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Waste Management

8 September 2026 Media Release: Procurement process for the construction of Cell 1B of the Regional Landfill Facility to commence soon

Media Release: Procurement process for the construction of Cell 1B of the Regional Landfill Facility to commence soon

For Immediate Release
8 September 2026

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is in the process of initiating the Supply Chain Management processes to appoint new consulting engineers for the construction of Cell 1B as part of the Garden Route Regional Landfill Facility of which construction works are underway in Mossel Bay.  Cell 1B will be close to 1,5 times the size of Cell 1A currently being constructed.

Johan Gie, the Project Manager of the Regional Facility, said: “Once the consulting engineers have been appointed, tender documentation will be drafted and advertised for the appointment of a new contractor to construct Cell 1B”. Cell 1B will cover an area of approximately 59 784m² and will provide approximately 902 852m³ of landfill airspace.

“This will create additional airspace for approximately 5 – 6 years, depending on the waste diversion efforts by the participating municipalities” Gie added.

This facility will be utilised for municipal solid waste (black bags) disposed by the participating municipalities. Cells 1A & 1B are both Class B domestic waste cells designed for municipal solid waste disposal. Class B cells can also accommodate the disposal of asbestos.

Why a new tender for 1B is advertised?

Considering the various delays in implementing the project and the imminent closure of the PetroSA landfill site, the GRDM opted to appoint a contractor to complete only Phase 1 of the project, which are is the construction of the minimum infrastructure required to commence with the operations, in order to ensure that waste disposal operations can commence as soon as possible.

Gie further explained: “Considering the performance of the current contractor, it would have been beneficial to expand the contract to include the construction of Cell 1B; however, the Municipal Finance Management Act and Supply Chain Management Regulations do not allow for contract expansions of this nature”.

“The GRDM will therefore proceed with the competitive bidding processes for the appointment of a new consulting engineer and a new contractor for the construction of Cell 1B.”

The procurement process will take the form of a normal tender process whereby specifications will be presented to the Bid Specification Committee for approval prior to advertisement. The submitted tenders then undergo technical evaluation before serving at the Bid Evaluation Committee for further evaluation and recommendation. Thereafter it will serve at the Bid Adjudication Committee for approval thereof.

The tender process for the appointment of a contractor can only commence once the appointment of consulting engineers has been concluded, surveys done, and tender documents drafted. Therefore, Gie further explained that stipulating any dates at this stage would be premature.

Caption: Cell 1B will be close to 1,5 times the size of Cell 1A currently being constructed.

ENDS

 

8 September 2026 Media Release: GRDM Partners with Unisa third-year Social Work Students to Promote Waste Minimization

Media Release: GRDM Partners with Unisa third-year Social Work Students to Promote Waste Minimization

8 September 2026

On Friday, 4 September 2026, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Waste Management Section in partnership with Unisa third-year Social Work students (W. Odendaal and W. Baartman), strengthened its commitment to waste minimisation through a community-based Recycling and Composting Project at the Outeniqua Child and Youth Care Centre (CYCC) in George.

The initiative formed part of the students’ Practicum Community Work Project and provided an opportunity to combine social development with practical environmental action. The project focused on creating awareness and building practical skills in waste separation, recycling and composting, while encouraging sustainable waste management practices at the Centre.

As part of the initiative, participants received practical training on waste separation, recycling and composting. Henque Waste representative Andile Mobo covered recycling and waste separation, while GRDM Waste Management Officer Innocentia Sikweyiya demonstrated practical composting methods and the benefits of diverting organic waste from landfill. Participants were introduced to practical composting methods that can be implemented within community and institutional settings.

The Landmark Foundation representative, Monica Vaccaro, provided training on worm composting (vermicomposting), showing participants how worms can be used to turn organic waste into nutrient-rich compost while reducing waste sent to landfill.

A highlight of the day was the handover of recycling and composting equipment to the Outeniqua CYCC, enabling the Centre to continue applying the practices learned.

Photo captions (names listed in no particular order): Outeniqua CYCC Manager Barbara Nicolaas; GRDM Waste Management Officer Innocentia Sikweyiya; and Social Work students Wayne Odendaal and Wilmy Baarman.

