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Eden DM Firefighters attending the 2017 SAESI Conference

Six (6) Firefighters and one EMS officer, have been given the opportunity to travel to Johannesburg to attend South African Emergency Services Institute (SAESI) training and competition from 30 October – 3 November 2017.

Representatives currently at SAESI include Mr Lushiano James, Mr Hein Leslie, Mr Branwille Abrahams, Mr Kirwin Gericke, Mr Emile Conrad, Deon Madekane and Mr Jetro Jacobs.

The focus of the past two days of training was on vehicle extrication. Today Firefighters will compete in a vehicle extrication and Firefighter Combat Challenge until 3 November 2017.

Mr Clive Africa, Executive Manager: Community Services, explains: “The training is essential for firefighters because of the intricacy and technical aspects related to vehicle extrication. Firefighters have to be careful in their approach to similar emergency situations. I also think that with the holiday season coming up, we will be more than ready for any possible emergency.”

Executive Mayor, Cllr Memory Booysen extended a word of encouragement to representatives by saying: “Eden DM Council wishes the representatives all the best for the challenge tomorrow – they will make us proud – as always”.

Eden DM receives recognition for its contribution to the Wetlands South Africa project

At the National Wetlands Indaba 2017, the Eden District Municipality (Eden DM) was awarded a Certificate of Participation for its outstanding contributions towards the successful implementation of the ICLEI Local Action for Biodiversity (LAB): Wetlands South Africa project. The Eden DM was one of a few other district municipalities which contributed towards the LAB: Wetlands South Africa project which won the prestigious Wetlands Crane award during the National Wetlands Awards ceremony held at this year’s Wetlands Indaba in Port Edward, Kwazulu-Natal.

The prestigious Crane awards are annually sponsored by Mondi and consist of unique bronze Wattled Crane sculptures designed by sculptor Sarah Richards. It is awarded annually to recognise outstanding contributions to wetland work in South Africa. ICLEI’s LAB: Wetlands South Africa project contributed significantly to the long-term conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and also served as an inspirational and practical example for others. The project has been enhancing the awareness of wetlands as well as the integration of biodiversity considerations into local government planning and decision-making. It has built the capacity of district municipalities to prioritise and effectively manage wetlands and biodiversity.

The Eden DM has fully supported and benefitted from this project. Its participation within the project highlighted the challenges experienced with wetland management within the district which resulted in the development of two essential documents, the Eden District Wetlands Report as well as the Eden District Wetlands Strategy and Implementation Plan. These documents were co-developed by both ICLEI as well as the Eden District Municipality as part of the LAB project. The Wetlands Strategy and Implementation Plan provide for key implementation strategies within the district as well as its incorporation within the Eden DM Spatial Development Framework and Integrated Development Plans. This will facilitate dynamic and focused wetland management and protection initiatives within the district.

Eden DM recognizes that wetlands are of immense value as it contributes to service provision and disaster risk reduction through ecosystem services such as flood attenuation, water filtration and water security, which are increasingly important in a changing climate. The municipality seeks to enhance the conservation and management of the districts’ natural wetland resources through the integration of biodiversity considerations into local government planning and decision- making.

OR Tambo District Municipality visits Eden DM to share best practices

Delegates from the OR Tambo District Municipality (OR Tambo), which is situated in the Eastern Cape, with its head-office based in Umtata, visited Eden District Municipality (EDM), on a study tour to experience the EDM Induction programme. This came after OR Tambo delegates who were also present at the Institution of Municipal People Practitioners of Southern Africa (IMPSA) conference, where Ms Trix Holtzhausen, Eden DM Executive Manager: Corporate-/Strategic Services, presented a best practices presentation about inductions at Eden DM.

Delegates, Ms Zuzile Beje: Human Resources Manager (Left), Mr Thembile Vacu: Skills Development Facilitator (SDF) (right) and Ms Tandeka Bangani: Learning and Skills Development Officer (middle), from OR Tambo DM, during a robust debate at the induction session.

