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20 May 2025 Media Release: GRDM Municipal Health Services awarded a ‘Gold Certificate of Recognition’

Media Release: GRDM Municipal Health Services awarded a ‘Gold Certificate of Recognition’

20 May 2025

The Western Cape Provincial Government (WCG) held an award ceremony earlier today, 19 May 2025, at the Lentegeur Hospital in Cape Town, for several categories relating to Health and Wellness. The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM)’s Municipal Health Unit received a Gold Certificate for its performance coined “the technological advancement of environmental health and outstanding performance and adherence to Municipal Health Norms and Standards”. The Central Karoo District landed 3rd position with the City of Cape Town in 2nd position.

In his congratulatory message, GRDM Mayor Andrew Stroebel said: “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) on this remarkable achievement. Receiving a Gold Certificate of Recognition reflects every EHPs dedication, innovation, and excellence that define the GRDM’s approach to environmental health.”

Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, who is the MMC for Community Services also shared a word by mentioning: “As the MMC for Community Services, I am excited and I want to congratulate the team on the excellent work they keep doing. I’m pleased that the residents of the greater Garden Route remain safe through the services delivered, especially in terms of food safety and water quality. We will continue to prioritise these efforts and put the safety of residents first.”

GRDM Municipal Manager Monde Stratu also shared a word on behalf of the GRDM administration to the Municipal Health Unit by saying: “Your hard work sets a benchmark for service delivery across the province. Well done!”

Nthabeleng Raisa-Mlandu, the Executive Manager for Community Services, said: “During the audit done by WCG, we achieved a compliance rate of 96.7%. For me, it is evident that we are making substantial progress and that my team of 32 EHPs are moving in a positive direction. I am proud of every EHP in my Department”.

Johan Compion, Senior Manager of Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management and Air Quality Control at GRDM, who received the award on behalf of all the EHPs, has been heading the Unit since 2006 and is one of the longest-serving employees of the GRDM.

The WCG Directorate Facilities Management of the Western Cape Provincial Department of Health and Wellness conducted the audit of the GRDM’s Municipal Health Services during the 2023/2024 year and does this on an annual basis.

The following municipal health-related key performance indicators and administration processes were audited:

  • client rights;
  • operational management;
  • facility and infrastructure;
  • leadership;
  • corporate governance;
  • vector control;
  • environment pollution control;
  • waste management;
  • water quality monitoring;
  • law enforcement;
  • health surveillance of premises.

Image caption: Simon Kaye, Deputy Director: Corporate Services; Johan Compion, Senior Manager of Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management and Air Quality Control at GRDM; Stanley Nomelo, Program Manager: Environmental Health Services, WCG Health and Wellness; and Laura Angeletti-du Toit, Chief Director: Integrated Facilities Management.

Editors’ Note:

Municipal Health Services is defined in the National Health Act of 2003 and include the following Key Performance Areas: Water Quality Monitoring, Food Control, Solid Waste Management, Health Surveillance of Premises, Supervision and Prevention of Communicable Diseases, Vector Control, Environmental Pollution Control, the Disposal of Human Remains and the Safe handling of Chemical substances. The primary aims of Municipal Health Services are to promote health and to ensure a healthy environment for the community.

 

19 Mei 2025 Mediaverklaring: Die Son sal weer Skyn oor Calitzdorp Warmbron

Mediaverklaring: Die Son sal weer Skyn oor Calitzdorp Warmbron

19 Mei 2025

Die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM) beplan om nuwe lewe in die ikoniese Calitzdorp Warmbron oord te blaas, geleĂ« sowat 25 km buite Calitzdorp. Al het die fasiliteit onlangs sy deure vir die publiek gesluit, beteken diĂ© besluit geensins die einde van die oord nie; inteendeel, dit dui die begin aan van ’n opwindende nuwe hoofstuk deur middel van ’n voorgestelde langtermyn-huurooreenkoms.

Volgens Dzivhuluwani Mashila, Bestuurder: Projekte, Eiendomme, Fasiliteite en Oordbestuur by TDM:

“Die TDM het verskeie interne werkswinkels gereĂ«l om die kwessie aan te spreek voordat die Oord se deure gesluit is. Dit is gedoen om ’n volhoubare plan vir die oord se toekoms te ontwikkel. Die voorlopige plan behels die bewaring en instandhouding van die terrein terwyl die grondslag gelĂȘ word vir die Raad om ’n potensiĂ«le langtermyn-huurooreenkoms met ’n vennoot te oorweeg (die proses sal na afloop van die TDM-Raad se finale besluit, kan afskop). Hierdie benadering sal verseker dat die oord beskerm word en strategies geposisioneer is vir toekomstige ontwikkeling. Daar word beoog om Calitzdorp Wamrbon se volle ekonomiese, omgewings- en toerismepotensiaal te ontsluit. Dit hou groot voordele in vir Calitzdorp, sy inwoners en die breĂ«r streek.”

