MEDIA RELEASE:Paediatric Surge Season: Protecting Young Children from Diarrhoea and Respiratory Illnesses
19 March 2025
As the period between November and May marks the paediatric surge season, healthcare professionals are urging parents and caregivers to remain vigilant in preventing and managing diarrheal and respiratory related disease in young children. Both diarrhoea and pneumonia remain one of the leading health risks for infants and young children, yet it is both treatable and preventable with prompt action.
November 2024 to 3 March 2025 stats shows that 1585 children in the Garden Route district were hospitalised at public hospitals with pneumonia. The First 1000 Days of a childās life presents a crucial window of opportunity to ensure optimal growth and development. One of the most effective ways to safeguard childrenās health during this season is ensuring they are vaccinated on time according to the recommended schedule, which significantly reduces the risk of severe symptoms associated with common paediatric illnesses.
Know the Danger Signs – The Road to Health booklet provides vital information on warning signs that requires urgent medical care. If a child exhibits any of the following, immediate medical attention should be sought:
Persistent coughing and rapid breathing
Inability to feed and presence of fever
Vomiting everything consumed
Diarrhoea( loose ,watery stools ) accompanied by sunken eyes and a swollen fontanelle (soft spot on an infantās head,18 months and younger )
Shaking or convulsions
Signs of malnutrition such as swollen feet and hands
Inability to breastfeed
Lack of movement or response
From November 2024 to 3 March 2025, 1266 children in the Garden Route district under the age of 5 presented with diarrhoea. Of those, 559 children were hospitalised. If a child develops loose stools, immediate administration of an oral rehydration solution or Sugar Salt Solution is advised. This can be prepared by adding half a level teaspoon of salt and eight level teaspoons of sugar to one litre of cooled, boiled water. If breastfeeding, give more frequent and longer breastfeeds at a time.
Recognising Dehydration Symptoms
Parents and caregivers should be aware of the symptoms of dehydration, which include:
Reduced urination
Dry mouth
Few tears when crying
Sunken eyes
Weakness
Severe dehydration is a medical emergency and presents with symptoms such as:
Drowsiness
Pale or mottled skin
Cold hands or feet
Dry nappies
Rapid and shallow breathing
Althea Adams, clinical programme coordinator in the Garden Route: āOur healthcare facilities provide diagnosis and treatment for a range of childhood illnesses. Especially during surge season, our healthcare staff offer valuable guidance on nutrition and encourage families and caregivers to seek medical care as promptly of showing any of the danger signsā.
Parents and caregivers play a vital role in protecting children from the dangers of diarrheal disease and dehydration. Early intervention can save lives and ensuring that children receive the necessary medical attention in time is crucial.
Featured Image Caption: Staff Nurse Jacqueline Howley-January from Plett Town Clinic discussing the sugar-salt solution with patients.
Media Release: Successful Demonstration of Honeybush Retort is good news for Garden Route wild harvesters and small-scale farmers23 February 2025
23 February 2025
Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning recently congratulated the different entities that worked together to make progress with a project to support emerging farmers, wild harvesters and local producers of honeybush herbal infusion in the Garden Route District.
āThis project is another good example of how different government entities can plan, budget, and execute together to the benefit of our residents.ā
The Western Cape Department of Local Government (DLG), Department of Agriculture (DOA), Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), successfully demonstration an innovative honeybush processing unit at the ARC Infruitec/Nietvoorbij facility in Stellenbosch. This technology, developed by ARC, has the potential to be upscaled and rolled out to the agriculture sector, enhancing economic opportunities for local communities.
The Garden Route Agro-processing Support Project aims to strengthen the honeybush tea value chain, and this demonstration marks a significant milestone in the project. At the demonstration event Prof. Bongani Ndimba, the ARC research director, welcomed the stakeholders and provided opening remarks, highlighting the importance of this initiative and its history dated back to 1992. āThis project is part of a broader effort to support Agro-processing and food security in the region. The Garden Route District Municipality has sourced R1 million in funding for the project, which will help to expand production and processing of agricultural products,ā Prof Ndimba said.
