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Garden Route Multi-Agency Command Centre Update 8 on 7 May 2026 at 19h00

Garden Route Multi-Agency Command Centre Alert 8 on 7 May 2026 at 19h00

Issued by Garden Route District Municipality

Residents are urged to remain cautious as flooding is still ongoing across several areas. Dams continue to spill, with the Stompdrift Dam currently at 139%, while the Meiringspoort River remains in flood as it passes through Oudtshoorn, passing Calitzdorp Hot Springs via the Olifant’s River and down to the Gourits. The route from Oudtshoorn via Calitzdorp Hot Springs to Gourits has been severely affected, with multiple farms cut off and many residents impacted.

Meiringspoort Pass is expected to remain closed for an extended period. The N9 also remains closed and is accessible only for emergency services. Road users can alternatively travel via the R341 through De Rust to Oudtshoorn. From Oudtshoorn, motorists can continue towards George via the N12, or travel along the R62 towards Calitzdorp, Ladismith and beyond.

AREAS INACCESSIBLE

The following areas remain inaccessible due to flooding and infrastructure damage:
Oudtshoorn Municipal area
– Middelplaas
– Volmoed
– Cango Bergoord
– De Oude Meul
– Moeras River
– Proefplaas
– Meiringspoort.

Kannaland Municipal area
– Paardebont (close to Van Wyksdorp)
– Middelpad at Calitzdorp Hot Springs
– Gamka-Oos

George Municipal area
– Mount Hope (past Zebra)
– De Vlugt
– Kammanassie

Bitou Municipal area
– SNK & Fisantehoek
– Wittedrift

Humanitarian assistance has been requested from Gift of the Givers, with five-day food parcels being prepared for delivery. Air support may be utilised where possible. Authorities have attempted to reach a school group at Cango Bergoord, consisting of 64 people, but the area remains inaccessible.

CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE ISSUES

– The Uplands Water Works on the R340 has been severely affected. The facility supplies approximately 80% of Bitou Municipality’s water and repairs are critical.
– The Bitou Municipality currently has sufficient water in reservoirs for at least today.
– The Bitou Municipality’s Roodefontein Pump Station has also been flooded.
– Access to the Nature’s Valley Pump Station has also been compromised.
– In Uniondale, a water pipeline was washed away and water tankers provided by GRDM are currently supplying affected communities.

Only follow municipal Facebook pages and WhatsApp Channels for updates in town areas:
Garden Route District Municipality
www.facebook.com/gardenroutedistrictmunicipality

STATUS OF ROADS

Oudtshoorn Area

DR1707 – Middelplaas (closed)
MR369 – Swartberg Pass (closed)
MR401 – Uniondale Poort (closed)
MR401 – Uniondale town approaches (closed)
MR399 – Avontuur (closed)

Kannaland Area

DR1706 – Groenfontein (closed)
MR309 – Seweweekspoort (closed)

George / Knysna / Bitou Area

DR1615 – Swart Rivier (closed)
MR346 – Buffelsbaai (closed)
DR1888 – Keurboomstrand (closed)
MR390 – Kruisvallei / Uplands intersection (closed)
DR1613 – Phantom Pass (closed)
DR1602 – Kleinplaas (closed)
DR1633 – Jonkersberg (closed)
DR1604 – Haelkraal (closed)

Trunk Roads

TR33/4 – Meiringspoort (closed)
TR44/1 – Avontuur to Eastern Cape boundary (closed)
TR1/2 – Noll to Harold (closed)
TR2/12 – Nature’s Valley to N2 (closed)
TR16/10 – Murraysburg to Graaff-Reinet (closed)
TR58/1 – Molteno Pass (Beaufort West to Loxton) (closed)
TR1/2 – N9 section near Uniondale (closed)
TR33/2 – Oudtshoorn flooded section (closed)

ROADS OPEN/PARTIALLY OPEN

Oudtshoorn Area

DR1640 – Montagu Pass — one lane open
George / Knysna Area
MR390 – Kruisvallei (km 0–1.44) — open
MR355 – Seven Passes Road — open after tree removal
MR351 – Barrington — open
MR394 – Keurboomstrand — open

Trunk Roads

TR34/2 – Prince Albert to Klaarstroom — open
TR31/5 – Huisrivier Pass — stop-and-go system in place

Motorists are urged to avoid unnecessary travel as conditions may change rapidly due to ongoing rainfall, flooding rivers, falling trees, and damaged road infrastructure.