’n Juweel wat wag om te skyn

Calitzdorp Warmbron kan beskryf word as ’n ongeslypte diamant wat, met die regte belegging en visie, in ’n ware toerismejuweel omskep kan word.

Met moontlikhede vir spa en welstand-behandelings, eko-toerisme en kulturele ervarings, het hierdie natuurlike warmbron die potensiaal om veel meer te bied as slegs akkommodasie en kleiner ontspanningsaktiwiteite soos reuse-skaak, vlugbal en staproetes. Die realiteit is egter dat die munisipaliteit, weens huidige begrotingsbeperkings, nie in staat is om alleen aan die vereistes vir formele stergradering of grootskaalse opgraderings te voldoen nie.

 Grondeise en ontwikkeling

Die eiendom is tans onderhewig aan ’n grondeis, wat reeds die aandag van die Grond-eise Kommissie geniet. Verskeie onderhandelinge is reeds gevoer, en die TDM benader die proses op ’n billike en inklusiewe wyse. Enige voorgestelde oplossings sal aan die TDM-Raad voorgelĂȘ word vir oorweging voordat daar met enige tender- en verhuurprosesse voortgegaan word.

Terwyl langtermynplanne oorweeg word, gaan die munisipaliteit voort om die oord se infrastruktuur in stand te hou – met een duidelike boodskap:

Die son sal weer skyn oor Calitzdorp Warmbron – helderder en mooier as ooit tevore.

16 May 2025 Media Release: GRDM to host the 10th Toughest Firefighter Alive South Africa Competition in George this year

Media Release: GRDM to host the 10th Toughest Firefighter Alive South Africa Competition in George this year

16 May 2025

It is with great pleasure that the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is announcing that it will partner with the Firefighters for Excellence NPO and the Garden Route Mall to host the 10th annual Toughest Firefighter Alive South Africa (TFA-SA) competition in George. The date is set – Thursday, 9 October to Saturday, 11 October 2025. The announcement was made by GRDM Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel on 16 May at the Garden Route Mall.

The Garden Route Mall is the heart of retail in the region. It is the largest shopping centre along the Garden Route. Set strategically next to the N2 and close to other attractions in George, spectators and competitors will enjoy a safe space with the Outeniqua Mountains in the backdrop.

Activities during the announcement launch of the upcoming Toughest Firefighter Alive Competition. Attendees included GRDM Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel, GRDM Fire Chief Deon Stoffels, Emile Conrad (Senior Firefighter and defending champion), Rion Olivier (General Manager of Garden Route Mall), Tumi Masango (Marketing Manager), Sonja Anderson (Sales & Event Coordinator), as well as media representatives Peter Jaftha from Heartbeat FM and Alida de Beer from the George Herald.

𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗩 đ—Źđ—˜đ—”đ—„â€™đ—Š 𝗖𝗱𝗠𝗣𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗱𝗡
Among those set to compete again this year are two of the previous category winners: Baigum Abrahams and Emile Conrad. Baigum has won the TFA female category three times, while Emile has the men’s overall category eight times. Emile is also a Senior Firefighter for the GRDM.
“The TFA-SA is a platform where the physical endurance and professional skill of firefighters are tested and where the public can see these firefighters in action,” said the Executive Mayor of the GRDM, Andrew Stroebel.

Beyond the main competition, a Mini Toughest Firefighter Challenge will also be hosted to ensure that youngsters are able to also feel the rush and excitement of the TFA competition. Members of the public are encouraged to watch for announcements regarding registrations and spectator opportunities on the Toughest Firefighter Alive South Africa Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/104703576298608

“Hosting this competition is also an opportunity to reflect on our region’s resilience in the face of disaster; from the 2017 Knysna wildfires to the 2024 George Building Collapse.”

The GRDM requests the public to mark your calendars and join us as the country’s bravest and fittest converge in George for an unforgettable display of endurance, agility, and courage.

