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09 June 2025 Public Notice: GRDM Top Layer Service Delivery & Budget Implementation Plan (SDBIP) open for public perusal and comment

Public Notice: GRDM Top Layer Service Delivery & Budget Implementation Plan (SDBIP) open for public perusal and comment

09 June 2025

Notice is hereby given that the Garden Route District Municipality’s SDBIP is available for public perusal and comments for 14 days, ending 23 June 2025.

All questions and recommendations must be directed to:
GRDM Manager: Performance Management, Ms Ilse Saaiman
Tel: 044-803 1300 / E-mail: pms@gardenroute.gov.za.

Click here and download the document

Click here to download the Official Notice

08 June 2025 Media Release: World Ocean Day 2025: Protecting the Garden Route District’s Coastline

Media Release: World Ocean Day 2025: Protecting the Garden Route District’s Coastline

8 June 2025

World Ocean Day, celebrated annually on 8 June, is a global event focused on promoting ocean conservation and awareness. In 2025, the theme is “Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us”. It is a day for humanity to celebrate and support the life and the livelihood that the ocean sustains, and puts the spotlight on biodiversity and the interconnectivity between the ocean and its ecosystems.

This year’s celebration is also the second year of a multi-year action theme: “Catalyzing Action for Our Ocean & Climate”. We face some of the greatest threats ever to our blue planet and all its inhabitants: the climate and biodiversity crises. It is all too clear that we need a healthy ocean for a stable climate, and we need significantly stronger local action from government authorities, corporate leaders and the public.

“For the Garden Route District, which includes amongst others local municipalities of Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, and Bitou, this day is especially meaningful. Our region covers over 300km of coastline, the district is home to rich marine ecosystems, vital fisheries, tourism hotspots, and culturally significant estuaries”, said GRDM Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel.

”Our exquisite coastline supports local economies and livelihoods, but it also faces increasing threats. Climate change, coastal erosion, pollution, and overuse of marine resources are intensifying. The GRDM has therefore responded by updating its Garden Route District Coastal Management Programme and Climate Change Adaptation Plans to include these emerging and increasingly severe challenges to guide municipalities in safeguarding the coast and improving community resilience.”

According to Dr Nina Viljoen, GRDM Head: Environmental Management, “the Garden Route district, being a coastal region, is particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts like sea-level rise and its effects on coastal infrastructure and the local economy”.

“The theme is therefore highly relevant to the district’s coastal environment, and highlights the ocean’s vital role and our duty to manage its resources sustainably. Citizens, municipalities, NGOs, and businesses must work together to conserve our ocean.”

The efforts within the district to conserve and protect our ocean includes the establishment of the Stilbaai, Goukamma, Robberg and Tsitsikamma Marine Protection Areas (MPAs). These MPA’s, along with the UNESCO Garden Route and Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserves, contribute to the protection of the area’s rich marine life and natural beauty.

The Garden Route District Municipality is also celebrating the World Ocean Day, and the World Environmental Month, through its Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) Climate Change and Environmental Management Indaba, which will take place on 27 June 2025 at the Nelson Mandela University’s George Campus. Among the dynamic knowledge sharing presentations which can be expected, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment will share their latest Southern Oceans Research information and data analysis results, which will reveal the drastic impacts of climate change on our ocean.

Other initiatives within the district which contributes to ensuring sustainable ocean resources and ecosystems, includes the work of the Hessequa Municipality, which is taking action to prioritise estuary protection, and is actively implementing the National Estuarine Management Protocol along with the other responsible stakeholders. The Mossel Bay Municipality also is making a difference to marine conservation and the lives of the youth by working in collaboration with the IOceans Trust and community to promote sustainable practices, and to run youth marine education and conservation projects.

With the serious challenge of sea level rise and storm surges along our coastline, the George Municipality is endeavouring to ameliorate the serious challenge of coastal encroachment and coastal infrastructural and coastal sensitive area damages, due to climate change impacts, by developing Coastal Erosion Guidelines, particularly for high-risk areas such as Wilderness. The Knysna Municipality is also continuing its efforts to protect its world-renowned estuary, which has been re-designated as a global marine “Hope Spot.” The Plettenberg Bay Municipality is collaborating with the Plett Ocean Smart initiative, which is a public/private initiative with key stakeholders from the greater Plett area, with the main objective to establish awareness and safety protocols related to the ocean and other waterways throughout the Bitou area.