Only follow
Follow municipal Facebook Pages and WhatsApp Channels for updates in town areas:

Report Provincial Road Issues via Download the Roads4U app
Google Play
iOS

The Garden Route District Municipality Disaster Management Unit encourages the public to report flood-related incidents to the 24/7 Emergency Call Centre of the GRDM – 044 805 5071 or WhatsApp 081 709 5193

Garden Route Multi-Agency Command Centre Alert 7 on 7 May 2026 at 10h00

Garden Route Multi-Agency Command Centre Alert 7 on 7 May 2026 at 10h00

Issued by Garden Route District Municipality

Residents are urged to remain cautious as flooding is still ongoing across several areas. Dams continue to spill, with the Stompdrift Dam currently at 139%, while the Meiringspoort River remains in flood as it passes through Oudtshoorn, passing Calitzdorp Hot Springs via the Olifant’s River and down to the Gourits. The route from Oudtshoorn via Calitzdorp Hot Springs to Gourits has been severely affected, with multiple farms cut off and many residents impacted.

Meiringspoort Pass is expected to remain closed for an extended period. The N9 also remains closed and is accessible only for emergency services. Road users can alternatively travel via the R341 through De Rust to Oudtshoorn. From Oudtshoorn, motorists can continue towards George via the N12, or travel along the R62 towards Calitzdorp, Ladismith and beyond.

AREAS INACCESSIBLE

The following areas remain inaccessible due to flooding and infrastructure damage:
Oudtshoorn Municipal area
– Middelplaas
– Volmoed
– Cango Bergoord
– De Oude Meul
– Moeras River
– Proefplaas
– Meiringspoort.

Kannaland Municipal area
– Paardebont (close to Van Wyksdorp)
– Middelpad at Calitzdorp Hot Springs
– Gamka-Oos

George Municipal area
– Mount Hope (past Zebra)
– De Vlugt
– Kammanassie

Bitou Municipal area
– SNK & Fisantehoek
– Wittedrift

Humanitarian assistance has been requested from Gift of the Givers, with five-day food parcels being prepared for delivery. Air support may be utilised where possible. Authorities have attempted to reach a school group at Cango Bergoord, consisting of 64 people, but the area remains inaccessible.

CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE ISSUES

– The Uplands Water Works on the R340 has been severely affected. The facility supplies approximately 80% of Bitou Municipality’s water and repairs are critical.
– The Bitou Municipality currently has sufficient water in reservoirs for at least today.
– The Bitou Municipality’s Roodefontein Pump Station has also been flooded.
– Access to the Nature’s Valley Pump Station has also been compromised.
– In Uniondale, a water pipeline was washed away and water tankers provided by GRDM are currently supplying affected communities.

Only follow municipal Facebook pages and WhatsApp Channels for updates in town areas:
Garden Route District Municipality
www.facebook.com/gardenroutedistrictmunicipality

STATUS OF ROADS

Oudtshoorn Area

DR1707 – Middelplaas (closed)
MR369 – Swartberg Pass (closed)
MR401 – Uniondale Poort (closed)
MR401 – Uniondale town approaches (closed)
MR399 – Avontuur (closed)

Kannaland Area

DR1706 – Groenfontein (closed)
MR309 – Seweweekspoort (closed)

George / Knysna / Bitou Area

DR1615 – Swart Rivier (closed)
MR346 – Buffelsbaai (closed)
DR1888 – Keurboomstrand (closed)
MR390 – Kruisvallei / Uplands intersection (closed)
DR1613 – Phantom Pass (closed)
DR1602 – Kleinplaas (closed)
DR1633 – Jonkersberg (closed)
DR1604 – Haelkraal (closed)

Trunk Roads

TR33/4 – Meiringspoort (closed)
TR44/1 – Avontuur to Eastern Cape boundary (closed)
TR1/2 – Noll to Harold (closed)
TR2/12 – Nature’s Valley to N2 (closed)
TR16/10 – Murraysburg to Graaff-Reinet (closed)
TR58/1 – Molteno Pass (Beaufort West to Loxton) (closed)
TR1/2 – N9 section near Uniondale (closed)
TR33/2 – Oudtshoorn flooded section (closed)

ROADS OPEN/PARTIALLY OPEN

Oudtshoorn Area

DR1640 – Montagu Pass — one lane open
George / Knysna Area
MR390 – Kruisvallei (km 0–1.44) — open
MR355 – Seven Passes Road — open after tree removal
MR351 – Barrington — open
MR394 – Keurboomstrand — open

Trunk Roads

TR34/2 – Prince Albert to Klaarstroom — open
TR31/5 – Huisrivier Pass — stop-and-go system in place

Motorists are urged to avoid unnecessary travel as conditions may change rapidly due to ongoing rainfall, flooding rivers, falling trees, and damaged road infrastructure.