ORIGINS OF THE TFA-SA
In 2024, the event exceeded expectations with a record 400 individual competitors attending it. This October, all eyes are on the goal – to raise the bar even higher to get closer to 500.

According to Mark Smith, the Chairperson and founder of TFA-SA, “the event has been primarily hosted in Cape Town, then in George in 2016 and with Mossel Bay hosting the event from 2022 until 2024. The 9th Edition of the event held in Mossel Bay 2024 attracted a 240 individuals and 58 relay teams making the South African TFA one of the biggest events of its kind in the world”.

The TFA-SA is linked to the World Firefighter Games, which was launched in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1990. It has since become the flagship competition for firefighters globally, with South Africa hosting its first TFA event in 2011 at the Good Hope centre in Cape Town. Nowadays, the competition draws competitors from municipalities, private companies, volunteer organisations, airport fire and rescue services and the military, as well as international firefighters.

To compete, information will be available on the official website: https://www.frimedia.org/tfa.html
Contact the GRDM Fire Department if interested in volunteering – deon@gardenroute.gov.za
Companies interested in sponsoring/exhibiting may contact the official media partner, Fire and Rescue International’s Lee Raath-Brownie at lee@fireandrescue.co or mobile 082 371 0190.

15 May 2025 Update: GRDM continues to support Knysna Municipality during water infrastructure repairs

Update: GRDM continues to support Knysna Municipality during water infrastructure repairs

15 May 2025

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Disaster Management has had a busy week assisting Knysna Municipality (KM). This, after the GRDM received a formal request to assist KM with water tankering to communities in Rheenendal.

KM activated a Joint Operations Centre (JOC) yesterday after the main domestic water pump broke. The response to the service delivery challenges will be coordinated from their JOC. Role players in the JOC include the Western Cape Provincial Government, GRDM Disaster Management, Knysna SAPS, Knysna Infrastructure Group, The Greater Knysna Business Chamber, KM Law Enforcement, Traffic Services, and KM Fire & Rescue Services.

“Only one 6000-litre water tanker was dispatched initially to assist Knysna, but it soon became evident that additional tankers would be required. The tankering service was beefed-up to two units, which now includes an additional 10 000-litre unit. The GRDM has been assisting since last weekend and continues to provide its support the Knysna and its communities,” said Andrew Stroebel, GRDM Executive Mayor.

“We will continue to assist local municipalities within our resource capacity. Previously we assisted Kannaland and Oudtshoorn Municipalities when they also experienced challenges with their water infrastructure.”

According the GRDM Head of Disaster Management, Gerhard Otto, the “coordination of the water tankering is done by the Knysna Technical Services Section. Up to yesterday, 14 May, the focus was to provide water to the Rheenendal community but due to the water situation deteriorating, the tankering of water had to be extended to other areas in Knysna like Dam-se-Bos and Nekkies”.

ENDS

14 May 2025 Media Release: Western Cape Provincial Government and GRDM address the water needs of Oudtshoorn and Kannaland with the provision of 35 water tanks

Media Release: Western Cape Provincial Government and GRDM address the water needs of Oudtshoorn and Kannaland with the provision of 35 water tanks

For immediate release
14 May 2025

The Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel, handed over 35 water tanks on 13 May 2025 to the communities of Kannaland and Oudtshoorn. Of the total, 20 are for Kannaland and 15 for Oudtshoorn.

This initiative that forms part of the GRDM’s water security programme for local municipalities in the Garden Route, supported by the Western Cape Provincial Government (WCG) Department of Local Government (DLG), ensures that municipalities affected by limited water resources, have access to clean drinking water and water for household use.

During his address to all present, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, MMC for Community Services at GRDM, shared the municipality’s commitment to serve communities experiencing challenges in terms of access to basic services, such clean drinking water. Hoogbaard shared his gratitude to Mayor Stroebel and the Disaster Management team under the leadership of Gerhard Otto, at GRDM for all their efforts in ensuring the successful outcome of the programme.

Mayor Stroebel highlighted the importance of water and expressed his gratitude to the WCG DLG for the funding provided for this initiative. To the Kannaland Municipality, Mayor Stroebel said: “Thank you for allowing the GRDM to assist Kannaland with their water needs”.

Twenty water tanks handed over to the Kannaland Municipality. GRDM Executive Mayor, councillors and officials from GRDM and Kannaland were present.