The partnership with third-year Social Work students highlighted the importance of combining environmental sustainability with community development and showed that effective waste management is a shared responsibility. Through recycling, composting and better waste practices, communities can reduce landfill waste and create cleaner, healthier environments.

GRDM’s partnership with the Social Work students is a positive example of how education, community development and environmental sustainability can work together to address local challenges. Through partnerships like this, GRDM aims to promote waste minimisation, environmental awareness and sustainable waste management practices.

The Outeniqua CYCC project shows that meaningful change can start with education, partnership and practical action, contributing to a cleaner and greener Garden Route.

The Manager of Outeniqua CYCC, Mrs J. Fredericks, welcomed the project and thanked GRDM and the third-year Social Work students for their support. She said the initiative would improve the Centre’s waste management while giving learners valuable life skills and practical knowledge.

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01 September 2026 Progress Update 5 on the GRDM Regional Waste Management Facility Construction

Progress Update 5 on the GRDM Regional Waste Management Facility Construction

 1 September 2026

“The construction of Phase 1 of the Garden Route District Municipality’s Regional Waste Management Facility, located approximately 15 km outside Mossel Bay next to PetroSA, is now approximately 70% complete, with several key components nearing completion,” said Johan Gie, Manager: District Waste Management.

Current activities include:

  • The final stone drainage layer is being installed over the lining materials of Cell 1A.
  • The lining of the leachate and contaminated water dams is nearing completion.
  • Construction of the concrete access road is nearing completion.
  • Buildings and other associated infrastructure works are progressing in accordance with the approved construction programme.

Overall, the project is progressing well, with major construction elements steadily moving towards completion.

Featured image: Lining of the contaminated water dam currently underway at the Regional Waste Management Facility.

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17 August 2026 Media Release: Education and Awareness Program on Recycling and Proper Waste Management held in Kurland, Bitou Municipality

Media Release: Education and Awareness Program on Recycling and Proper Waste Management held in Kurland, Bitou Municipality

17 Augustus 2026

On Thursday, 13 August 2026, an Education and Awareness Program focusing on recycling and proper waste management was held in Kurland in the Bitou municipal area. The program brought together community members, stakeholders in waste management and local leadership to promote greater awareness of responsible waste disposal, recycling and environmental protection.

The programme aimed to educate the Kurland community about keeping their area clean, safe and environmentally friendly. Residents were encouraged to take responsibility for their surroundings and help address littering, illegal dumping and poor waste management.

The Bitou Executive Mayor, Councillor Jessica Kamkam who is also the Kurland Ward Councillor, was also present during the event and welcomed the stakeholders to the program and expressed her support for the initiative. Mayor Kamkam highlighted the importance of bringing environmental education directly to communities and hoped the programme would help bring positive change to Kurland.

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) District Waste Management Officer, Innocentia Sikweyiya, delivered the keynote address and highlighted the importance of community participation in achieving effective and sustainable waste management.

Sikweyiya stressed that government cannot do it alone and that communities have an important role to play in protecting the environment. She called on residents, businesses and other stakeholders to work together to keep their surroundings clean, safe and sustainable.

“Take responsibility for the waste they generate and to make proper waste separation part of their daily practices,” she said.

Residents were encouraged to separate recyclable waste from general waste and take recyclables to the designated drop-off facility. Ms Sikweyiya explained that recycling helps reduce waste going to landfill, prevent littering and illegal dumping, and protect the environment. She also encouraged residents to see recyclable materials as valuable resources that can be reused and recycled.

As part of the program, a walk-through education and awareness campaign was conducted throughout the Kurland community. The campaign took the waste-management message directly to residents and members of the public in their everyday surroundings. The walk-through campaign focused on spaza shops, pedestrians and motorists, giving officials an opportunity to engage with the community about responsible waste disposal, recycling and keeping public spaces clean.

Spaza shop owners were encouraged to manage their business waste properly and keep the areas around their shops clean. Pedestrians and motorists were reminded of the negative impact of littering and encouraged to dispose of waste responsibly and use available waste facilities.

Residents were encouraged to reduce waste, reuse materials where possible, separate recyclable waste and ensure that waste is disposed of at the appropriate facilities. Community members were also urged to discourage littering and illegal dumping and to encourage others to adopt responsible environmental practices.

All activities that took place during the community walk-through education and awareness campaign.