Only follow
Follow municipal Facebook Pages and WhatsApp Channels for updates in town areas:

Report Provincial Road Issues via Download the Roads4U app
Google Play
iOS

The Garden Route District Municipality Disaster Management Unit encourages the public to report flood-related incidents to the 24/7 Emergency Call Centre of the GRDM – 044 805 5071 or WhatsApp 081 709 5193

Garden Route Multi-Agency Command Centre Update 3 on 6 May 2026 at 15h10

Garden Route Multi-Agency Command Centre Alert 3 on 6 May 2026 at 15h10

Issued by Garden Route District Municipality

Rainfall figures recorded from 08h00 till 15h00:

Near George Airport: 26,6mm
Witfontein: 44,0mm
George Tierkpop: 27,6mm
George Jonkershoek: 48,8mm
George Waboomskraal: 66,2mm
Rheebok-Sandhoogte: 34,8mm
Wilderness Dieprivier: 32,4mm
Wilderness heights: 20,8mm
Herold Lovain: 34,2mm
Knysna Kleingrysbos: 41,0mm
Knysna Diepwalle: 61,4mm
Plett: 14,6mm
Plett Newlands: 52,0mm
Stormsrivier Witteklip: 36,4mm
Stormsrivier Forest Fern: 36,6mm
Knysna Kruisfontein: 21,8mm
Mosselbaai: 33,8mm
Mosselbaai Robinson Pas: 64,6mm
Witsand Westfield: 1,4mm
Riversdal: 5,2mm
Riversdal Grootbos: 18,6mm
Riversdal Assegaaibosh: 11,4mm
Stilbaai: 0,6mm
Suurbraak Lismore: 12,6mm
Heidelberg Kruisrivier: 2,8mm
Ladismith: 21,0mm
Oudtshoorn: 18,2mm
Joubertina: 30,4mm
Kammanasieberg Vinkrivier: 46,8mm
Avontuur Boskloof: 85,2mm
Uniondale De hoop: 86,4mm

Only follow
Follow municipal Facebook Pages and WhatsApp Channels for updates in town areas:

Report Provincial Road Issues via Download the Roads4U app
Google Play
iOS

The Garden Route District Municipality Disaster Management Unit encourages the public to report flood-related incidents to the 24/7 Emergency Call Centre of the GRDM – 044 805 5071 or WhatsApp 081 709 5193

20 October 2025 Media Release: Klein Karoo EHPs Celebrate World Environmental Health Day

Media Release: Klein Karoo EHPs Celebrate World Environmental Health Day

20 October 2025

The Klein Karoo Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) recently engaged in community outreach under the theme: “Clean Air, Healthy People.”

Garden Route District Municipality’s EHPs, Maxwelline Fatuse and Ikanya Hendricks visited Zoar Clinic and Amalienstein Clinic, where they engaged with patients on the importance of clean air, avoiding smoking in public spaces, safe water use, and improving indoor air quality. The public interaction was positive, asking questions and actively participating in the discussions.

The team also visited Ladismith Clinic, focusing specifically on safe water use and household air quality.  The visit was particularly important as the community of Ladismith has faced numerous water challenges in the past months.

Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) hosted regular public education and health awareness activities, highlighting the importance of smoke-free public areas. They also monitored the safe storage, handling, and distribution of food served during the event. Food samples are collected on-site during events for bacteriological testing to ensure compliance with food safety standards.

These initiatives reflect Klein Karoo Environmental Health’s ongoing commitment to promoting healthier communities through education, preventative action, and strong public engagement.

-END-

Afrikaans:

Klein Karoo EHP’s vier Wêreldomgewingsgesondheidsdag

Die Klein Karoo Omgewingsgesondheidspraktisyns (EHP’s) van die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit het onlangs Wêreldomgewingsgesondheidsdag gevier met gemeenskapsuitreike onder die tema: “Suiwer Lug, Gesonde Mense.”