Reflecting on the impact of climate change, Mayor Stroebel noted: “Twenty years ago we all wondered what climate change is, as it was only something seen on the news. Today we all witness the effects of climate change – seen in the number of fires, as well as floods and it has a direct impact on the amount of water resources”. Regarding the prioritisation of community needs, he concluded:

“Please be sure, GRDM will put the residents of the Garden Route first and the municipality will always be there to support local municipalities in respect of the needs within communities”.

Sharing his remarks at the event, Adv. Dillo Sereo, Municipal Manager of Kannaland Municipality, expressed his deepest appreciation to the GRDM, stating that “this initiative is testimony of the joint district development model and sound intergovernmental relations between GRDM and Kannaland. He further noted that the initiative forms part of the broader support plan from the District Municipality for which Kannaland is sincerely grateful.

Fifteen water tanks handed over to Oudtshoorn Municipality.  In the picture (bottom right) are: Mayor Andrew Stroebel (GRDM), Cllr Ashwill October (GRDM & Oudtshoorn), Jacques Le Kay (Oudtshoorn), Chris Swart (Oudtshoorn), Gerhard Otto (GRDM) and Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard (GRDM).

Sereo emphasized that this support demonstrates that Kannaland Municipality is not standing alone but is backed by the GRDM.

Speaker of Kannaland Municipality, Cllr Peter-George Rooi explained that Kannaland has severely been affected by drought over the past years and he noted that many of the challenges faced by the community will be addressed through this initiative.

On behalf of the Kannaland, Rooi expressed his gratitude towards the GRDM for their valuable contribution to the residents of Kannaland while restoring their dignity.

The tanks will be placed at following areas within Kannaland, including:

  • 4 x Van Wyksdorp
  • 4 x Calitsdorp (split between Bergsig and Royal Heights)
  • 4 x Zoar (Split between Amalienstein and Zoar)
  • 4 x Hoeko (Split between the school and collective points)
  • 4 x Ladismith (Split between Sakkies Bay, Le Grange Dam and Varkieskloof)

During the next visit to Oudtshoorn Waterworks in Dysselsdorp, Gerhard Otto, also shared a word of thanks to the WC DLG for the funding of the 15 water tanks and to Oudtshoorn Municipality that will place the tanks at all the identified areas.

Chris Swart, Senior Manager for Water and Sanitation at Oudtshoorn expressed his gratitude to the WC DLG and GRDM for the provision of these thanks to address the water needs of the people of Oudtshoorn, especially in times when there are pipe bursts and power outages.

The tanks will be placed at the following areas within Oudtshoorn, including:

  • 10 x Split between Dysselsdorp and De Rust
  • 2 x Stolsvlakte
  • 3 x Klipdrift School

As part of this initiative, Otto further explained that Environmental Health Practitioners from GRDM will additionally provide water monitoring services whereby they will regularly draw samples for testing to ensure that it remains adequate for human consumption.

The events were also attended by councillors and officials from GRDM, including councillors Werner Meshoa and Koos Malooi (Kannaland), as well as Cllr Ashwill October (Oudtshoorn).

Feature Image: Mayor Andrew Stroebel (right) handing over 20 water tanks to Speaker of Kannaland, Cllr Peter-George Rooi for distribution in the Kannaland municipal area.

ENDS

13 May 2025 Media Release: Fire-Ready Fitness – Michela Perdichizzi Shapes Stronger, Faster GRDM Firefighters

Media Release: Fire-Ready Fitness – Michela Perdichizzi Shapes Stronger, Faster GRDM Firefighters

14 May 2025

Local Personal Trainer, Michela Perdichizzi offered training to assist GRDM’s Firefighters recently. Fitness is one of the most important parts of being a firefighter, above and beyond skills to fight fires and making life-saving decision.

Carrying equipment, rescuing victims, and navigating hazardous and challenging environments – especially wildfires, can be quite a challenge for firefighters. Additional to the intensity and conditions of fires, the challenging topography of the district, including mountainous, and most often tricky sandy coastal terrain, firefighters need to remain calm during incidents. Dedication to fitness and conditioning are vital components that help firefighters to perform tasks more efficiently and effectively, leading to quicker reaction times, situational awareness, and better outcomes.

Exercise has natural positive effects on mental health, reduces stress, improves mood, and improves resilience, which are important to face challenging situations and emotional stressors. A good fitness level is also linked to the ability to work safely and effectively in high-stress and quick decision-making environments. Importantly, maintaining good fitness levels helps firefighters stay in shape and prevent injuries, thus allowing them a prolonged career.