Ivan Meyer, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism said: āThe honeybush processing plant is a platform that empowers smallholder farmers and communities. It enables them to access the value chain, which includes packaging and marketing honeybush. Their role is not just significant but integral to the success of this project.
Our support for developing smallholder and commercial propagation of honeybush is not just a standalone initiative. It is backed by the Western Cape Government’s Growth from Jobs Strategy, a testament to the government’s commitment to increasing the contribution of SMMEs to economic growth in the Western Cape.
Our aim is not just to provide affordable honeybush processing to communities, but to stimulate local understanding of the product and health benefits. We are committed to promoting inclusivity in the Honeybush value chain, making everyone feel included and part of a larger community. This commitment will advance a sustainable, resilient, diverse, and prosperous honeybush industry that inspires confidence, hope, and prosperity for all.ā
Garden Route District Municipality Mayor, Andrew Stroebel said: āThis initiative aligns with the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan and the Garden Route Growth and Development Strategy, focusing on expanding Agro-processing capabilities in the region.ā
Project costs of R4 million was shared between the DLG, providing R2 million, and the DOA, also investing R2 million.
The project has three phases: Phase one being the design and construction of the honey bush retort, phase two will be the construction of an Agro-processing hub and the housing infrastructure on land belonging to the Garden Route District Municipality close to the Cango Caves outside Oudtshoorn, and phase three involves branching out to Agri-tourism, with a focus on training tea sommeliers.
ENDS
Photo supplied by Nomkhosi Ngcobo: From left to right:
Minister Anton Bredell; Andrew Stroebel, Executive Mayor for the Garden Route District Municipality; Prof Bongani Ndimba, Research Director at the ARC.
Media Release: Early intervention for speech and hearing
15 July 2024
Speech therapy and audiology services are important interventions when it comes to young children and development. Early intervention is important for children to develop the communication skills needed for their academic and social life.
Western Cape Government Health and Wellness in the Garden Route district has a qualified speech therapist and audiologist who does outreaches to the entire Garden Route District (Kannaland, Oudtshoorn, George, Mossel Bay, Hessequa, Knysna and Bitou).
Speech Therapist Annemie Vogel said: “Our wish is that all caregivers of children ( 0 ā 5 years) come and bring their child for a speech therapy session, even if you are not currently worried about something regarding their speech or feeding. “
Cayden(8) who was nonverbal, has seen great improvement since he started sessions at Uniondale Hospital with Speech Therapist Annemie Vogel. āSince weāve started with sessions at Uniondale Hospital he has made so much progress. The growth that has taken place in my child during this time is incredible. Cayden enjoys every session and because he is a very excited boy, it is always nice for him to visit Miss Vogel. As a parent, I also learn a lot from the speech therapist about how to help my son at home and make it easy for him to express himself freely. I am grateful that I have decided to make speech therapy sessions part of Cayden’s growth and education,” said mother, Caslyn Skosana.
Speech therapy can help with the following:
Stuttering e.g. āM-m-mom I want I want I want the chipsā
Struggling with certain sounds e.g saying ātatā instead of ācatā, or āwedā instead of āredā , not saying a sound correctly or leaving sounds out in words.
Saying less words or sentences than peers or mostly using gestures (like pointing) to communicate.
Difficulty breastfeeding, moving from milk to soft foods or picky eaters.
Difficulty understanding your instructions or words you say to your child.
What to expect in a Speech Therapy session:
The therapist will discuss any concerns the caregiver may have and gather background information and medical history.
Then the therapist will play and interact with their child and look at the child’s strengths and any possible areas of concern.
The therapist will also discuss observations and possible home activities with the caregiver.
Speech Therapist Annemie Vogel with Ivakele Tutu.
Audiology Services
Another important service for early intervention is audiology services. Hearing impacts speech, language, learning, and social skills.
“We want to confirm hearing problems in children as early as possible. Bring your child for an assessment – itās free. I will be able to determine if there is hearing loss, in one or both ears, the type of hearing loss, the severity and the recommendation of hearing aids,” said Audiologist, Nonkululeko Mtolo.
