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20 March 2025 Media Release: GRDM Attends the Shared Services Summit 2025

Media Release: GRDM Attends the Shared Services Summit 2025

For Immediate Release
20 March 2025

A Shared Services Summit, arranged by the Western Cape Provincial Department of Local Government, was held a week ago in Cape Town. The primary objectives of the event were to share best practices relating to services; to enhance the current capacity of those responsible for shared services; and to strategise the efficient implementation of shared services across municipalities.

The GRDM Executive Manager of Corporate Services, Trix Holtzhausen represented the GRDM at the Summit, accompanied by her Human Resources Manager: Michelle Smit.

Holtzhausen presented several current shared services offered by GRDM to delegates. These include: the GRDM Emergency Call Centre, Job Evaluation Coordination (TASK) and the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM).

GRDM Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel, who is in full support of the Shared Services Model of GRDM, said: “The GRDM remains committed to sustaining the Shared Services Model and expanding its reach wherever possible. This progress would not have been achievable without the solid foundation carefully laid down by Trix with the support of current and previous employees. I would like to thank her for spearheading this programme to the level that it is at today.”

Call Centre

“The Call Centre was established in 2008 and is still in operation today. This project proved to be the most successful and longstanding project delivered on a Shared Services basis with Provincial Departments (EMS, Traffic sections) Western Cape, GRDM sand private partners (ER 24) sharing resources to enhance service delivery,” said Holtzhausen.

TASK

She also shared that: “The TASK project revolves around job evaluations within the region and for municipalities from the Central Karoo. It includes twelve (12) municipalities sharing the cost of the service and has been in operation since 2012”.

GRSM

Her presentation concluded with the GRSM. “This Skills Mecca program with various projects was established in 2018 because of the devastating Knysna and Plettenberg wildfires. The GRSM is a socio-economic programme aimed at coordinating all training initiatives across the entire district with the aim of providing opportunities to unemployed and employed youth. Outcomes increase the chances of each learner’s employability based on occupationally based training programmes and work-related experiences. To date, we at the GRDM have attracted R122 million of investment into the district with more than 2000 people already benefited from it. The costs are shared amongst all municipalities within the district in terms of human resources and operational costs. Funding sources for the training programmes are from public as well as private funders nationally and internationally.”

Trix also explained that GRDM also provides shared services relating to Air Quality, Coordination of Minimum Competency Training programme (5 Municipalities sharing costs), and the control of back-up ICT Servers between GRDM, Beaufort-West and Swellendam.

During the Summit, global and national perspectives of successful models and best practices were shared, not only focusing on the good, but the challenges faced too.

The outcome of the Summit for GRDM, is to actively pursue Shared Services as a vehicle for service delivery in the district given the financial constraints that municipalities in South Africa are facing amidst increased community demands and needs. The GRDM is relied on to take leadership in the district by creating an awareness of the benefits of Shared Services or Inter-municipal Cooperation.

The Shared Services Summit 2025 was a much needed step towards fostering collaboration and improving municipal services in the Western Cape.

Feature image caption: Executive Manager for Corporate Services, Trix Holtzhausen is seated (wearing coral/red), with her HR Manager, Michelle Smit, seated left).

ENDS

17 March 2025 Media Release: Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP’s) from GRDM conduct health inspections at KKNK in Oudtshoorn

Media Release: Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP’s) from GRDM conduct health inspections at KKNK in Oudtshoorn

17 March 2025

This year, the annual Klein Karoo National Arts Festival (KKNK) will take place in Oudtshoorn for the 29th time. The festival will begin on 1 April and conclude on 6 April 2025. Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel has also met with the KKNK organisers to take hands and partner with them. The GRDM will therefore be present at the KKNK to support it and Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) to monitor of food stalls comply with health standards.

EHPs are, amongst others, responsible for Food Control, Solid Waste Management, and Health Surveillance of Premises. With this in mind, the EHPs from the GRDM will once again conduct inspections at the festival’s food stalls to ensure compliance with Regulation No. 638 of 22 June 2018.

During the festival, EHPs from the Oudtshoorn Municipal Health office will conduct daily routine inspections and monitor various environmental health aspects, including food stalls, solid waste storage and removal, wastewater disposal, public toilet facilities, and camping sites.

The EHPs also provide food hygiene education to food handlers during inspections. By doing so, they help ensure that all food stored, handled, and prepared at food stalls is safe, wholesome, and fit for human consumption, while also conforming to the applicable quality and safety requirements prescribed by legislation.