As a symbol of excellent water quality, safety, security, sound environmental management, and accessibility, twenty of the pristine beaches within the Garden Route district have been awarded Blue Flag Status, and three were awarded pilot Blue Flag status, in 2024 by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), in partnership with coastal municipalities and private entities. Blue Flag status beaches are classified as important bird and biodiversity Areas (IBA) by Birdlife South Africa.

These efforts all highlight the value of key organisational, stakeholder and community involvement. Public participation, sustainable resource use, and inclusive access to the coastline are central to the GRDM’s strategy. Initiatives also promote economic opportunities in coastal stewardship, especially for youth and disadvantaged groups.

Call to Action

World Oceans Day is not just about celebration—it’s about action. It is a day for humanity to celebrate and support the life and the livelihood that the ocean sustains and puts the spotlight on biodiversity and the interconnectivity between the ocean and its ecosystems.

The 2025 World Ocean Day action theme, ”Wonder, sustaining what sustains us”, reminds us of our deep connection to the sea, and how this awe is a powerful catalyst for action. It’s a call to step up, scale up, and spark real change. Whether through education, beach clean-ups, or responsible tourism, or reducing pollution at the source before it ever reaches the ocean – every effort matters. you’re not just protecting marine life – you’re also building local resilience to climate change.

As the Garden Route district faces the future, it must do so with one clear message: protecting our ocean means protecting our people, our heritage, and our shared prosperity. Let’s act together – for one ocean, one climate, one future.

Feature image: A photo of a whale enjoying the ocean (Garden Route District Municipality)

-END-

07 June 2025 Media Release: World Food Safety Day – The Role of Environmental Health Practitioners

Media Release: World Food Safety Day – The Role of Environmental Health Practitioners

For immediate release
7 June 2025

Today, 7 June 2025, Food Safety Day is commemorated across the globe, with the theme “Science in Action”.

Did you know? Approximately 200 diseases in humans are caused by the consumption of unsafe food, ranging from diarrhoea to cancers. On top of this, close to 1.6 million people world-wide fall ill daily due to them consuming unsafe food, according to the World Health Organisation.

Why is food safety important?

The World Health Organisation defines ‘Food Safety’ as the assurance that food will not harm consumers when prepared and eaten. ‘Food Hygiene’ encompasses measures to ensure food safety from production to consumption.

The purpose of food safety is to ensure that FOOD IS SAFE TO EAT. However, contaminated food and water sources are the main contributors to food borne illnesses that affect people, particularly across South Africa. This phenomenon is also noted globally.

When contaminated, foodstuff impose considerable health burdens, ranging in severity from being mildly sick, to fatalities. Related illnesses impact health, livelihoods, education and economies.

In South Africa, health authorities are continuously enforcing food safety principles to protect consumers. These principles focus on ensuring food safety during production, handling, storage, processing, and distribution.

While food safety increasingly becomes an important public health issue, governments all over the world are intensifying their efforts to improve food safety, according to the WHO. This is largely due to rapid globalisation, overpopulation and the importance of the safety when food gets transported from one country to another.

The role of Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) in ensuring Food Safety within the Garden Route

Daily inspections 

According to the numerous of responsibilities of EHPs, Food Control is one of the areas which require the complex responsibilities. Food Control relates to a mandatory regulatory activity of enforcement to provide consumer protection and to ensure that food is:

  • Handled in a hygienic manner during production, storage, processing, distribution and sale;
  • safe, wholesome and fit for human consumption and conforms to safety, nutrition and quality requirements; and
  • honestly and accurately labelled as prescribed by law.

The role of the EHP includes, but is not limited to the following:

  • Inspection of food premises and vehicles;
  • Compliance monitoring in terms of legislative requirements and provisions and instituting remedial and preventative measures;
  • Issuing of Certificates of Acceptability;
  • Examining sampling and analysis of foodstuffs;
  • Examining food labels;
  • Addressing complaints;
  • ‘Law enforcement’ by serving compliance notices, or if deemed necessary, by issuing summonses to appear in Court (Sect 56 of Criminal Procedures Act. 1977)
  • Export control when requested; and
  • Health promotion and training, etc.

According to Johan Compion, Snr. Manager for Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management and Air Quality Control, “Many diseases can be prevented when the public is educated and informed; and action is taken”.

“Particularly during the month of June, in celebration of World Food Safety Day, the GRDM EHPs plan to visit various areas/premises in the Garden Route to conduct Food Safety awareness and education sessions.”