EHP’s Maxwelline Fatuse en Ikanya Hendricks het die Zoar- en Amalienstein-klinieke besoek waar hulle met pasiënte gesels het oor die belangrikheid van skoon lug, die vermyding van rook in openbare ruimtes, veilige watergebruik en binnenshuise luggehalte. Die besoek aan Ladismith-kliniek het gefokus op veilige watergebruik en huishoudelike luggehalte – ’n belangrike tema gegewe die dorp se onlangse wateruitdagings.

Tydens hierdie tipe uitreike word openbare gesondheidsbewustheid bevorder, rookvrye ruimtes beklemtoon en voedselveiligheid gemonitor deur monsters vir toetsing te neem. Hierdie inisiatiewe weerspieël die Klein Karoo-span se voortdurende verbintenis tot gesonder gemeenskappe deur opvoeding, voorkoming en aktiewe betrokkenheid.

-EINDE-

1 October 2025 Media Statement: GRDM Council Welcomes Outcome of Environmental Impact Assessment on Erf 1297, Wilderness

Media Statement: GRDM Council Welcomes Outcome of Environmental Impact Assessment on Erf 1297, Wilderness

1 October 2025

At a Special Council meeting held on 30 September, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Council noted and accepted the outcome of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) conducted for the proposed development by a lessee of Erf 1297 in Wilderness, commonly known as the Kleinkrantz property. This follows the 12 September 2025 EIA outcome by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) who rejected environmental authorisation (EA Ref: 14/12/16/3/3/1/3065) for the proposed development on the site.

The outcome confirms that significant portions of the site are environmentally sensitive and unsuitable for large-scale development. The DFFE decision is legally binding, meaning the proposed development as submitted cannot proceed. Council has therefore resolved to terminate the long-term lease agreement between GRDM and Waterleaf Properties (Pty) Ltd, in line with the provisions of the lease contract.

Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel also welcomed the outcome, noting that it provides much-needed clarity for the future of this strategic municipal asset: “The Garden Route is world-renowned for its pristine natural environment. The GRDM Council has a duty to balance development aspirations with environmental sustainability and not compromise the environment. The EIA outcome reaffirmed the ecological sensitivity of a part of this property, and as such, large-scale development will not be feasible. We respect the findings of the environmental authorities and support this decision.”

A portion of the property, which is approximately 2.1 ha of the total 30 ha, was partially developed more than two decades ago. That limited footprint is part of the area where continued low-impact, sensitive use may still be considered, but only if aligned with conservation value and subject to legal, environmental, and planning compliance.

Council will explore all options for the property’s future. Among these is the possible alienation of the environmentally sensitive portion to a public conservation authority, ensuring that the ecological value of the site is safeguarded for generations to come.

Executive Mayor Stroebel concluded: “I want to thank all the residents and interested stakeholders of the Garden Route for their patience and engagement throughout this process. Your continued interest has been invaluable in guiding us toward a sustainable outcome.”

ENDS

22 September 2025 Opportunities: Financial Assistance towards Further Studies 2026

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TOWARDS FURTHER STUDIES 2026

Applications are invited from students currently enrolled at accredited learning Institutions as well as learners who are currently in Grade 12 or have already passed Grade 12, for financial assistance towards further studies in the 2026 academic year. The financial contribution by GRDM applies only to full-time studies and attendance at SAQA-accredited tertiary or TVET institutions. This is ONLY applicable to students whose parents permanently reside within the Garden Route municipal area.

Application forms are available at the GRDM head office and satellite offices during normal office hours (Monday – Thursday 07:30 – 16:30; Friday, 07:30 – 13:30). Application forms can also be downloaded from the GRDM website at www.gardenroute.gov.za.

THE GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY WILL ONLY CONSIDER APPLICATIONS THAT ARE FULLY COMPLETED AND IF ACCOMPANIED BY ALL THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS LISTED BELOW.

Applicants must attach a detailed Curriculum Vitae, cover letter, completed application form, and certified copies of the following documentation: latest Grade 12 results or equivalent qualification; latest examination results (for students currently enrolled at tertiary institutions); certified copy of ID; affidavit of parents’ combined income; and proof of residential address (e.g., municipal account).

Completed applications and supporting documents must be submitted to: Records, Garden Route District Municipality, 54 York Street, P.O. Box 12, George 6530. For attention: Training and Development Section.

For any enquiries, please contact Mr Reginald Salmons at 044 803 1363, Ms Berma Losper at 044 803 1344 or Mrs Nolwando Sambokwe on 044 803 1345 during office hours.

