OPPORTUNITIES: FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TOWARDS FURTHER STUDIES 2025
Applications are invited from students currently receiving tuition at Accredited Learning Institutions and learners who are currently Grade 12 or have passed Grade 12, for financial assistance towards further studies during the 2025 academic year. The financial contribution by GRDM, is restricted to full-time study and attendance at SAQA accredited Tertiary, or TVET institutions. This is ONLY applicable to students whose parents permanently reside within the Garden Route municipal area.
Application forms are available at the GRDM and satellite offices during normal office hours (Monday – Thursday 07:30 – 16:30; Friday 07:30 – 13:30). Application forms are also available from the GRDM’s website.
THE GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY WILL ONLY CONSIDER COMPLETED APPLICATIONS AND IF THE DOCUMENTS MENTIONED BELOW HAVE BEEN INCLUDED.
A detailed Curriculum Vitae and cover letter, application form, and certified copies of the following documentation must be attached: Latest or Grade 12 results or equal qualification; latest examination results of students currently enrolled at tertiary institutions; certified copy of I.D.; affidavit of parents’ combined income and proof of residential address (municipal account).
Please forward the application form and all documents to: Records, Garden Route District Municipality, 54 York Street, P.O. Box 12, George 6530, for attention: Training and Development Section.
For any enquiries, do not hesitate to contact Mr Reginald Salmons at 044 803 1363, Mrs Alvera Josephs at 044 803 1410 or Mrs Nolwando Sambokwe on 044 803 1345 during office
hours.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Should candidates not be contacted within two months of the closing date, they must consider their application as unsuccessful.
Media Release: GRSM’s continues commitment to Skills Development – Occupational Electrician Programme learners inducted
For immediate release 02 September 2024
The Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM), an initiative of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) continues to implement life-changing skills development and training initiatives in the district. These initiatives are designed to empower the unemployed by equipping them with the necessary skills to enter the job market, while also providing employed individuals with opportunities to enhance their career portfolios. These skills not only open doors to better employment but also inspire many to pursue entrepreneurship.
Willie Matthiae, Chief Operational Officer at Africa Skills George Tech, explained the importance of apprenticeship.
Trix Holtzhausen, GRDM Executive Manager: Corporate Services, inspired the group with a word of motivation.
The event was directed by Reginald Salmons, Skills Development Coordinator at GRDM.
Michelle Smith, GRDM Human Resources Manager, explained the importance of electricity in our lives.
On Friday, 16 August 2024, an Induction Session for students of the Occupational Electrician Programme that will be rolled out by the GRDM’s Skills Mecca, in collaboration with the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA), was conducted at the Africa Skills Tech (formerly known as Africa Skills Private College). This program once again proof that the GRSM initiative is thriving, as the programme will equip yet another group of Garden Routers with essential skills needed in the district.
The three-year program is fully funded by LGSETA, with an investment of R55,000 per student, enabling them to complete this comprehensive course. Willie Matthiae, Chief Operational Officer at Africa Skills George Tech, articulated the importance of apprenticeship in all aspects of life. He shared the institution’s vision, stating: “All things you can think about, and all things people do, are linked to apprenticeship. In explaining the vision of the institution, he said: “Our vision is to be George Tech, the specialists in training artisans, an institution that has vast knowledge, skills and background to train the best artisans for this country – being about the skills gab and economy growth”. In addition, he emphasised what the group may accept being part of the programme: “This programme is going to be hard work, commitment, a few blisters, but that is the reality, that is why you want to become artisans. We believe, we as Africa Skills George Tech is the ticket for you to start with the apprenticeship that will lead you into your career,” he added.
Trix Holtzhausen, GRDM Executive Manager for Corporate Services, welcomed the participants with words of encouragement: “You are the chosen ones, fortunate to have this opportunity. Seize it and make the most of it. This is your chance to grow, improve, and move forward”. Holtzhausen further inspired the group by saying: “Be diligent in your efforts and enjoy the journey. Your success is our success—remember, nothing worthwhile comes easy, so it’s essential to work hard”.