On 3 June, the GRDM EHPs serving the Klein Karoo area, conducted an educational and awareness session at Linza Sales Foods where they educated participants regarding the Five Keys to Safer Food.  On Thursday, 5 June, EHPs from GRDM, EHPs from Beaufort West and the Department of Agriculture engaged in discussions at the South Cape Central Karoo Forum held in Sedgefield on the status of meat production in the Western Cape. On 8 June, the Outeniqua team serving the George area will have a Health and Hygiene education and awareness session targeting communities they serve. In the Bitou area, the GRDM’s Bitou team plans to host a targeted food safety training session for managers of both formal and informal food premises in Plettenberg Bay.

To report any Food Safety related complaints, contact your nearest GRDM Municipal Health Office:

Johan Compion
jcompion@gardenroute.gov.za
044 803 1550 / 082 803 5161

Desmond Paulse – Manager: Municipal Health Klein Karoo
desmond@gardenroute.gov.za
044 272 2241 / Cell: 083 678 6530
94 St John Street, Oudtshoorn

Rinay Cloete – Acting Chief: Municipal Health Mossel Bay
rinay@gardenroute.gov.za
044 693 0006 /Cell: 083 630 6108
C/O Sampson & Marling Street, Ext 23, Mossel Bay

Emmy Douglas – Chief: Municipal Health George (Outeniqua)
emmy@gardenroute.gov.za
044 803 1537 / Cell: 078 457 2824
Mission Street, Industrial Area, George, 6530

Jessica Erasmus – Acting Chief: Municipal Health George (Wilderness)
jessica@gardenroute.gov.za
044 803 1522 / Cell: 081 346 3118
Mission Street, Industrial Area, George

James McCarthy – Chief: Municipal Health Knysna (Lakes)
james@gardenroute.gov.za
044 382 7214 / Cell: 082 805 9417
26A Queen Street, Knysna

Gawie Vos – Chief: Municipal Health Bitou (Lakes)
Gjvos@gardenroute.gov.za
044 501 1600 / Cell: 083 557 1522
7 Gibb Street, Plettenberg Bay

 Haemish Herwels – Chief: Municipal Health Hessequa (Langeberg)
haemish@gardenroute.gov.za
028 713 2438 / Cell: 083 678 6545
23 Mitchell Street, Riversdale

 *Landline numbers are only in use during weekdays

ENDS

06 June 2025 Public Notice: Notice to Smutsville residents:  Fire Safety Project – Smoke Detector Installations

Public Notice: Notice to Smutsville residents:  Fire Safety Project – Smoke Detector Installations

Notice Number.  56/2025

The Western Cape Fire and Rescue Services, Garden Route Fire and Rescue Services, Knysna Fire and Rescue Services, and Garden Route Disaster Management, in partnership with Asivikelane Community Facilitators, are leading a fire risk reduction project in your area.

As part of this program, smoke detection devices will be installed in informal structures to help protect households from fire-related risks. Installations will be carried out by trained team members.

Installations will begin on Monday, 9 June 2025 daily between 09:30 and 15:00 over three weeks. The names of the areas that will be visited, will be published as the programme moves forward in phases.

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) encourages the community to support this initiative by giving the teams access to their homes. If no one will be home on the day of planned installation, please make arrangements with a trusted neighbour.

The devices are provided free of charge, and through this initiative, the GRDM will also raise awareness, and educate residents about fire safety.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping to make the Smutsville community safer.

Click here to download the Official Notice.

Nthabeleng Raisa-Mlandu
Acting Municipal Manager
54 York Street
P O Box 12
GEORGE
6530
Tel:   044 803 1300
Notice Number 56/2025
6 June 2025

04 June 2025 Media Release:  Bakery Employees Receive Essential Food Safety Training

Media Release:  Bakery Employees Receive Essential Food Safety Training

4 June 2025

On 27 May 2025, staff from Goue Aar Bakery in the George Industrial area received food safety training from Environmental Health Practitioners from the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) George Municipal Health Office.

Proper food control plays a critical role in ensuring food safety and maintaining optimal hygiene across the entire food supply chain, from the production to consumption. This training was conducted as part of the GRDM Municipal Health’s ongoing effort to improve food safety practices at food premises within the Garden Route. EHPs led the session, focusing on the structural requirements and hygiene standards for food premises, as outlined in Regulation 638 of June 22, 2018, promulgated under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, 1972 (Act 54 of 1972).