Additionally, the EHP team carries out inspections and monitors public toilets, wastewater disposal systems, and refuse disposal and removal. They also ensure compliance with regulations relating to smoking in public places and certain outdoor public areas.

What are the Hygiene Guidelines for Food Stalls?

  1. Every food stall owner must be in possession of a Certificate of Acceptability (COA)  in terms of R638 of 22 June 2018.
  2. The COA must be available at the food stall and be visible to the public.
  3. People working on the premises must be properly trained in food hygiene.
  4. Suitable protective clothing, which includes a full-length apron and head covering, must be worn by all food handlers.
  5. Proper facilities must be provided for the storage of perishable foodstuffs at temperatures under 5°C for cold food and above 65° for warm food.
  6. All working surfaces must be made of smooth, dust free, non-absorbent and washable material.
  7. Cover and protect all foodstuffs from contamination by dust and insects.
  8. Smoking in food stall is prohibited.
  9. Keep a bucket or bowl with water, soap and preferable paper towels at hand for the wash and drying of hands.
  10. A dustbin with a tight lid must be available for use at all times.
  11. Animals may not be allowed in the food stall.
  12. If the natural ground surface of the premises is dusty, it must be covered with a dustproof, washable ground sheet.
  13. All pre-packed food must be properly labelled. (Foodstuffs and Cosmetic and Disinfected Act, 1972) (Act no 54 of 1972). Provision must be made for the collection and storage of wastewater until disposal thereof.
  14. The stall / premises where food is handled, must always be kept clean and in a hygienic condition.
  15. Smoking in or near food stalls is prohibited and is only allowed in designated smoking area.

For any further information, please contact GRDM Klein Karoo Region Municipal Health Services:

Mr. Desmond Paulse
Chief: Municipal Health (Klein Karoo)
Tel: 044 272 2241
Cell: 083 678 6530
Address: 94 St John Street, Oudtshoorn

Mr. Johan Compion
Senior Manager: Municipal Health Services, Waste Management and Air Quality Control
E-mail: johan@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1300

Download the Requirements for Informal Food Premises

13 March 2025 Media Release: Western Cape MEC for Mobility visit the Garden Route as part of Ministerial Road Safety Roundtable

Western Cape Minister of Mobility and delegation visit the Garden Route to improve Road Safety in the district

For immediate release
13 March 2025

The Western Cape Provincial Government (WCG) MEC of Mobility, Minister Isaac Sileku, and his delegation, on 11 March 2025, met with the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and local municipal representatives including Executive Mayors, MMCs responsible for Traffic and Law Enforcement, Municipal Managers and Senior Management, as part of the Ministerial Road Safety Roundtable.

Opening the discussions of the session, Executive Mayor of GRDM, Andrew Stroebel, highlighted the significance of the Mobility Department in our everyday daily lives mentioning a few of the many services rendered by the Department, including:

  • the processing of driving and learner licences,
  • processing of PDPs applications,
  • handling of number plate registrations,
  • vehicle registrations,
  • processing of parking road access for sport and filming applications,
  • processing of disabled parking discs,
  • processing of driver instructor certificates, to name a few.

The purpose of the roundtable discussions was to provide feedback to the district regarding the road safety programme over the recent festive season.  The discussions also aimed to explore ways for stakeholders to collaborate towards a shared vision and enhance overall road safety initiatives, share localised perspectives and concerns.

The roundtable therefore forms part of the WCG Department’s ongoing efforts to reduce road fatalities and injuries by ensuring safer roads through a coordinated and targeted approach by all traffic and law enforcement agencies.

Minister Sileku stated: “Our work reconfirms that we need to work together” and noted that measures be put in place to restore peace, order and discipline on the roads. Driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, spatial planning etc. were also among the key concerns mentioned by Minister Sileku.

“It is no longer a time for people to disagree and not bring solutions to the table – if you disagree, bring solutions. We want to save lives and for that we need to intensify our initiatives to improve, because as much as accidents happens, it has a social and economic impact”. In addition, Minister Sileku added that “as much as we see a decline which is a step in the right direction, what we ultimately would want to see in the near future is that when we stop 1000 cars, that all 1000 cars comply with the rules of the road”.