We can help children who:
Need constant repetition when you speak to them.
Need to be close to you to understand.
Often misunderstand what is said to them.
Still have a hearing problem even after being treated for ear infections or ear wax has been removed.
Caregivers can go to their nearest clinic and ask to be referred to an audiologist.
Children aged 0-6 years are referred to George for an assessment.
WESTERN CAPE GOVERNMENT: EXCITING TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNEMPLOYED YOUTH WHO WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE
The Western Cape Government (WCG) Department of Infrastructure is inviting suitably qualified applicants residing in the Garden Route District to apply for Training opportunities in the Construction Sector.
Closing date: 5 July 2024 at 15:00
The Training programme entails:
– Undergoing theoretical and practical training at a public or private TVET college;
– working on a building site; applying health and safety regulations;
– maintaining work areas;
– and undertaking administrative tasks.
PAINTING L3 (Ref. PGR) CARPENTRY L3 (Ref. CGR)
Minimum requirements:
ā¢ Between 18 and 30 years old
ā¢ Resident of the Garden Route District
ā¢ Painting: Grade 10 or TVET equivalent with a pass in Mathematical Literacy
ā¢ Carpentry: Grade 10 or TVET equivalent with a pass in Mathematical Literacy
Media Release: African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak in pigs in George
19 February 2024
Last week, 7 February, a new outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) was confirmed in pigs of small farmers on the outskirts of Groeneweide Park, George. This is the fourth outbreak of this disease in the Garden Route area since 2022. Previously there had been outbreaks in KwaNonqaba and Mossel Bay in 2022 and 2023 which were both resolved; and an outbreak in Thembalethu in 2022 which remains a concern.
It is estimated that about 45 pigs have died thus far with about 250 pigs remaining in the area. The area has been placed under quarantine and community members have been urged to not remove any pigs or pig products from the area to prevent further spread of the disease.
ASF is a virus that affects pigs and there is no vaccination or treatment currently available for the prevention of the disease. Good biosecurity measures remain the best way to protect the pig industry.
The following measures are critical to minimising the spread:
– All carcasses should be disposed of safely;
– Pigs should be confined to prevent roaming and potentially picking up and spreading the disease;
– Hands, shoes, clothing and equipment should be sanitised before and after being in contact with a pig, so people do not spread the virus between animals;
– Any meat products should be thoroughly cooked before being fed to pigs; and
– Farmers should confirm that any purchased pigs are bought from known ASF-free herds.
– ASF virus is specific to pigs and does not affect humans or other species of animals. The public needs to know that pigs slaughtered at abattoirs have undergone meat inspection. Pork products found in supermarkets are safe for human consumption.
Usually, the first signs of an ASF outbreak are the sudden death of pigs. Still, in some cases, other symptoms can include breathing difficulties, redness of the skin, especially underneath the pig and on the ears, hind leg weakness and loss of appetite. Occasionally the pig may also have blood in their faeces and their vomit. Should these signs be seen, please contact your closest State Veterinary Office at https://www.elsenburg.com/veterinary-services/animal-health-and-disease-control/.
The department calls on all pig owners to implement strict biosecurity to protect their livestock from this disease and to call their nearest State Veterinary Office should farmers have any concerns.
Media Release: Mental Wellness in the spotlight in Kannaland
For Immediate Release 7 November 2023
Life can be really tough at times, and we need to know how we can improve our own mental wellness.Ā In light of Mental Health Awareness Month, mental wellness outreaches were done in Kannaland aimed to start the conversation around mental wellness.
Several outreaches took place in October in Zoar, Calitzdorp and Ladismith.
Dennis Jacobs from Zoar is outspoken when it comes to especially men and mental wellness. āIt doesnāt make you less of a man to talk about your problems,ā he said.
Younger men also joined the conversation.
Bboy Da Vinci, a local entertainer from Oudtshoorn, said that dancing gives him purpose. āDancing gives me purpose to life every day; it is my way of expressing myself. When I dance, nothing else matters,ā he said.
