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31 March 2026 Media Statement: Garden Route District Municipality concludes Human Settlements Unit after delivering key housing milestones

Media Statement: Garden Route District Municipality concludes Human Settlements Unit after delivering key housing milestones

31 March 2026

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) formally concluded the work of its Human Settlements Unit today, 31 March 2026.

According to Lusanda Menze, the GRDM Executive Manager for Integrated Planning and Economic Development: “The Unit was established in 2021 through a Memorandum of Agreement with the provincial government to strengthen the delivery of affordable housing programmes across the Garden Route district. Over its operational period, the GRDM was able to strategically coordinate and support seven local municipalities, focusing on long-term planning, partnerships, and unlocking housing opportunities.”

Over the past five years, the Human Settlements Unit achieved several important milestones that will continue to benefit the region:

  • The development and adoption of an Integrated Human Settlements Strategic Plan, including annual reviews and alignment across municipalities.
  • Approval of the Human Settlements Sector Plan, providing a comprehensive pipeline of housing programmes and projects across the district.
  • Submission of an Accreditation Business Plan aligned to national frameworks, supported by several local municipalities.
  • Development and Council approval of an Incentives Policy Framework to support affordable housing delivery by local municipalities.
  • Contribution to the review and amendment of the district’s Spatial Development Framework.
  • Creation of a district-wide housing demand database, with over 1 500 applicants registered for social housing and home ownership opportunities.

Transition and continuation of work

“The Human Settlements Sector Plan and Incentives Policy Framework will be handed over to the WCG DOI to ensure continued implementation. The Spatial Development Framework will remain with GRDM as part of its ongoing planning mandate,” said Menze.

Commitment to sustainable human settlements

According to Mayor Marais Kruger, the establishment of the Human Settlements Unit marked an important step in positioning the Garden Route as a proactive partner in addressing housing challenges, particularly within the affordable housing market segment, which has historically been under-served.”

“The conclusion of the Unit’s operational phase does not mark an end, but rather a transition,” he said. “The solid foundation built by the GRDM with regards to strategic planning, strong partnerships, and progressive policy development, will continue to guide and support housing delivery across the Garden Route.”

Kruger added that GRDM remains committed to working hand-in-hand with provincial and local stakeholders to expand access to housing opportunities and build more inclusive communities for all residents.

ENDS

20 November 2025 Media Release: 2025 Western Cape Investment Summit Showcases Transformative Opportunities for the Garden Route

Media Release: 2025 Western Cape Investment Summit Showcases Transformative Opportunities for the Garden Route

20 November 2025

The 2025 Western Cape Investment Summit was hosted at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 5 to 7 November 2025, bringing together local, national, and international investors with high-impact projects poised to accelerate economic growth in the province. Representing the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), Richard Dyantyi and Natalie Raubenheimer from the Integrated Planning and Development Section attended the three-day summit, engaging with investors and highlighting the region’s investment potential.

Anchored by the theme “Catalysing Growth, Connecting Opportunities,” the summit serves as a meticulously crafted deal-making platform designed to attract both foreign direct investment (FDI) and domestic direct investment (DDI).

In a pre-summit statement, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde emphasised the significance of the event: “The summit is vital to accelerating economic growth in our province and creating the jobs our communities need. It is an opportunity to showcase the Western Cape’s investment-ready projects and attract the capital that will drive transformation.”

Eight Transformative Sectors for Investment

The summit highlighted projects across eight key sectors:

  1. Green Economy & Sustainability: Renewable energy projects (solar, wind, hybrid) and innovations in water resilience.
  2. Technology & Digital Innovation: Opportunities in FinTech, digital infrastructure, and e-commerce, leveraging Africa’s thriving tech      ecosystem.
  3. Manufacturing & Industry: Advanced production, marine engineering (blue economy), and aerospace innovation.
  4. Agribusiness & Food Systems: Export-driven horticulture and agri-tech advancements.
  5. Logistics & Warehousing: Smart warehousing, multimodal transport, and cold chain logistics solutions.
  6. Tourism & Experiential Economy: Reinforcing the Western Cape as a premier global travel destination.
  7. Property & Retail: Nearly half of South Africa’s commercial property investment in retail has been directed to the Western Cape in        recent years.
  8. Creative Industries: Cape Town’s film and media sector contributes an estimated R5 billion annually to the local economy, creating over 35,000 jobs.