Addressing the significance of the program, Michelle Smith, Human Resources Manager at GRDM responsible for Skills Development, highlighted the vital role electricity plays in our daily lives. She said: “Electricity connects us in our everyday lives and how we do business”. Smith made an example regarding “cellphones that you see here cannot be charged without electricity”. Smith further elaborated on the various types of electricity and their importance in maintaining a safe and reliable network. “The network requires a safe and reliable access to electricity to continue with what we do every day”. In closing off her remarks, Smith said: “There are so many innovations and technology that happens in this field that advances every day and for that we need to be adaptable and take those initiatives and transform it into something that we can use. So as the technology and innovation grow, our societies grow, if society grow, our needs grow”. In addition, Smith highlighted to the group that by choosing this career “you are helping to develop these skills in our area and also making a difference in your own lives and in your own communities”.
In her closing remarks, Smith expressed gratitude to all program partners—GRDM, LGSETA, and Africa Skills George Tech—stating, “Thank you for making dreams come true through this initiative.” She ended with a motivational note to the learners, saying, “Embrace this opportunity fully and live it to the fullest.”
Media Release: Seventeen (17) youth from the Garden Route to gain workplace experience through the BIG Hearts initiative
For immediate release 25 July 2024
On Monday, 22 July 2024, a second group of eight young people from the Garden Route district participated in an induction session as part of the YES initiative. The previous group attended their Induction session on 18 July 2024. The YES Initiative in collaboration with the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), offers participants the chance to gain skills through a twelve-month workplace experience program.
The induction sessions were conducted by BIG Hearts and this will prepare participants to understand the objective of the programme before being placed at various municipalities, including Knysna, Mossel Bay and Ladismith municipalities.
Portfolio Chairperson for Property Development and Management at GRDM, Cllr Hilton Stroebel, addressing the participants with a message of motivation.
The contract signing session took place at the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), a stakeholder of this initiative. During the session, the representative from BIG Hearts, Christine van Niekerk, conducted the induction to help participants understand the process, expectations, and details of their contracts.
Witnessing the occasion were GRDM’s Portfolio Chairperson for Property Development and Management, Cllr Hilton Stroebel, within the Integrated Planning and Economic Development Department, as well as the GRDM Manager responsible for Expanded Public Works Programme, Richard Dyantyi, as well as officials from GRDM and Oudtshoorn Municipality.
Cllr Stroebel encouraged the participants in his motivational speech, urging them to seize this opportunity for personal growth and envision a bright future. He concluded by emphasising that this initiative should inspire hope in others who may feel there is no way forward. Stroebel also thanked BIG Hearts for partnering with the municipality, highlighting the importance of such collaborations in providing hope to the youth.
Now all participants are looking forward to being placed in various departments within GRDM and the remaining participants will be assigned to local municipalities in the district, focusing on waste management.
Their monthly remuneration will be funded by the public sector, while GRDM committed to cover the administration costs of all contracts which will officially commence on 1 August 2024.
Feature Image: The second group of participants from across the district with representatives of GRDM’s EPWP Unit, BIG Hearts and Oudtshoorn Municipality after the signing of their contracts at the Induction Session.
Media Release: By Minister Anroux Marais: Work experience opportunities for Youth
For immediate release 11 January 2024
The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, through its Youth and After School Programme Office, is calling for unemployed youth, aged 18-25, to apply to be part of the YearBeyond youth service programme for 2024.
Applications for the education programmes are now open for youth living in the Western and Eastern Cape who meet the criteria. All the education programmes require a matric certificate, and some require minimum marks for Language or Maths.
The YearBeyond programme offers young people the opportunity to get a year of hands-on working experience and build their work readiness competencies, while also giving back to their communities. Commonly known as YeBoneers, successful applicates will be placed either at a school or community hub where they will assist learners and parents.
The Eastern Cape programme is run with funding from the National Government and facilitated by the Western Cape YearBeyond team. The opportunity to provide youth in the Eastern Cape with this experience is an important part of skills development beyond the Western Cape.
The success of the programme is evident as seen from the feedback received from previous years. A total of 96% of participants believe the experience helped them to get to know themselves better and 95% feel the programmed prepared them better for the world of work and study. Encouragingly, between 75% and 78% of Yeboneers have progressed to becoming economically active in the world of employment or study, or a combination of the two, upon finishing the programme.
Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais, said: “I encourage our young people to apply for this opportunity. It is a great programme for our youth which equips them with skills for entering the world of work or study. We want to give our youth a hand up to become successful and active members of society who contribute not only to the economy, but also serve their communities.”