The monthly induction programme at Eden DM took place on 7 and 8 September 2017 and was facilitated by Ms Angeline Naidoo, Eden DM Human Resources Practitioner. During this induction, Ms Holtzhausen extended a warm welcome to the delegates, and wished them well in the implementation of their induction programme. “Eden DM Council, management and employees, are very pleased and delighted to host you in our district. It is good to share best practices with colleagues, which will be of benefit to the communities at large.”

The group of District Municipal employees from Eden and OR Tambo who attended the two-day Induction session hosted by Eden DM.

Ms Holtzhausen concluded that, “we would like to extend a word of gratitude towards OR Tambo DM for visiting Eden DM – employees will be empowered with knowledge and be given a chance to better understand the municipal environment”.

The group of District Municipal employees from Eden and OR Tambo who attended the two-day Induction session hosted by Eden DM.

 

Eden and Sweden to strengthen relations

The Swedish Trade and Investment Council has invited Eden District Municipality (EDM) and local municipalities, including George, Mossel Bay and Knysna, to the two-day Middle East and Africa (MEA) Summit to meet with more than 100 Swedish companies. Local municipalities, however, asked Eden to attend the MEA Summit on their behalf and to present the entire district as a suitable destination for trade and investment. The visit will also form part of an upcoming Memorandum of Agreement between ‘Business Sweden’ and EDM.

On the table for discussion will be strategic issues and possible partnerships, and it is envisaged that Sweden stands the chance to play an effectual role in the envisioned deliverables with reference to renewable energy, waste management, tourism, ICT and transportation in the district. It is a wise decision to partner with Sweden because of their climate change policies and because they have already committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2045.

Executive Mayor, Cllr Memory Booysen said that: “I have a keen interest in discussing how we can work with Sweden to find more alternative solutions to solid waste management because it is a pressing matter for the entire district. Maybe Sweden could subsidise some of the projects; assist with state-of-the-art technology to reposition EDM to become a central hub for new energies (alternative fuels); share best practices in waste management; assist with job creation and skills development”.

“Another benefit would be solar plants and wind turbines, which can be set up on one of the EDM properties. Eden will therefore be able to sell surplus energy and generate additional income,” Cllr Booysen said.

Municipal Manager of EDM, Mr Monde Stratu explained that the newly adopted vision, which reads: “Eden, the leading, enabling and inclusive district, characterised by equitable and sustainable development, high quality of life and equal opportunities for all,” could be achieved through a partnership approach. We need to find alternative approaches to equitable and sustainable development, which will ensure that we lead by example and ensure that spin-offs result in a high quality of life and equal opportunities for all.”

Delegates from EDM who will leave on 24 September and return on 29 September to attend the MEA Summit, include Cllr Memory Booysen (Executive Mayor), Mr Monde Stratu (Municipal Manager), and Ms Nadiema Davids (Manager: Legal Services). One representative from the Southern Cape Economic Partnership, Mr Paul Hoffman, will also attend.

Sweden leads the world in many fields and is well known for:

  • According the OECD, Sweden offers the best healthcare in the world;
  • Leading the way in renewable energy;
  • Leads the way in burying its depleted nuclear waste;
  • Leads the way in shared parenting;
  • Leads the way in dumping socialism;
  • Leads the way in public records transparency;
  • Committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2045;
  • Sweden is the best place to grow old with 25 percent of the population over the age of 60; and
  • According to the Spartacus index, Sweden is the only country with full points  for anti-discrimination legislation.

Proposed name change of Eden District Municipality to Garden Route District Municipality

The Eden District Municipality Council resolved the following on 30 August 2017 (DC 214/08/17):

  • That council agrees in principle on the proposed name change from Eden District Municipality to Garden Route District Municipality.
  • That a proper public participation process be initiated to solicit the view of all stakeholders and members of the public.
  • That the municipal logo and other symbols and colours maybe be reviewed after completion of the public participation process.
  • That the comments from B-municipalities within the district also be obtained.
  • That a time frame of sixty (60) days be allowed for a proper public participation process starting from 1 September 2017.
  • That a final report be submitted to council after the public participation process has been finalised.
  • That should council finally approve the proposed new name, the new name be submitted to the Minister of Local Government to comply with Section 16 of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998.