Streamlined Investment Processes

The summit provided mechanisms to simplify regulatory frameworks and fast-track approvals, with a dedicated regulatory forum allowing direct engagement between investors and government facilitators.

Representatives from the Garden Route District, including officials from GRDM and the municipalities of George, Hessequa, and Mossel Bay, actively engaged with investors to showcase the district’s growing potential. On the final day, the GRDM team attended presentations by the Department of Economic Development & Tourism, Department of Infrastructure and logistics by Transnet Ports and Freight Rail amongst other sessions. The Garden Route district stand drew investors already planning projects in water management and industrial park development. Premier Winde visited the GRDM team during the summit, praising the Garden Route for its strong representation and commitment to drawing investment to the region.

Garden Route Investment Highlights

A key feature with direct impact on the Garden Route was Investment Overview #3, focusing on Target Projects by RW Architects & Condorgreen Holdings. The investment pledge includes six estate developments covering 213 hectares across the Southern Cape, Garden Route, and Overberg regions, with an estimated CAPEX of R5.1 billion over the next six years.

The projects will result in the creation of 3,669 new residential units designed with a regenerative ethos through RootedEARTH, an innovative approach integrating digital technology, ethical AI, biophilic and regenerative design, and real estate economics into a cohesive development ecosystem.

According to Richard Dyantyi, the 2025 Western Cape Investment Summit highlighted the province’s readiness for investment while positioning the Garden Route as a strategic hub for sustainable, transformative economic growth.

Featured image, from left to right (FLTR): Natalie Raubenheimer – GRDM Senior District Economic Development Officer; Alan Winde – Western Cape Premier; Mahlatse Phosa – Director: Town and Spatial Planning, LED & Tourism, George Municipality; and Richard Dyantyi – Manager: Tourism, District Economic Development, Job Creation & EPWP.

GRDM official engaging with delegates during the 2025 Western Cape Investment Summit, hosted at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

-END-

18 November 2025: NCOP Provincial Week, Opening and Welcoming Remarks by Ald. Marais Kruger

National Council of Provinces: Provincial Week 

Opening and Welcoming Remarks on 18 November 2025

Executive Mayor Ald. Marais Kruger

Good morning,

Honourable Premier, Hon. Alan Winde,

Honourable Members of the NCOP Delegation,

Members of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament,

MECs, Councillors, Municipal Managers,

Distinguished guests, officials, and stakeholders,

Ladies and gentlemen, a very warm welcome to the Garden Route District Municipality.

It is an honour for us to host this important engagement as part of the NCOP Provincial Week 2025. On behalf of the Garden Route District Municipality, I extend a sincere word of welcome to every delegate and stakeholder who has travelled to our beautiful region to participate in this crucial programme.

This week’s engagements remind us of the importance of cooperation between all spheres of government, National, Provincial, and Local, to address the service delivery challenges that directly affect the lives of our residents. Together, we share one goal: to strengthen municipalities so that every household in our province can experience reliable, efficient, and dignified basic services.

The Garden Route District is a region of great potential, blessed with natural beauty, vibrant communities, and economic promise. Yet, like many other regions, we face challenges that require partnership, innovation, and accountability. I am encouraged that this Provincial Week provides a platform for honest reflection, practical solutions, and shared learning between municipalities and government departments.

Today’s discussions will focus on how we can collectively improve the state of municipalities, strengthen leadership and governance, and accelerate the delivery of essential infrastructure such as water, sanitation, housing, and roads. These are not just service delivery targets, they are the building blocks of hope, opportunity, and stability in our communities.

As the Garden Route District Municipality, we remain fully committed to working hand in hand with our local municipalities – George, Knysna, Mossel Bay, Bitou, and others, as well as with our provincial and national partners to ensure that our residents experience tangible improvements in their daily lives.