Applications and further information on the education streams are now open via the website: https://www.yearbeyond.org/apply. Applications close on 18 February 2024.
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES: CLOTHING MANUFACTURING PROCESSES NQF LEVEL 1
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in partnership with the Haggai 2v8 Company, are offering an opportunity to 30 unemployed youth (18-35) who wishes to participate in the Skills programme for a period of 6-months.
Minimum requirements include Communication and Numeracy at ABET level 3.
The required documentation to be attached include a CV, certified copy of highest qualification, certified copy of ID, proof of residence and bank statement that are less than 3 months old.
Failure to attach the required documents, will result in the application not being considered.
No faxed application or an application sent to other e- mail addresses other than the email address provided in this advert, will be considered.
KINDLY NOTE THAT DISABLED PERSONS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.
Application process:
Applications must reach Garden Route District Municipality on/or before 13h30 on Friday, 01 September 2023. Please ensure that all required documentation is attached.
If you have not heard from us by 30 September 2023, please consider your application unsuccessful.
The Garden Route District Municipality reserves the right not to make or confirm an appointment.
Construction Management Systems Training for Grades 5-8 Women-owned Businesses
The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) calls on women-owned contractors with 51% shares, registered in grades 5, 6, 7 and 8 within General Building and Civil Engineering classes of works, to apply for Construction Management System (CMS) training. Construction Management System enables a business to implement a framework of processes and procedures to control its construction risks, improve performance and deliver better client value. In the long term, the CIDB will add the CMS standard as criteria for grading on the Register of Contractors.
CMS includes:
Health and Safety Management.
Quality Management; and
Environmental Management (covering air, water, land, and waste).
The CMS training programme is for the business owner or the contractor’s representative. The representative must be a permanent employee. Training will last 12 months and consists of two modules that will be presented at a workshop over five days of classroom sessions, implementing the CMS in the contractor’s organisation with support and a resources website. Prospective applicants will be required to undergo a pre-qualifying selection test.
Selection of successful applicants will be based on the following criteria:
Active CIDB registration in grades 5 to 8 GB and CE.
51% women-owned company.
The participants must be competent to attend an NQF 5-level training course.
Interested and qualifying contractors will only contribute 10% (R2 300,00) towards training, and the 90% will be covered by CIDB through the B.U.I.L.D Fund.
The Application Form can also be downloaded from CIDB website.
Applications can be emailed, hand-delivered or posted to the following addresses: E-mail:malehlohonolom@cidb.org.za Physical address: 01 Gordon Hood Road, Centurion, Pretoria, South Africa Postal address: PO Box 2107, Brooklyn Square, 0075
Media Release: Cater Care students ready to gain practical experience
For Immediate Release 9 December 2022
On Thursday, 8 December 2022, the last intake of the Francois Ferreira Academy (FFA) Cater Care Programme students for 2022 completed their practical training and are now ready to begin the second phase of their training. Their training involve being placed in hospitality establishments in order to gain practical experience during the month of December.
The last intake of Francois Ferreira Academy (FFA) Cater Care Program students for 2022.
During the theoretical training of students.
Earlier this year 223 applications were received from youth across the district who applied to form of the Cater Care Programme. Ninety-four (94) applicants were shortlisted for interviews and in the end, 25 youth were selected to be part of this year’s programme. On 17 October 2022, classes for the last intake of the program began, and the award ceremony will be held in February 2023. The Cater Care is a three (3) month programme providing both theoretical and practical (industry-based) training.
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) through this Cater Care (Food Handler) Training Programme aims to train previously disadvantaged youth in the district, in the hospitality sector. By doing so, the high unemployment rate in the district is being addressed; the unemployed are being trained in Culinary Skills, so they can find employment in local hospitality and tourism companies.
As one of GRDM’s flagship programmes, the Tourism Unit of the District Municipality is responsible for funding the programme, with the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Unit contributing to it as well.
In their last practical assignment, students prepared pastry dough.
Today is Youth Day – Let’s all lead by example
16 June 2022
16 June 1976 was a very dark day for South Africa as many students lost their lives during an uprising against the Apartheid Government who issued a directive that Afrikaans should become the medium of instruction in schools. Students marched peacefully to protest and demonstrate against the Government’s directive but were met with force by heavily armed police, causing the uprising that ended tragically.