Speaking on the importance of these mental wellness outreaches, psychologist Estelle Crause said: āItās important for people to be made aware of how they can take care of their mental wellness and where they can go if they feel they might need help. This is why we do these outreaches, itās to bring awareness to our communities.ā A psychiatrists, registered councillor and mental health nurse do rotational visits to clinics in the subdistrict.
Mental wellness is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through to adulthood. Estelle spoke on what you can do to help improve your mental wellness. āNutrition plays an important role in maintaining mental wellness and preventing the onset of mental health disorders. I always tell my patients to eat foods that are high in L-tyrosine such as chicken, fish, cheese, bananas and milk.
āItās really important to spend some time outdoors too. Going for walks in nature or doing some exercises or just soaking up some sunrays for a few minutes a day is beneficial to our bodies. A sense of mental well-being also supports our immune system, thus our physical health and vice versa,ā Estelle said.
For those who struggle with getting enough sleep, she said: āItās important to be mindful of your evening routine if you want to get a good nightās rest. Limit coffee, alcohol and sugar at night as well as screen time. Have an evening routine that calms your nervous system gradually and try to avoid strenuous exercise before bed because this boosts your body temperature and all those feel-good chemicals which might keep you awake a little longer.ā
We also need to make time for ourselves and do things that we enjoy. Jadon Moses from Ladismith knows that we need to do things that makes us happy. āMaking music helps me,ā said the young musician.
Every individual can take meaningful steps toward better mental wellness. If you feel you might be suffering from a mental health condition, you can go to your local clinic or make contact with the organizations below.
Where to get support:
If you are a learner experiencing abuse, and/or need advice or counselling support, you can call the Western Cape Education Departmentās Safe Schools toll free hotline on 0800 45 46 47.
Need help or advice about relationships, sex, pregnancy, or your body? Send a āplease call meā to 083āÆ323 1023 to speak to a trained health expert, call 0800 121 900 or visit bwisehealth.com
Feel alone, overwhelmed, or anxious? Get free help from the Cipla Mental Health Helpline. Speak to a trained counsellor. Send a SMS to 31393 (24/7), call 0800 456āÆ789 (24/7) or WhatsApp 076āÆ882 2775 (8AM ā 5PM)
Did you know you can call the free 24/7 emergency suicide helpline for help? Speak to a trained counsellor that you can trust. Call 0800 567āÆ567 any time of the day or night.
Featured image caption: From left: Claudel-Draai – Health Promotion, Misida – Registered Councillor and Estelle Krause – Psychiatrist
Media Release:Ā Discussions on creating hope with urgency
For Immediate Release 16 October 2023
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Integrated Development Planning, Intergovernmental Relations and Public Participation Unit reactivated the Citizen Interface Programme on 11 October 2023 in partnership with the Department of Local Government. Ā Ā This was a full-day interactive session at the GRDM offices in George.
The programme aims to give hope to neglected communities with urgency, through bridging the gap between government and citizens in deep rural areas where communities feel forgotten.Ā The Citizen Interface Programme will focus on the lack of opportunities in some of the former District Management Areas (DMAs), Old church settlements, and other spaces. This programme follows a whole of society approach which is also aligned with the Joint District and Metro Approach.Ā
During the engagement, the current Citizen Interface Programme was reviewed, and the different programmes and activities that could be used to restart and assist the Citizen Interface program was identified.
Among the stakeholders who attended the engagement were officials from the Western Cape Department of Health, Social Development, Government Communication and Information System, and local municipalities in the district.
Participants from different sectors engaged in interactive discussion to find ways to restart the Citizen Interface Programme.
Speech by Alderlady Iona Kritzinger at the District Export Campaign
21 July 2023
The Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism is rolling out a province-wide Export Awareness Campaign. Today it is the Garden Route’s turn. Alderlady Iona Kritzinger delivered the official welcome at the event. The programme includes the Provincial Growth for Jobs Strategy, Export portal, complexity mapping tool, existing commodities, and presentations by various DTIC, IDC, SEDA, SEFA, DoA and Exporters Club.