Let us approach today’s session with openness, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose. Together, we can continue building a stronger, more resilient, and inclusive Garden Route and Western Cape.

Once again, welcome to the Garden Route, where we strive to serve with integrity, inspire progress, and deliver results for our communities.

 Thank you.

 

19 March 2025 MEDIA RELEASE: Paediatric Surge Season: Protecting Young Children from Diarrhoea and Respiratory Illnesses

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 child’s life presents a crucial window of opportunity to ensure optimal growth and development. One of the most effective ways to safeguard children’s 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 infant’s 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: “Our 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 signs”.

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.

-END-

Nadia Ferreira
Communication Officer
Western Cape Government Health and Wellness
Tel: 044 813 1831
Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za
Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

23 February 2025 Media Release: Successful Demonstration of Honeybush Retort is good news for Garden Route wild harvesters and small-scale farmers

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.

“This project is another good example of how different government entities can plan, budget, and execute together to the benefit of our residents.”

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. “This 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,” Prof Ndimba said.

Ivan Meyer, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism said: “The 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.”

Garden Route District Municipality Mayor, Andrew Stroebel said: “This 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.”

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.

15 July 2024 Media Release: Early intervention for speech and hearing

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 – 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. “Since we’ve 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. “M-m-mom I want I want I want the chips”
  • Struggling with certain sounds e.g saying “tat” instead of “cat”, or “wed” instead of “red” , 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 – it’s 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.

Feature Image Caption: Audiologist Nonkulukelo Mtolo assessing Mr-Sydney Bomsi.

-END-

Nadia Ferreira

Principal Communications Officer

Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts

Western Cape Government Health

Tel: 044 813 1831

Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za

Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

Western Cape Government Notice: Exciting Training Opportunities for Unemployed Youth who want to make a difference

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:
• Between 18 and 30 years old
• Resident of the Garden Route District
• Painting: Grade 10 or TVET equivalent with a pass in Mathematical Literacy
• Carpentry: Grade 10 or TVET equivalent with a pass in Mathematical Literacy

Register online: https://sayouth.mobi/Home/Index/EN

• Successful candidates will be informed by 13 September 2024.

19 February 2024 Media Release: African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak in pigs in George

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.

Expert Advice

Dr Leana Janse van Rensburg

State Veterinarian: George

Western Cape Department of Agriculture

Cell: 083 797 0010

Email: Leana.JanseVanRensburg@westerncape.gov.za

07 November 2023 Media Release: Mental Wellness in the spotlight in Kannaland

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. 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. ‘It doesn’t make you less of a man to talk about your problems,’ he said.

Younger men also joined the conversation.

Bboy Da Vinci, a local entertainer from Oudtshoorn, said that dancing gives him purpose. ‘Dancing gives me purpose to life every day; it is my way of expressing myself. When I dance, nothing else matters,’ he said.

Speaking on the importance of these mental wellness outreaches, psychologist Estelle Crause said: ‘It’s 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, it’s to bring awareness to our communities.’ 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. ‘Nutrition 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.

‘It’s 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,’ Estelle said.

For those who struggle with getting enough sleep, she said: ‘It’s important to be mindful of your evening routine if you want to get a good night’s 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.’

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. ‘Making music helps me,’ 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 Department’s Safe Schools toll free hotline on 0800 45 46 47.
  • Need help or advice about relationships, sex, pregnancy, or your body? Send a ‘please call me’ to 083 323 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 456 789 (24/7) or WhatsApp 076 882 2775 (8AM – 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 567 567 any time of the day or night.

Featured image caption: From left: Claudel-Draai – Health Promotion, Misida – Registered Councillor and Estelle Krause – Psychiatrist

END

Nadia Ferreira

Principal Communications Officer

Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts

Western Cape Government Health

Tel: 044 813 1831

Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za

Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

16 October 2023 Media Release: Discussions on creating hope with urgency

Media Release:  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.   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.  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. 

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.

-End-