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Progress Update 4 on the GRDM Regional Waste Management Facility Construction

Progress Update 4 on the GRDM Regional Waste Management Facility Construction

3 August 2026

“The construction of the Garden Route District Municipality’s Regional Waste Management Facility, located 15km outside Mossel Bay next to PetroSA, remains on schedule,” said Johan Gie, Manager: District Waste Management.

This facility will provide a long-term waste disposal solution for participating municipalities across the Garden Route. With landfill airspace in the region becoming increasingly limited and waste volumes continuing to grow, the need for this project has never been greater.

The facility is being developed to reduce environmental risks, protect our groundwater and ensure waste is managed responsibly for the benefit of future generations.

Construction is progressing well across several key components of the project.

Behind me is Cell 1A, the first engineered landfill cell. It is being lined with specialised lining materials to prevent contamination of the surrounding environment, water courses, and groundwater. Once completed and approval for commencement of waste disposal is received, this will become the facility’s first operational disposal area.

Work is also progressing on the leachate and contaminated water dams, which will safely collect and store leachate and rainwater that has come into contact with waste, preventing any harmful impact on the environment.

The office block will serve as the administrative hub for the facility, while the weighbridge office will accurately record every vehicle entering and leaving the site to support efficient landfill management and waste disposal data management.

Construction of the workshop, perimeter fencing and concrete access roads is also underway, ensuring the facility is secure, well maintained and operates efficiently.

According to Johan Gie, “the project is being constructed by Civils 2000 at a contract value of R109 million, with completion expected towards the end of February 2027”.

While construction continues, every resident can also make a difference by reducing waste, recycling and participating in source separation programmes within their local municipality.

ENDS

29 June 2026 Media Release: Designing a Greener Future in George: A Collective Stand for Cleaner Communities

Media Release: Designing a Greener Future in George: A Collective Stand for Cleaner Communities

29 June 20265

What started as the vision of a single South African Police Service officer has evolved into a collaborative community initiative, bringing together government departments, local and district municipalities, private businesses and groups, the local business chamber, schools and educators, taking a united stand against waste. With a shared commitment to building cleaner and safer communities, and a simple yet powerful message: ‘what we throw away can be used again.’

This year’s ‘Designing a Greener Future in George’ event, the second of its kind, took place on Thursday, 25 June 2026, at the Conville Civic Centre in George. The event was attended by all stakeholders involved in the initiative, including learners from nine high schools, who displayed their creativity and innovation through projects promoting recycling and environmental awareness. Their designs and ‘creations’ showed how young people can play a vital role in building safer, cleaner and more sustainable communities.

From the outset of the event, the programme director, guest speakers and performers all echoed the same message: everyone has a role to play in building cleaner, greener and more sustainable communities. Through their presentations and performances, they encouraged learners and attendees to take responsibility for protecting the environment and making a positive difference in their communities, as well as highlighting the importance of recycling and its impact on the environment.

The representative from the recycling company highlighted the importance of proper waste management systems, explaining that much of what is commonly regarded as waste consists of recyclable materials that can be recovered, reused, and transformed into valuable resources. She explained that many people rely on recycling as a source of income and stressed that these materials should not be viewed as waste.

She further explained that the concept of throwing something “away” is misleading, as waste does not simply disappear but remains on earth for generations. Encouraging a shift in mindset, she challenged attendees to become “waste warriors” by taking responsibility for reducing waste in their communities. Through simple daily actions, such as recycling, reusing materials, and refraining from littering, every individual can contribute to protecting the environment and creating cleaner, more sustainable communities.

In his address, the Garden Route District Municipality’s MMC for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, firstly engaged with the learners and encouraged them with the following words: “Today is your day. You are here not only to participate, but to demonstrate leadership, creativity and responsibility. Through your designs, your performances and your ideas, you have the power to make a difference.”

Referring to the theme of the event, ‘Designing a Greener Future,’ Hoogbaard stated that the future does not simply happen by itself, but is shaped by the decisions we make, the values we uphold and the actions we take every day. He said: “If we want safer communities, cleaner neighbourhoods and a healthier environment, then we must work together to design that future.”

Cllr Hoogbaard encouraged all present to become true leaders, describing leadership as the consistent choice to do what is right, even when no one is watching. “Leadership is picking up litter when others walk past it. Leadership is refusing to take part in vandalism and saying no to crime, drugs and violence.”