Kindly note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If applicants have not been contacted within two months of the closing date, they should consider their application unsuccessful.

Closing date: 31 October 2025 Notice number: 99/2025

Click here and download the Official Advertisement.

Click here and download the Official Bursary Application Form.

04 September 2025 Notice of a Special In-Closed Council Meeting on 10 September 2025 at 10:00

NOTICE OF A SPECIAL IN-CLOSED COUNCIL MEETING ON 10 SEPTEMBER 2025 AT 10:00

Notice Number: 96/2025

Notice is hereby given that a SPECIAL IN-CLOSED COUNCIL MEETING of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the CA Robertson Council Chambers, and via Zoom, 54 York Street, George,
on 10 September 2025 at 10:00.

 

04 July 2025 Public Notice: Access Control Measures for motorists using DR1618 – Gwaiing Road

Public Notice: Access Control Measures for motorists using DR1618 – Gwaiing Road

Notice Number: 67/2025

Notice is hereby given that the Garden Route District Municipality will only permit access to residents residing along DR1618 to utilise the road which is under construction. Due to operational intensity and hazards/risks associated, only card holders and their Stakeholders will be considered. One way traffic flow with speed limit of 40km/h is enforced.

All questions and recommendations must be directed to the Site Safety Officer, Stenly Zambezi, at tel: 044-803 1414/ 078 981 0566 / Email: stenly@gardenroute.gov.za.

Nthabeleng Raisa-Mlandu
Acting Municipal Manager
54 York Street
PO Box 12
GEORGE
6530
Tel: 044 803 1300

Notice number: 67/2025

Click here to download the Official Notice

24 June 2025 PUBLIC NOTICE: DRAFT PERFORMANCE AGREEMENTS FOR 2025/2026 FINANCIAL YEAR ARE ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC

DRAFT PERFORMANCE AGREEMENTS FOR 2025/2026 FINANCIAL YEAR ARE ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC

NOTICE NR 63/2025

The Draft Performance Agreements for the GRDM Municipal Manager and Executive Managers are made public in terms of Section 57 (1) (b) of the Municipal Systems Act for the 2025/2026 final year.

The following Draft Performance Agreements are available for public perusal and due for signature by 31 July 2025.

Municipal Manager

Chief Financial Officer

Executive Manager: Community Services

Executive Manager: Planning and Economic Development

Executive manager: Roads and Transport Planning Services

The documents are available for viewing on the municipal website www.gardenroute.gov.za under the heading: Documents / Performance Management.

For more information, please contact the GRDM Manager: Performance Management, Ms Ilse Saaiman, at: Tel: 044-803 1300 / E-mail: pms@gardenroute.gov.za.

Click here to access and download the agreements.

Nthabeleng Raisa-Mlandu
Acting Municipal Manager
54 York Street
PO Box 12
GEORGE
6530

Tel: 044 803 1300
Notice number: 63/2025

03 June 2025 Media Release: GRDM Registration and Archive Audit Results for 2024/2025

Media Release: GRDM Registration and Archive Audit Results for 2024/2025

3 June 2025

The Western Cape Archives and Service conducted its annual Records Audit at the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) on 27 January 2025.

The inspection delegation was highly impressed with the way the GRDM Records System is managed.  GRDM received a Level 5 compliance rating for their record management, the highest level of compliance in municipal archive auditing.

There are five compliance levels used in archive audit.

1 – Start up level

2 – Developmental Stage

3 – Minimally Compliant

4 – Compliant

5 – Transformational

The Western Cape Archives and Records Service made ten recommendations to the Municipality’s Records System, of which nine have already been fully implemented.

Level 5 compliance, which is marked with blue, is often associated with trust, stability, and intelligence.  According to Spasina Brinkhuys, GRDM Manager:  Records & Archives, “It represents a high level of compliance and a commitment to continuous improvement. Based on the audit findings, the GRDM currently operates at a Level 5: Compliant level of records management.”

The GRDM Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel and MMC for Corporate Services, Ald. Nompumelelo Sumeia Ndayi, and Management would like to extend their gratitude to the Records & Archives team and their former Executive Manager for Corporate Services, Trix Holtzhausen (who was the Executive Manager during the audit and who retired at the end of April 2025), for their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.

Featured image caption: The Garden Route District Municipality’s Registration and Archives Team plays a vital role in managing official documentation and ensuring proper record-keeping across departments

-END-