The primary goal of the training was to ensure that food handlers and managers are well-informed about the necessary requirements for food premises, with a strong emphasis on maintaining optimal hygiene standards.

The key objectives included:

  • Enhancing the knowledge of managers and food handlers regarding structural requirements; and
  • Reinforcing hygiene standards to ensure safe food handling practices.

The content of the session emphasised the following key aspects:

  • Structural requirements.
  • Hygiene requirements.

During and after the session, the bakers participated in the discussions, and indicated at the end that they found it extremely informative. These types of sessions once again demonstrate that the GRDM’s Municipal Health Section is committed to ensuring that all food stored, handled, and prepared is safe, wholesome, and fit for human consumption, while also meeting the applicable quality and safety requirements prescribed by legislation.

Download: Requirements for Formal Food Premises (English)

-END-

03 June 2025 Media Release: Young recycling fashion designers crowned at the ‘Designing a Greener Future’ event

Media Release: Young recycling fashion designers crowned at the ‘Designing a Greener Future’ event

For immediate release
03 June 2025

On Friday, 30 May 2025, stakeholders including the South African Police Service, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), George Municipality, Eden FM Radio, attended and participated in the Designing a Greener Future event that was hosted at Tyholora Primary School in Thembalethu, George.

Stakeholder representatives and learners during the “Designing a Greener Future” event that was hosted at Tyholora Primary School in Thembalethu.

With the theme “Using Creativity to Teach Crime Prevention,” stakeholder representatives shared their insights on illegal dumping and littering, highlighting the importance of recycling and its impact on the environment. More importantly, the link between illegal dumping, littering, and crime was also emphasised.

Starting off the event, was the Waste Management Team of George Municipality explaining the purpose of the event as well as educating all present regarding waste management and how to become a responsible resident in favour of a clean environment.

Further into the programme, an interactive awareness session with all learners regarding the signs of abuse and how to prevent becoming a victim of abuse, was conducted. Learners participated in the discussions that were presented by Advocate Marilyn Olifant-Scheepers.

In his address at the event, GRDM’s MMC for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, stated that “illegal dumping and littering doesn’t just harm the environment – it brings down the quality of life, creates health hazards, and often attracts more serious crimes. When areas are neglected or full of waste, it can create a “broken window” effect, where disorder invites further illegal activity,” he said.

Learners from various schools in George showcasing their creative talents wearing designs made from recycling material. 

When referring to the youth, Hoogbaard emphasised: “When young people are educated about caring for their communities – whether by picking up litter, recycling, reporting dumping or creating clean, green spaces, it creates pride, responsibility, and unity. These are key ingredients in preventing crime. They become part of something bigger,” he emphasised. “This sense of ownership and pride can steer youth away from crime because it replaces chaos with purpose,” Hoogbaard added. He encouraged all stakeholders present to invest in education and awareness, not just to protect the environment, but to protect the future of the youth. “Together, through small steps, we can build safer, cleaner, and stronger communities,” he concluded.

During his keynote address at the event, Garden Route District Commissioner, Major-General Phumzile Cetyana, said: “We are heading into a direction of becoming a clean town. Stating that “crime prevention and cleanliness goes together,’ he said: “Crime thrives in an environment that is not clean”. He added that “by making our places orderly, we are preventing crime”.

Learners from various schools and the Market Theatre drama group during their stage performances shared educational messages through poetry, song, dance and drama.

He further encouraged stakeholders, more specific learners, to never give up on a better world and concluded: “I take inspiration in knowing that our future lies in your hands. To the stakeholders, teachers and the community, he said: The creativity is inspiring, but let us all allow our children to be creative and to be part of this new world”.

Many enthusiastic learners showcased fashion designs made from recycled material, and the event furthermore featured vibrant performances in poetry, song, dance, and drama by learners from various schools in George, as well as the Drama Group from the George Market Theatre.

The winners of the Fashion design competition with the judges and organisers of the event.

The programme concluded with the prize-giving ceremony – and a deeper understanding of how illegal dumping and littering is linked to crime, leaving attendees with meaningful lessons to take forward.

Feature image: Contestants of the Recycling Fashion Design Competition soon after the announcement of the winners.

ENDS

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

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

3 June 2025

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

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

There are five compliance levels used in archive audit.