Acting Chief Director for Traffic Management, Willie van der Merwe, presented the 2024/2025 festive season statistics and provided a breakdown of provincial and municipal roads, the Garden Route as a district as well as statistics per local municipality in the district, including challenges, concerns and recommendations. Elaborating on the challenges, Van der Merwe emphasised the importance of reporting to ensure better planning; the sharing of resources and collaboration between stakeholders; municipalities not in operation 24/7 during peak periods; poor visibility of traffic officers in certain areas; limited to no integration with provincial traffic centres resulting in a lack of an integrated plan, etc. These were a few of the challenges mentioned by Van der Merwe. He further recommended that Road Safety be incorporated into the Integrated Development Plans of the Municipalities as a priority.

Minister Sikelu stressed the importance of Communication and Awareness as key factors to educate communities in terms of road safety behaviour. He also highlighted cooperation between stakeholders, and said: “Instead of competing with one another, Traffic and Law Enforcement agencies need to focus on the work at hand – to work together for a common purpose and a goal, because if we are not working together, we will continue having these challenges every day,” he emphasised.

Soon after the engagement the delegation conducted a tour to the Municipal Emergency Centre to view the facilities in place for the services rendered by the GRDM Disaster Management Centre.

The event concluded with Executive Mayor of George, Cllr Jackie Von Brandis, sharing words of appreciation to Minister Sileku and his delegation for creating a platform and allowing sound and firm discussions regarding improved service delivery in terms of Road Safety, to the District Municipality for hosting the event and all municipal representatives who attended the engagement on behalf of their respective municipalities.

Feature Image: FLTR: Executive Mayor of GRDM, Andrew Stroebel, MEC of Mobility in the Western Cape, Isaac Sikelu and Acting Head of the Mobility Department, Darryl Jacobs

ENDS

13 March 2025 Media Release: First Aid Level 3 Training rolled out monthly at Garden Route District Municipality

Media Release: First Aid Level 3 Training rolled out monthly at Garden Route District Municipality

For Immediate Release
13 March 2025

First Aid Level 3 continues to be rolled out at the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Head Office in George. This training is of vital importance because it provides people with advanced life-saving skills and prepares them on how to handle medical and other emergencies during various incidents.

The training is conducted by GRDM Firefighters and Disaster Management personnel. According to the Head of Disaster Management, Gerhard Otto, the remaining dates for training during the 2025 calendar year are as follows: 12 – 16 May 2025; 9 – 13 June 2025; 14 – 18 July 2025; 18 – 22 August 2025; 8 – 12 September 2025; 6 – 10 October 2025; 10 – 14 November 2025; and 8 – 12 December 2025.

Earlier today, Mayoral Committee Chairperson for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, also took a moment to visit students and witness the training being rolled out at the GRDM Disaster Management Centre.

Hoogbaard, during his visit expressed his gratitude to the training staff by saying, “Thank you to Disaster Management and the GRDM Fire & Rescue Services, for sharing your expertise during these training sessions”.

A group of students being trained to become first aid responders.

This course is just one of the monthly sessions rolled out by the municipality. It spans over a period of five days, involving theoretical texts and practical demonstrations.

All participants are taught how to deal with and react to the following scenarios: 

  • Safety and lawful aspects
  • Patient assessment
  • Life Support
  • Airway Obstruction
  • Shock
  • Dressing and Bandages
  • Injury Emergencies
  • Medical Emergencies
  • Environmental Emergencies
  • Emergency Childbirth
  • Transporting a patient
  • And First Aid Kits
Kervin-Lee Gericke, a GRDM Senior Firefighter also played a role in the practicals when he had to be treated by student Chelsea Fort after he ‘broke an arm’. Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard is pictured with them.

Did you know?

There is no cost involved if you do the training and sign up to become a Disaster Management Volunteer. However, if you are not planning to become a volunteer, the fee payable is R682.00 (rate valid till 30 June 2025).

  • Training takes place at the GRDM Joint Operation Centre, 54 York Street, George
  • Download the application form: https://tinyurl.com/m5sjuzmk
  • Send a completed form to 📧 gail.bekeer@gardenroute.gov.za or wouter@gardenroute.gov.za
  • For more information contact Gail Bekeer (044 803 1347) or Wouter Jacobs (044 803 1316)

Feature image: MMC Councillor Hoogbaard is pictured with Nontsikelelo Shange who is about to perform CPR on one of the rescue services manikins. Behind her is Emile Conrad, GRDM Snr. Firefighter and Gail Bekeer, GRDM Disaster Management Administrator. 