One critical goal of the Growth for Jobs Strategy of the Western Cape is to, by 2035, ensure that the Western Cape will be an R1 trillion inclusive economy and in percentages, it means growing at between 4% and 6% per annum. This will be achieved by enabling a competitive business environment in which growth is driven through business exploiting opportunities. We have to triple exports by 2035!
Speech at the Export Awareness Dialogue by Alderlady Iona Kritzinger on 21 July 2023
Distinguished guests, delegates, and fellow colleagues,
On behalf of the Garden Route District Municipality, I extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you gathered here today for this crucial session on broadening our understanding of exporting and the opportunities the Western Cape holds for you.
For nearly a decade, our municipality has shown its unwavering dedication to fostering the growth of exports from our region. Today, as we focus on implementing interventions identified in our Growth and Development Strategy’s key strategic areas, our commitment to furthering export initiatives is stronger than ever.
In 2018, we took a bold step by hosting our regionās first Investment Conference. During this momentous event, we welcomed esteemed business delegations from countries like China and Sweden. The conference served as a platform to explore niche products unique to our region, such as honeybush and buchu, and to discover potential business opportunities for exporting.
Following the conference, we launched the Export Readiness Assessment Programme in 2018. This program aimed to support businesses already producing products with export potential. We appointed an export consultant who conducted one-on-one business assessments, paving the way for 4 of these companies to become successful exporters of their respective products today.
As a District Municipality, we remain steadfast in our commitment to this objective, and we are actively engaged in partnerships that further promote export development. Our collaboration with Wesgro on the Export Development Programme and our joint efforts with the Departments of Agriculture and Local Government on the Garden Route Agro-processing Support Programme exemplifies our dedication.
Your presence here today reflects the shared commitment to the growth of our region’s exports. I wish you all fruitful and productive deliberations throughout this day. Together, let us seize the opportunities that lie ahead and propel our district towards a prosperous future ā as our slogan reads ā Garden Route District Municipality is āyour route to prosperityā.
Media release:Ā Garden Route District hosts its 2nd Safer Schools Conference
For Immediate Release
23 March 2023
On March 18, 2023, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) hosted the second Safer School Conference in Plettenberg Bay in collaboration with 7 b-municipalities, the Western Cape Department of Community Safety, and the South African Police Services (SAPS) and several school representatives ā including learners and principals. There were also a few community organisations present, such as neighbourhood watches and community policing forums.
During the Safer School Conference, the hall was packed with delegates.
Safer Schools encompasses a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach, with numerous stakeholders working together to promote school safety and reduce the prevalence of violence. A game-changer objective of the event was to link schools with local police stations in order to raise awareness among children about crime and violence and their impact on individuals, families, and education..Ā Also, to influence, train, and equip learners, families, teachers, and community members with effective partnership knowledge that will encompass a holistic approach to how the school operates in terms of safety.
The interactive program of the day included addresses from a number of remarkable speakers, including GRDM’s Executive Mayor, Alderman Memory Booysen, who once again inspired learners with his own story of growth.Ā The other speakers also conveyed their messages, which included, the impact of substance abuse; crime at school; and gang-related issues, to the audience in an incredibly simple, but informative and understandable manner, encouraging participants to form a coalition with government and community stakeholders and reduce crime.
Alderman Memory Booysen, GRDM Executive Mayor, delivered the keynote address during the conference.
Substance abuse was discussed by Dr Reuter from the WC Department of Health.
A speech by former prisoner Micheal Dlamini, who served over forty years in prison, was one of the highlights of the conference. Dlamini urged children to listen to their parents as well as elders in the community when they say NO. Also, they choose their friends wisely. āGangsterism is not easy, and prisons are not good. Stop disrespecting your teachers – STOP bad habits.”