1 – Start up level

2 – Developmental Stage

3 – Minimally Compliant

4 – Compliant

5 – Transformational

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

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

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

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

-END-

30 May 2025 Media Release:  Kannaland Spaza Shop Owners receive refresher training about health, fire and legal compliance

Media Release:  Kannaland Spaza Shop Owners receive refresher training about health, fire and legal compliance

30 May 2025

The Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) responsible for monitoring spaza shops in the Kannaland region recently held information session for all shop owners in the Kannaland municipal area on Regulation 638 promulgated under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act.

The first session was held on Tuesday, 20 May 2025, in Ladismith, followed by another session on 22 May 2025, in Calitzdorp, with a total of 40 spaza shop owners who attended it. The workshops were facilitated by EHPs Maxwelline Fatuse and Ikanya Hendricks, along with Keith Johannes and Hein-lee Oosthuizen from Kannaland Fire Services, and Courtney Ludick and Gershon Claasen from Kannaland Municipality’s Law Enforcement.

Participants engaging in various discussions during the two-day training programme.

The sessions primarily focused on health, fire, and legal compliance requirements necessary for the safe and lawful operation of spaza shops. During both sessions, spaza shop owners actively engaged in the discussions, expressed their appreciation and affirmed their respect for South African Constitution and relevant laws and their dedication to operate their businesses correctly.

Similar engagements are regularly being rolled out across the district by GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners as part of their day-to-day activities.

-END-

28 May 2025 Final Review 2025/2026 Integrated Development Plan (IDP) & 2025/2026 – 2027/2028 Multi – Year Budget

Public Notice: Final Review of 2025/2026 Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and 2025/2026 – 2027/2028 Multi-Year Budget

Notice number: 51/2025

Notice is hereby given that the Garden Route District Municipal Council’s Final Review of the 2025/2026 Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Multi-Year Budget for the period 2025/2026 to 2027/2028 were compiled in accordance with the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 2000 (Act 32 of 2000) and Municipal Finance Management Act 2003 (Act 56 of 2003).

These documents were adopted by the Garden Route District Municipal Council at a District Council meeting on Tuesday, 27 May 2025.

These documents will be available for public viewing at all main libraries, satellite offices and the Garden Route District Municipality’s IDP Unit, 54 York Street George and on the GRDM municipal website.

Please contact the District IDP Manager (Ms. Mercy James) or Budget Manager (Ms. Louise Hoek) at 044 803 1300 with any enquiries.

MG STRATU
MUNICIPAL MANAGER
GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

28 May 2025 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Approves Final Budget for 2025/2026 Financial Year

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Approves Final Budget for 2025/2026 Financial Year

28 May 2025

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) has approved its final annual budget with a surplus on 27 May 2025 for the 2025/2026 financial year which is accessible from 1 July. Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel tabled the planned expenses and revenues of the GRDM which was unanimously adopted by Council.

“I would like to express my gratitude to all officials involved in the planning of this budget, and to the GRDM Council for its unanimous endorsement. This is not merely the Mayor’s budget, but a budget for the people, shaped by our shared priorities and values, said Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel.

“It is also important for me to mention that no new loans were taken out to fund this budget. The 2025/2026 budget is fully financed through existing and available resources. We remain committed to responsible and sustainable financial management.”

The total operating revenue for the GRDM is R557,4 million, while the capital budget is R108,9 million.

Where does the GRDM Funding come from?

The GRDM’s funding is primarily sourced from various grants.

  • RSC Levies Replacement: R164 101 000
  • Equitable Share: R23 925 000
  • Local Government Financial Management Grant: R1 000 000
  • Municipal Accreditation Grant: R1 500 000
  • Expanded Public Works Programme: R2 293 000
  • Municipal Fire Service Capacity Support Grant: R3 000 000
  • Safety Imitative Implementation: R1 000 000
  • Integrated Transport Planning: R982 000
  • Rural Roads Asset Management Systems Grant: R2 843 000

Turnaround Strategies for Revenue Enhancement

The properties not required for service delivery will be considered for leasing or alienation. A new tariff will be included for municipal resorts, in particular caravan/tent stands, whereby pensioners who choose to stay for one month up to three months out of season, will be charged R3300.00 per month (all inclusive). This should attract more visitors to our resorts and also boost tourism and spending along the Garden Route.

The GRDM remains committed to delivering quality services and maintaining fiscal discipline.

Feature image: Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel (right) next to the GRDM Deputy Executive Mayor,  Ald. Vlancio Donson.

ENDS