ENDS

11 March 2025 Media Release: Global Events Heavily Impact South African Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

Media Release: Global Events heavily impact South African Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

For immediate release
11 March 2025

“When Russia invaded Ukraine in April 2022, environmentalists sounded the alarm that as the world shifted focus and resources to the war, it would have a detrimental effect on global efforts to address climate change,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

Since 2022, this prediction has not only proven to be true, but the situation has worsened due to more recent events, such as the USA withdrawing from the UN Convention on Climate Change Paris Agreement and halting vital funding that sustains environmental efforts globally. In Countries like South Africa few realized the scale and impact of American financial support until it was retracted overnight.

The theme for the June 2025 GREF Annual Climate Change and Environmental Management Indaba is “A Global Reassessment of Sustainable Funding Mechanisms for Environmental Projects.” The Indaba will focus on finding alternative, innovative, and sustainable funding mechanisms for environmental management.

South African conservation and environmental efforts are already suffering as government and private funding has dwindled over time due to slow economic growth and rising costs. Ironically, the environment is the bedrock of the South African economy, yet given the financial predicament, it is being forced to take a back seat.

The recent return of the SA Agulhas II research ship from its annual voyage conducting vital research in Antarctica and open oceans was a momentous occasion. However, even this prestigious South African endeavour faces uncertainty, as looming budget cuts threaten its sustainability.

The loss of American funding, particularly from USAID, will have far-reaching effects on critical initiatives such as the South African Just Energy Transition Programme (JETP), which aims to move away from fossil fuels. Many other essential conservation projects funded through American grants, including anti-poaching efforts and biodiversity conservation, are also at risk.

As the global drive to protect the environment faces increasing threats, South Africans must take responsibility for ensuring better environmental management to secure a high quality of life for all who depend on our natural infrastructure and resources.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for environmental managers and a regional climate change think tank. (www.grefscli.co.za)

Feature Image: In the face of less funding South Africans must do much more to protect the environment – Waste management

10 March 2025 Media Release: Garden Route DM Fire & Rescue Services Educates Hoogekraal Community on Fire Safety

Media Release: Garden Route DM Fire & Rescue Services Educates Hoogekraal Community on Fire Safety

For Immediate Release
10 March 2025

Hoogekraal, situated northeast of Glentana, was visited by the Garden Route District Municipality’s Fire & Rescue Services on Saturday, 8 March 2025. The annual visit is part of GRDM’s ongoing commitment to wildfire prevention and community safety.

Senior Firefighter Jonathan van Vuuren educating community members from Hoogekraal about fires and the risks they pose to the safety of everyone.

There is a great deal of dry grass, shrubs, and large trees surrounding Hoogekraal, contributing to its increased fire risk. Wildfires are also a threat along the coastline east of the settlement, stretching to Herolds Bay and westward to Glentana.

With fire’s traditional use in the community for heating and cooking, GRDM Fire & Rescue Services organized an awareness and education session.

Key topics covered:

  • Increasing community awareness of fire risks
  • Differentiating the fire hazards present in the local environment
  • Providing guidelines for safeguarding the immediate area around homes
  • Clearing and securing areas to prevent fire spread
  • Developing designated areas for making fires and disposing of ash
  • Educating children on the dangers of playing with matches or ignition sources
  • Understanding the role of wind in fire spread
  • Safe methods to suppress small fires
  • Identifying potential fire fuel sources around timber structures
  • Maintaining safe distances between structures to prevent fire from spreading
  • Additional information was also shared on the safe use of fire within homes.

Senior Firefighter Jonathan van Vuuren (pictured) led the session, engaging both young and old community members. Residents participated keenly in the activities and demonstrations, gaining valuable skills to protect themselves and their homes from fire-related disasters.

Mayor Stroebel commended firefighters for their ongoing efforts to educate communities. He said: “The GRDM Fire & Rescue Services remains committed to educating, and therefore empowering Garden Routers with the knowledge and tools to reduce fire risks and respond effectively in emergencies. It is also of critical importance for us to reach the outlaying areas where many communities do not have access to information”.

Feature image: Johnathan van Vuuren does a practical demonstration of ‘mopping-up’ a scene.

ENDS

10 Maart 2025 Mediavrystelling: TDM hou voort om gemeenskappe in Klein-Karoo tydens waterkrisis te help

 Mediavrystelling: TDM hou voort om gemeenskappe in Klein-Karoo tydens waterkrisis te help

Vir onmiddellike vrystelling

10 Maart 2025

Die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM) het verlede week voortgegaan om hulp te verleen aan die Oudtshoorn Munisipaliteit. Dit volg nadat dié plaaslike munisipaliteit dringend met die TDM moes skakel om ‘n ernstige waterskaarste-krisis in Dysselsdorp, De Rust en Blomnek aan te spreek.