In closing, Cllr Hoogbaard challenged all learners to leave the event not only as participants, but as ambassadors for change, urging them to be advocates for cleaner schools, safer streets, healthier environments and stronger, more positive communities.

Judy Westraad, Chairperson of the George Business Chamber, described young people as the future and encouraged adults to support and mentor them so they can one day become successful business owners and leaders. She also unpacked the meaning behind the George Business Chamber’s logo, explaining that its puzzle pieces symbolising how every individual forms part of a greater whole. She further explained  that when everyone plays their part, whether by keeping the environment clean, avoiding littering, or contributing positively to the community they live in, they collectively make a meaningful difference.

A passionate vote of thanks was delivered by SAPS Officer Slinger, who expressed her appreciation to all stakeholders present, with special recognition given to the teachers for their dedication in preparing and supporting the learners. She commended their efforts in ensuring that the learners were ready, focused, and engaged despite the demands of the ongoing examinations.

In closure, Slinger appealed to George Municipal Law Enforcement, local spaza shop owners, and community members present to assist in combating illegal dumping in the community. She encouraged all those present, including the learners, to take a stand, raise their voices, and act as ambassadors by educating others on the importance of cleaner communities and reducing illegal dumping sites. “Otherwise, the future won’t see what we see today,” she said.

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Progress Update 3 on the GRDM Regional Waste Management Facility Construction

Progress Update on the GRDM Regional Waste Management Facility Construction

Update 3:

24 June 2026

Construction activities continue to proceed steadily, with several key components of the project showing significant progress.

Current developments include:

  • The construction of the facility’s concrete roads is underway; this is a critical item for access to commence with disposal.
  • The lining of Cell 1A is continuing as planned.
  • The installation of the permanent perimeter fencing is nearing completion, enhancing security and access control at the facility.
  • Construction works on the leachate and contaminated water dams are ongoing. These structures are essential for the safe collection, storage and management of contaminated water generated at the site.
  • The office block is progressing well and is beginning to take shape as the future administrative hub of the facility.
  • Work on the ablution facilities, the guardhouse, workshop and weighbridge office is also continuing to ensure the necessary support infrastructure is in place for operational requirements.

END

25 May 2026 Progress Update 2 on the GRDM Regional Waste Management Facility Construction

Progress Update 2 on the GRDM Regional Waste Management Facility Construction

25 May 2026

Construction full steam ahead.

The contractor, Civils 2000, appointed for the construction of Phase 1 of the Regional Waste Management Facility, is progressing well. The recent severe weather conditions raised concerns about potential damage and delays; however, the contractor had put measures in place to minimise any impact. No serious damage was reported, and the contractor remains on track with the construction programme despite the adverse conditions.

Construction is approximately 33% complete, and the completion date remains set for 24 February 2027.

Ends

22 April 2026 Media Release: Planet vs. Plastics: Protecting the Garden Route’s Natural Systems and Biodiversity – Theme: “Planet vs. Plastics”

Media Release: Planet vs. Plastics: Protecting the Garden Route’s Natural Systems and Biodiversity – Theme: “Planet vs. Plastics”

22 April 2026

Globally, more than 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced each year, with an estimated 11 million tonnes entering the ocean annually threatening marine life, ecosystems, and biodiversity worldwide. As the world commemorates Earth Day on 22 April 2026, under the theme “Planet vs. Plastics”, this global crisis hits close to home in the Garden Route, where plastic pollution endangers sea turtles, marine birds, estuaries and the rich biodiversity that defines our coastline.

According to Dr Nina Viljoen, GRDM Head: Environmental Management, “plastic is the polar opposite of organic materials, it does not disappear, it accumulates”.

“The Garden Route District’s beaches, lagoons and indigenous fynbos are more than scenic landscapes; they are critical habitats that support the interconnected web of life. Plastic pollution, however, places these natural systems at risk,” said Viljoen.

Impacts on Biodiversity and Ecosystems

The effects of discarded plastics on wildlife in the Garden Route District are both direct and severe. Discarded fishing lines are major causes of death for seabirds and marine mammals, as it creates strong, non-biodegradable, near-invisible traps that remain in the environment for hundreds of years.