During the second segment of the program, there was much excitement and it was clear that the topics were something school-goers encountered every day. Five break-away groups were created addressing the following topics:
–Ā Social media impact
–Ā Impact of substance abuse
–Ā Gender-based violence
–Ā Gang-related issues
– Ā Sexual crimes and teenage pregnancies
All the learners present formed part of the different groups and āgrow-upsā were amazed by the knowledge, eagerness and confidence they portrayed.Ā Also, the curiosity in asking questions and feedback provided, was also a clear sign that the message reached them and they learned a lot through the conference.
During the closing remarks and vote of thanks, it was evident that partnerships are essential for addressing the topics discussed. Also that the success of this type of program depends on the cooperation of all stakeholders, from the government to sector departments, to communities and their leaders.Ā The importance of parenting also came to the fore, and the organisers were tasked with developing a program that would equip parents with the tools they need to succeed. The group discussions also identified other issues that needed to be addressed in future programmes that arose as shortcomings.Ā In order to ensure the success of the event, the outcomes of the day need to be channeled to the correct people. Ā In conclusion, the audience was reminded that a lot of knowledge was placed in their hands during the event, but that each person has a choice, and it is up to them to do the right thing with it.
Some of the learners with GRDM and Bitou political leaders.
A presentation on crimes at schools was given by Mr Jonkers, District Director of the Department of Education.
Interaction between the GRDM Executive Mayor and the various stakeholders.
Leaders from different sectors of the community.
A few of the students with their teacher and the GRDM Executive Mayor.
The gatering was also attended by councillors from Bitou Municipality.
Leaders from different sectors of the community.
A presentation was given by Mr. Lose from GRDM on the compilation of Community Safety Forums in the district.
GRDM Executive Mayor and Bitou Pastor Hewu.
Learners reported back on their breakaway groups.
Learners reported back on their breakaway groups.
Learners reported back on their breakaway groups.
The program of the day was directed by Ms Pamela Lufele, the Chief Audit Executive of GRDM.
Different topics were discussed in a break-away group.
Different topics were discussed in a break-away group.
Different topics were discussed in a break-away group.
Different topics were discussed in a break-away group.
Different topics were discussed in a break-away group.
A few of the students with their teacher and the GRDM Executive Mayor.
Media Release: State-of-the-Art Regional Fire Station expected by June 2023
For immediate release 4 November 2022
Wednesday, 2 November 2022, marked a major milestone for the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) when the first sod was turned for its regional fire station, which will be built on erven 22494 & 22495 (5 877 m2) in the Tamsui Industria area in George. Construction of the R11, 6 million fire station will commence on 15 November 2022 if the weather conditions permits. Of the grand total, R3 million was provided by the Western Cape Department of Local Government and George Municipality donated two properties, to be consolidated as one, as well as waived the development charges for the properties.
The sod-turning ceremony was attended by several Garden Route District Executive Mayors.
GRDM Municipal Manager Monde Stratu welcomed guests at the historic event.
This historic event was attended by the regionās Executive Mayors, Municipal Managers, Chief Fire Officers, representatives of the principle agent which will oversee the construction process, representatives from the construction firm appointed to construct the facility, stakeholders in integrated fire management throughout the District, representatives from the Western Cape Department of Local Government (WCDLG) Disaster Management and Fire & Rescue Services , and most importantly, the 40 GRDM firefighters which will receive a lasting home from which operations will be based from. The facility will also have a specially incorporated component which will make provision for housing a specialised wildland firefighting ground crew.
During his address, Monde Stratu Municipal Manager referred to the day as the culmination of a very lengthy process, given the difficulties of engaging in supply chain processes and raising capital. He extended a word of gratitude to the George Municipality for availing the land for the long-awaited fire station, and for waiving the property’s service fees. āThis is a demonstration that whatever happens in cooperative governments or societies, we have a responsibility to work together.ā
Furthermore, Stratu thanked the WCDLG for contributing 3 million rand to assist GRDM towards the project.Ā In his conclusion, he stated that the gathering served as a symbolic event where all stakeholders came together to witness and celebrate a regional fire station which will belong to the region.
Clive Africa, Executive Manager of the GRDM Community Services under which the Fire Services reside, provided an overview of the history, background and origin of the GRDM fire services, which were established by volunteers in 1987. Initially, there were 14 fire fighters who managed the entire Garden Route District in terms of Firefighting and Disaster Management.