Those who lost their lives that day did not do so in vain as they helped to expose the brutality of the Apartheid Government, which received more international revulsion afterward. There are many lessons that 16 June 1976 has taught us, one of which is to lead by example. In other words, show, don’t tell.
Many children and students have already lost hope because of the COVID pandemic, not returning to school, and falling victim to drugs and alcohol abuse. It is up to the entire country to assist Government, NGOs, and parents to turn issues around and break the vicious cycle of hopelessness.
Leading by example can be many things and encouragement is one of them.
Maybe you are someone who fell into the same trap and managed to get out of it. If so, why not share your experiences with someone you know are in need of your positive message? Explain to them the challenges you faced but that it was not impossible. Show them the positive results your actions yielded and if you can, commit yourself to walk a journey with them.
Even if you have not had the unfortunate experience of staying away from school, you can help through encouragement and being there for others.
Remember, this is not something you have to do on your own. Ask your parents, teachers, community and religious leaders for advice.
Follow the example of those who stood together on 16 June 1976 and help rebuild a legacy of a prosperous South Africa.
There is simply no health without oral health according to dentist Dr Dillon Manuel. “Good oral health is one of the most important practices to prevent future pain and discomfort. The role of a dentist is to preserve and prevent oral diseases of teeth, gingiva and supporting structures. With good oral health practices, treating pain and sepsis will not have to be an everyday occurrence. A beautiful smile can be a person’s most inexpensive gift”, he said.
Around 90% of the world’s population will suffer from oral diseases at some point in their lifetime.
The following guidelines are important contributors towards good oral hygiene:
Brush your teeth twice a day – in the morning and before going to bed.
Brushing harder doesn’t clean better. Brushing hard damages the tooth and causes tooth sensitivity.
Floss daily to prevent cavities in between teeth. Brushing alone does not reach these areas.
Brush for at least 2 minutes. Many people brush fast which does not adequately clean the teeth well.
Avoid drinks and foods with high quantity of sugar. This is not only good for oral health but also overall health.
Use toothpaste and mouth wash with fluoride.
Many parents are misinformed about the importance of primary teeth (baby teeth) and therefore neglect their children’s oral hygiene.
Dentist, Dr Julien Joubert explains. “It is very important to brush the teeth of young children because baby teeth become carious (rotten) very quickly. Limit the sugar in the bottle and don’t let them sleep with the bottle. Brush the teeth twice a day. If it comes to the point where one has to extract the baby teeth, the permanent teeth often come out skewed and the smile can be spoiled. It is all preventable and I prefer if they get to me before it is so bad that I have to extract. I prefer to save teeth by doing a filling when possible. The back baby teeth are particularly important and hold space open for the permanent teeth to erupt into”.
Tips for parents for oral hygiene for children:
Use a clean, damp wash cloth (with toothpaste the size of rice grain) to gently wipe clean the first teeth and the front of the tongue, after meals and at bedtime.
Never put your child to bed with bottle or food.
If your child wants to have the bottle or sippy cup in between meals, try to fill it with water only
Avoid giving your children sugary drinks (including juice) or sticky foods.
Visit the dentist as soon as your baby’s first teeth appears.
Shirmone Kriga knows that oral health is important. With her is Dr Julien Joubert and dental assistant Siya Sishuba at her appointment.
Good oral health is also important for your overall health. “Periodontal gum disease creates a portal of entry for bacteria into the bloodstream and some of the bacteria can affect the heart. It can put the body in a pro-inflammatory state which can make the person more susceptible to cardiovascular disease. Periodontal disease can progress very rapidly and if left uncontrolled, all the teeth could be lost. Vitamin C intake is also very important because it is needed to build and maintain the tissues around the teeth”, said Dr Joubert.
The Garden Route district offers oral health services at selected facilities. Please contact your local facility to make an appointment for the next oral health visit.
Opportunities For Unemployed Youth in the Western Cape
13 June 2022
The Western Cape Government has several opportunities for unemployed youth in the province. Please find all the details below, or visit the following link for more information.
Please contact the designated persons on each advertisement/application should you have any queries. Garden Route District Municipality will not be able to answer any queries regarding the adverts.
Media Release: By Minister Anroux Marais: Work experience opportunities for Youth