“Coastal birds such as gannets, terns, and gulls become entangled in discarded line and plastic fragments while feeding or nesting, reducing their breeding success and survival rates.”

Dr Viljoen says sea turtles often digest plastic bags, mistaking them for jellyfish, which leads to internal injury, starvation, and death. “Microplastics accumulate in estuaries such as Knysna, Wilderness and Swartvlei, disrupting the food chain that supports fish, crabs, mussels and the many species that depend on them”.

The Environmental Impact of Plastics

Plastics persists in the environment for decades, breaking down into smaller fragments that spread through coastal waters, estuaries and soil. In the Garden Route District, this results in direct harm to wildlife and long-term pressure on the natural systems that sustain biodiversity. Plastic accumulates in habitats where turtles’ nest, birds feed, and fish spawn.

Lightweight fragments are carried by wind and tides into remote stretches of coastline and fynbos, while microplastics settle in sediment, where they persist for generations.

Water Quality and Human Health Concerns

As plastics spread in rivers and estuaries, they enter the food web through filter feeders such as mussels and oysters, moving upwards through species that rely on these organisms.

Toxic additives from plastics also leach into waterways, affecting aquatic life and weakening the resilience of estuarine habitats that are already under pressure.

This contamination of water and food webs raises broader concerns for ecosystem and human health. When microplastics and associated chemical pollutants build up in fish and shellfish, such as mussels and oysters harvested along the Garden Route District’s coast, they enter the human food chain.

“Studies have linked these pollutants to hormone disruption and inflammation in wildlife, signalling a risk to the natural resources that communities depend on for food and livelihoods,” said Dr Viljoen.

These impacts extend beyond individual animals to entire ecological communities. As key species decline or change their behaviour, the balance of estuarine and coastal ecosystems is altered. Predator-prey relationships are disrupted, breeding grounds become less viable, and the resilience of habitats such as tidal flats and seagrass beds – which act as nurseries for marine life – is reduced. The loss is not only of species, but of the ecological functions that keep the Garden Route District’s natural systems healthy.

Looking Ahead

Earth Day 2026 serves as a reminder that the fight against plastic pollution is about protecting ecosystems, safeguarding the water resources that wildlife depends on, and preserving the biodiversity that makes the Garden Route District unique. The health of the Garden Route District’s environment is directly linked to the well-being of its communities. By reducing plastic pollution, we protect not only nature, but our shared future.

Join a clean-up event by contacting the GRDM Waste Management Section:

Ms Innocentia Sikweyiya, District Waste Management Officer
Email: Innocentia@edendm.co.za
Tel: +27 (0)44 693 0006

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21 April 2026 Media Release:  Progress Update on the GRDM Regional Waste Management Facility Construction

Media Release:  Progress Update on the GRDM Regional Waste Management Facility Construction

Update 1

21 April 2026

After the termination of the contract with the previous contractor on 05 March 2025 due to poor performance, GRDM re-advertised a new tender (Tender No. GRDM/27/24/-25) for the construction of Phase 1 of the facility. Civils 2000 (Pty) Ltd was subsequently appointed at a contract value of R109 million.

The project site was officially handed over to Civils 2000 on 11 February 2026, with site establishment commencing on 16 February 2026. Construction is currently in full swing, with the contractor progressing according to the pre-approved programme. The anticipated completion date for Phase 1 is 24 February 2027. Upon completion, GRDM will be required to obtain the necessary approvals from licensing authorities before waste disposal operations can commence.

Phase 1 focuses on the development of the minimum required infrastructure to enable the commencement of waste disposal. In the interim, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has approved a further height extension of the PetroSA landfill site, allowing for continued waste disposal while construction is underway.

Phase 2 of the project will be advertised on tender at a later stage and will include the appointment of new consulting engineers and a contractor for the construction of Cell 1B (domestic waste cell). The construction of a hazardous waste cell and associated infrastructure is also still considered to be part of Phase 2 of the project.

GRDM has noted a significant increase in waste disposal volumes generated by participating municipalities. Given the high costs associated with developing landfill sites, residents are encouraged to actively reduce waste by participating in local municipalities source separation and recycling programmes.

A monthly update will be provided about the progress of the project to ensure that the media and residents remain updated about milestones achieved.

Featured Image and above: Activities currently underway at the Regional Landfill Waste Management Facility.

Ends