The motivation for the proposed name change to Garden Route District municipality among others is as follows:
Various names and brands are used to refer to the Eden district municipal area. names include, but are not limited to: Southern Cape, Southern Coast, Eden, and Garden Route. This creates a state of brand delusion, meaning that there is a mismatch between what some believe, what council believes the municipality’s brand should represent and the experience of the people who live and visit our area.

To create a public perception about a brand takes a lot of time and effort.

There is evidence that a lot of people outside the Eden district do not understand what the word ‘Eden’ means in the context of our municipality or why the district is actually using the name.

From a competitive tourism marketing strategy point-of-view, it is difficult to promote a brand in the oversaturated tourism market. Currently the European, Chines and Southern American and African markets are already aware of the name Garden Route, which makes it easier to continue with a brand aligned to this description.

Our area has already been declared an international biosphere by UNESCO and is known as the Garden Route Biosphere reserve. That is a very prestigious recognition that we must leverage to ensure economic growth for our region.

Eden greets two great minds

Fltr, back row: Mr Jan-Willem de Jager – Chief Audit Executive, MsTrix Holtzhausen – Executive Manager: Corporate Services, Dr Adele Potgieter – Member of the Audit Committee and Mr Hans Ottervanger – Executive Manager: Roads Services.
Fltr, front row: Ms Pamela Lufele – Senior Internal Auditor, Ms Mariska Pieterse – Internal Auditor, Adv Derick Block – Member of the Audit Committee, Mr Jolyon Stoffels – Chairperson of Audit Committee, Ms Lauren James – Risk Management Officer and Mr Neil Metelerkamp – Member of the Audit Committee.

Thursday, 31st August 2017 marked the end of Mr Stoffels’s role as Chairperson and Mr Metelerkamp as a member of Eden DM’s Audit and Performance Audit Committee (APAC). The Municipal Manager, Management, fellow APAC members together with the Internal Audit Section, expressed their gratitude for their service to the organisation throughout the years and awarded them with Certificates of Appreciation during the APAC meeting held on 25 August 2017.

Messrs Stoffels and Metelerkamp with the Certificates of Appreciation, which they received during their last APAC meeting.

AVBOB donates R500 000-00 to the Eden DM Disaster Fund

AVBOB is one of the many companies whose commitment to helping by providing resources and funds to those affected by the fires that raged throughout parts of the Eden district in June 2017.

A donation of R500 000-00 was made to the Eden DM Disaster Fund by AVBOB. The Executive Mayor of Eden District Municipality, Cllr Memory Booysen, during his thanking speech, said: “We are grateful for AVBOB’s contribution and it will have a positive impact on the lives of those affected by the fires, your contribution will alleviate the pain and suffering of our people. We will keep the public updated about all the contributions we received and would like to remind the public that the Disaster Fund is an audited account.”

AVBOB representatives, the Eden DM Executive Mayor, Cllr Memory Booysen and Cllr Khayalethu Lose, Portfolio Chairperson: Community Services (front, fourth from right), Mr Clive Africa (back, far right), presents a cheque of R500 000.00 that was donated to the Eden Disaster Fund.

Cllr Khayalethu Lose, Portfolio Chairperson: Community Services commented that: “AVBOB’s vision of ‘We’re here for you’, truly underpins what their devotion to people, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

Financial donations can still be made to the Emergency Fund, Standard Bank, Cheque Account no: 401719790, branch code no: 050214.

Eden DM Recycling Mascot

Eden District Municipality has designed a recycling mascot which will be branded on all waste management and minimisation initiatives as decided by all municipalities in the district. The mascot will assist in creating awareness about waste minimisation matters and is also a means of encouraging younger generations to partake in waste minimisation.

Eden DM has procured a mascot to be used by all municipalities for any waste minimisation / management events. The mascot, Rocky (the Recycling Rooster / RRR / Alliteration Reduce Reuse Recycle) was designed with three different characters namely: ‘Cool’, ‘Superhero’ and ‘Boxer’.

Eden District Municipal Offices Recycling Programme

The Office Recycling Programme has been successfully implemented at all offices of Eden DM, in order to create waste minimisation awareness amongst employees.   A thousand cardboard recycling boxes, branded with the Eden Waste Minimisation Mascot and fifteen wheelie-bins, were procured for this programme.  These boxes were placed at all offices and emptied once a week into the wheelie-bins.