Volgens die TDM se Rampbestuurhoof, Gerhard Otto, het die probleem ontstaan “nadat ‘n kabel beskadig is weens die onlangse kragonderbrekings.”

Tussen Dinsdag en Saterdag (8 Maart) het die Tegniese Dienste-afdeling van die Oudtshoorn Munisipaliteit vier foutiewe plekke op die hoof-elektrisiteitsvoerkabel geïdentifiseer en herstel om ‘n stabiele toevoer aan gemeenskappe te verseker. Hierdie kabel is noodsaaklik vir die voorsiening van elektrisiteit aan die waterpompe wat Dysselsdorp van huishoudelike water voorsien.

Die situasie is verder vererger deur Eskom se beurtkrag, wat dele van De Rust en Blomnek se krane droog gelaat het. In reaksie hierop het die TDM se Rampbestuursentrum en die GRDM Brandweerdiens daagliks ‘n 10 000-liter watertrok ontplooi, insluitend oor die afgelope naweek, om water aan die geaffekteerde gemeenskappe te voorsien.

Die herstelwerk aan die kragkabel is nou voltooi, en die waterpompe funksioneer op volle kapasiteit, wat beteken dat die reservoirs weer aangevul word. Dit bly egter noodsaaklik om die aanhoudende droogtetoestande in die Karoo in ag te neem, aangesien dit ‘n impak op watervoorsiening sal hê.

TDM Burgemeester Andrew Stroebel het beklemtoon: “Die TDM sal voortgaan om die Oudtshoorn Munisipaliteit tydens hierdie krisis te ondersteun en sal hulp verleen tot minstens Vrydag, wanneer verwag word dat die agterstand in waterlewering uitgesorteer sal wees.”

Die TDM doen ‘n dringende beroep op alle inwoners om spaarsamig met water om te gaan gedurende hierdie herstelperiode.

‘n Vorige mediavrystelling wat verband hou met die bogenoemde: https://tinyurl.com/4m3nsw7v

Water word afgelewer by dorpe insluitend Dysselsdorp, De rust en Blomnek

EINDE

10 March 2025 Save the Date: Notice of a Special Council Meeting, 25 March 2025 at 11:00

NOTICE OF A SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING ON 25 March 2025 AT 11:00

Notice is hereby given that a SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the CA Robertson Council Chambers and via Zoom, 54 York Street, George, on 25 March 2025 at 11:00.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/9yMkAOpuePE?si=-g63b12t3ht70r65

6 February 2025 Media Release: Emergency Personnel in the Garden Route Attend RIMS Training

Media Release: Emergency Personnel in the Garden Route Attend RIMS Training

6 March 2025

Earlier this week, the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Fire and Rescue Services attended the Road Incident Management Systems (RIMS) Training Workshop. This was hosted in George by the National Department of Transport and the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL).

“The safety of road users and emergency responders remains a priority for us at the GRDM. This training is important becausee it strengthens our region’s ability to respond swiftly and decisively to incidents. I commend all participants for their dedication and commitment to keeping our roads safe,” said GRDM Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel.

The workshop was attended by emergency responders, including GRDM Disaster Management and Fire Services, Oudtshoorn Municipal Traffic and Law Enforcement, George Municipal Fire Department and Traffic Management, METRO Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Attendees from George, Mossel Bay, and Ladismith rescue technicians, as well as other private role players, including a breakdown service, also attended.

The objective of the workshop was to equip participants with the necessary skills to coordinate and implement standardised procedures for incident response. This can help to ensure a more efficient and safer roadway environment.

Some of the key elements covered in the training included:

  • Understanding RIMS protocols.
  • Identifying major and minor incidents using the METHANE method for reporting to the Control Centre.
  • Defining roles and responsibilities of services and agencies within RIMS.
  • Strengthening collaboration between emergency services, law enforcement, and road maintenance teams.
  • Improving safety and risk management protocols for first responders at road incidents.
  • Addressing hybrid energy vehicles as an innovative approach, especially given the increasing number of hybrid electric cars in our region.

The one-day workshop was well received by attendees who also were also exposed to numerous real-life incident examples and ways to mitigate them.

According to GRDM Fire Station Commander Heirich Leslie, the training provided the necessary knowledge to equip attendees with the appropriate steps toward building a more efficient and coordinated road incident management framework. To this end, it ensures that South Africa’s roads remain safe and accessible in the face of unforeseen incidents.

Feature image and images above showcasing emergency personnel from the district who attended the RIMS Workshop.

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