“After being introduced to the firefighting world of the GRDM firefighters, and learning the background, Michela did not think twice to offer assistance to our firefighters, introducing a variety and somewhat unconventional mixture of exercises,” said GRDM fire chief, Deon Stoffels.

These included:

  • Pilates type stretches
  • High-intensity interval training,
  • HYROX (running, functional exercises, repetition, stations)
  • stretching movements
  • boxing
  • holistic targeting of all functional muscle groups

Stoffels added: “Interestingly, most of the exercises introduced excluded weight training, and focused on testing the body’s own strength, power, and flexibility ”.

GRDMs firefighters who took part in the sessions up to now are unanimous in their views that Michela is certainly challenging them mentally and physically. They certainly loved the challenge and look forward to more sweat and tears.

Catch Michela Perdichizzi here: https://www.facebook.com/michela.alcarazgonzalez

Related Article:  https://www.up.ac.za/news/post_3315222-up-expert-opinion-global-employee-health-and-fitness-month-wellness-should-move-from-the-periphery-to-the-core-of-workplace-strategy-up-exercise-scientist

 

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13 May 2025 Media Release: Holy Cross Primary School visits GRDM Firefighters

Media Release: Holy Cross Primary School visits GRDM Firefighters

13 May 2025

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Firefighters were visited by learners from the Holy Cross Primary School in George on Wednesday, 9 May 2025. The event, described as an enjoyable experience where both learners and teachers were made aware and educate on very important basic fire safety dos and don’ts.

Firefighters enjoyed educating and entertaining the youngsters, who showed a keen interest in the field of firefighting. Presentations were made about essential fire safety elements around the home, at school, as well as what to do when spotting a fire elsewhere. In a fun-filled and interactive way, learners were also taught the relevant emergency contact numbers of the emergency services.

“The learners enjoyed interacting with real firefighters and trying on the protective gear,” said Elana Basson-Coetzer, Platoon Commander.

“The ‘little ones certainly enjoyed their visit at the GRDM fire station.”

The young learners enjoyed their time with the firefighters.

The most exciting part of the visit to the fire station was when water was sprayed from the high-pressure hose, allowing the children to experience how flames are extinguished. They were also fascinated seeing how foam is generated, which is used to remove oxygen from certain fire types.

The visit was facilitator by Elana Basson-Coetzer and learner firefighter Corne Fourie. Both indicated that they equally enjoyed empowering the youth of Garden Route,  and the leaders of tomorrow.

Please contact Devonia Cupido, Acting Station Officer: Fire Safety & Training, at Devonia@gardenroute.gov.za if you would like our firefighters to visit your location.

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13 May 2025 Media Release: NSF visits GRDM to witness success of R36 million skills investment benefiting 400 people

Media Release: NSF visits GRDM to witness success of R36 million skills investment benefiting 400 people

12 May 2025

The Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Training Section received a visit from the National Skills Fund (NSF) Executive Committee from 8 to 9 May 2025.  The visit formed part of their  annual performance monitoring and oversight visits to beneficiaries. This follows the approval last year by the Director-General of the Department of Higher Education and Training, allocating R36 378 000 to the GRDM to benefit 400 beneficiaries over a period 31 month period.

During a brief ‘meet-and-greet’ session on Thursday with the NSF Executive Committee, the Municipal Manager of GRDM Monde Stratu, welcomed the team and highlighted the good working relationship that has been established since 2017. Stratu expressed his appreciation for the strong partnership between GRDM and NSF and thanked them for their continued financial contribution and support, towards skills development in the region. Following this, the NSF leadership continued to reflect and assess the progress of NSF projects in the region.

GRDM and NSF delegations during the Day 1 meet-and-greet session.

On Friday morning, the visit by the NSF continued as the GRDM Training Unit briefed the delegates on the performance of the NSF funded projects.  Ald. Ndayi  (Portfolio Councillor of the Corporates Services) thanked the NSF for the project and the positive impact of the program on the life of the beneficiaries. She motivated the learners on the program and encouraged them to remain positive and dedicated to complete it. During the same session, the NSF representatives also met with some of the Professional Cookery Learnership and Work Integrated Learning (WIL) students, who had the opportunity to share their experiences, skills gained and overall appreciation.

Following this, NSF leadership visited the African Skills Centre in Thembalethu, where they met and engaged with beneficiaries trained as professional cooks.  The final stop was at Fancourt, where they interacted with beneficiaries working and training in the hospitality industry.

Activities underway during Day 2

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