The objectives of the programme, include the following:
•    The provision of recycling receptacles at all Council offices;
•    Training of all Cleaners and responsible employees;
•    Interaction with local recycling companies; and
•    Awareness among employees about recycling.

Each office weighs and records their waste quantities on a weekly basis; these quantities will be published in Eden DM’s quarterly newsletter.  Between January 2017 and April 2017 (4 Months) a recorded 5077,5kg (5 tons) of recyclable material was recovered from Eden DM’s satellite offices in Plettenberg Bay, Knysna, George, Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn, Riversdale, Albertinia and Heidelberg and Eden DM’s Head Office in George.  This is an average of 1,25 tons of waste diverted from landfill on a monthly basis.

Furthermore, the campaign is also driven with the aspiration to create awareness amongst the public that visits council’s offices, demonstrating Eden DM’s commitment towards waste minimisation by practising what they preach.

Eden DM Madiba Day Celebrations

The global call to action for people and organisations to embrace the values and legacy of Utata Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela is one that is closely linked to Eden District Municipalities’ commitment to uplift people and the communities.

In the spirit of Madiba and his vision to create positive change to the lives of others, the Eden DM Executive Mayor, Councillor Memory Booysen, Deputy Executive Mayor, Councillor Rosina Ruiters, Mayoral Committee Members and Eden DM Officials, on 18 July 2017 visited George Hospital paediatric ward to Give love, support and handed out “Care Kits” which consisted of basic necessities such as toothpaste, toothbrush, dettol, face cloths, soap and blankets.

Chief Executive Officer: George Hospital, Michael Vonk, sent a special letter of appreciation to Eden DM Executive Manager: Corporate-/Strategic Services, Ms Trix Holtzhausen and said: “On behalf of the patients and mums in the paediatric ward, I would like to thank you and your team for spending your 67 minutes at George Hospital. The generous donations and warm smiles that you all brought to the hospital would definitively have brightened the day of these children, as we all celebrate Madiba’s birthday. Please will you extend my thanks to the Executive Mayor and all of his Councillors who also came to give their time to support this worthy cause”.

An excited group of Eden DM Official at the entrance of the George Hospital.

Eden DM Executive Manager: Corporate-/Strategic Services, Ms Trix Holtzhausen extended a word of gratitude: “I would like to thank the officials who joined this initiative and for all their effort to make it special for the mothers and children in the hospital and by demonstrating the spirit of Mandela Day”.

Few of Eden DM employees expressed how they felt when giving back to those in need, this Mandela Day:
Assistant Human Resources Manager: Calvyn Scheepers responded, “What a day (67 minutes) well spent at George Hospital especially in the children’s ward and noticing the smiling faces of these children when our Mayor handed them the care kits. Madiba was fond of kids and it was just appropriate that we gave our 67 minutes to these wonderful kids. There can be no greater gift than that of giving one’s time and energy to others without expecting anything in return.” Let’s make Madiba day an everyday occurrence.

Bandile Mbalo also mentioned: “It was so inspirational and an honour to contribute his 67 minutes to the goodwill of the Mandela day and humble to touch the lives of the children and see them walking the mile that Mandela has walked”. Umtu ngumtu ngabantu.

Eden DM is very proud of the wonderful employees and how they continue to strive to give back to those in need to help build our beautiful country. Mandela Day reminds us of Madiba’s famous saying that, “what counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead”.

Eden DM Madiba Day Celebrations

The global call to action for people and organisations, embracing the values and legacy of Utata Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, is one that is closely linked to Eden District Municipality’s commitment to uplift people and communities.

In the spirit of Madiba and his vision to create positive change to the lives of others, the Eden DM Executive Mayor, Councillor Memory Booysen, Deputy Executive Mayor, Councillor Rosina Ruiters, Mayoral Committee Members and Eden DM Officials, visited the George Hospital Paediatric Ward, to give love, support and handed Care-kits (facecloth, soap, toothbrush & toothpaste), to children.

We would like to thank the CEO of George Hospital, Mr Michael Vonk, for allowing us to visit the Paediatric Ward.

The Eden DM delegation with the Managing Staff of the George Hospital Pediatric Ward.