Programme also does not include uniforms, PPE or any equipment unless supplied voluntarily by the host employer. Applicants must apply using the GRDM online system called Unemployed Solutions (red button) found at https://skillsmecca.gardenroute.gov.za/.

THE GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY WILL ONLY CONSIDER APPLICATIONS COMPLETED IN FULL AND IF THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS HAVE BEEN UPLOADED:
• A copy of a South African ID Document certified within the last six months.
• A copy of highest educational qualifications certified within the last six months.
• An affidavit certified within last six months that confirms previous work experience, including any Learnerships.
• A criminal record clearance report from the SA Police Service.

For any enquiries, do not hesitate to contact Mr Reginald Salmons at 044-803 1363, or Ms. Kayakazi Klaas 044 803 1434 during office hours (Monday to Thursday between 07:30 and 16:30 and Friday between 07:30 and 13:30) only. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Should candidates not be contacted 2 months after the closing date, they must consider their application as unsuccessful.

Click here to download the Official Advert

Closing date: 21 October 2024

Notice number: 125/202