Clive Africa gives a brief but concise summary of the origins of GRDM Fire Services.
Colin Deiner, Western Cape Department of Local Government Chief Director: Disaster Management
In his opening remarks, Alderman Leon van Wyk, Mayor of George Municipality, expressed his gratitude to his Council for approving the decision to avail the land to GRDM. He referred to MM Stratuās comments about the waiving of the development charges and explained that in his opinion, the development charges are a type of debate that all municipalities are grappling with – a contentious and complex matter.
According to Ald. van Wyk, the George Municipal Council has adopted a policy previously known as capital contributions that has escalated due to the revised land use legislation that was passed recently.Ā In accordance with legal advice to his Council, site-specific development charges should be investigated and municipalities had to develop a structure within those development charges to fund future infrastructure replacement costs. In closing, Alderman Van Wyk referred to the challenges of climate change in the world. He stated that according to scientists, the Garden Route is susceptible to wind damage and all the risks that come with it.
Colin Deiner, WCDLG Chief Director:Ā Disaster Management, informed the audience about the Western Cape Fire Service Capacity Building Grants offered by the Disaster Management Fire & Rescue Services.Ā He gave an overview of their origins and how grants are allocated each year.
Deiner explained that they assessed the number of trained firefighterās municipalities have; as without the right people and the right training, it is of no use. He continues to explain, that in 2014, only 14% of firefighters in the Western Province were trained to the required level, but just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, this number had gone up to 95%.Ā He mentioned the possibility of putting together a Garden Route District flood task-force. The idea would be to place an equipment cache in the Garden Route, in an attempt to train people from across the province and if a flood situation occurs in the Garden Route or another province needs assistance, help can be offered by trained people from across the province.
During his keynote address, Executive Mayor for GRDM, Ald. Memory Booysen commended the Executive Mayor of Hessequa Municipality with the following words: āMayor Riddles, you are my hero. You are one of the few mayors who annually allocate funds for your fire department. Whether it is a hazmat vehicle, a LDV skid unit, or a ladder, there is always something in there for your fire department. This is something I admire about you, and I want to follow suit.”
Ald. Memory Booysen, GRDM Executive Mayor, delivered the keynote address at the sod-turning ceremony.
Ald. Leon van Wyk, Executive Mayor of the George Municipality.
He encouraged the ‘men and women’ in Disaster Management and Fire Services to continue to protect lives and property.Ā āContinue to be the toughest fire fighters in the Western Cape and in South Africa.ā
During the vote of thanks, GRDM’s Deputy Executive Mayor, Advocate Gert van Niekerk said: āWe are all part of history today; and in the years to come, we will be able to come here and tell whoever is here at the station that we were here on this historic day.ā
He further said that the example set between the GRDM and its allies, the George Municipality and Provincial Government to ensure the success of this project, is a true road to follow in future joint-ventures to serve in the best interest of not only George, but the broader Garden Route District.Ā This is an example of what can be accomplished when a true commitment is shown between entities to work together.
Deon Stoffels, the newly appointed Fire Chief for GRDM.
The vote of thanks was delivered by GRDM’s Deputy Executive Mayor, Advocate Gert van Niekerk.
According to Deon Stoffels, GRDM Chief Fire Officer, the long-awaited fire station is essential to the GRDM Fire Services in fulfilling its statutory mandate and diverse set of functions.Ā For the GRDM to have its own fire station is a considerable upgrade for the institution, especially one built according to required National Regulations and Standards for fire station buildings. The proposed state of the art fire station facility will be furnished with overhead automotive roll-up doors, a traditional firefighter sliding pole, a backup electricity generator, firefighters sleeping quarters and a fully equipped gym.Ā The facility will also be an investment in Council infrastructure and its asset base. āFrom the onset we also wanted to go the extra mile to provide firefighting staff with several additional features because they spend the majority of their days here, with the intent of ensuring their physical and mental well-being.ā
