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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)

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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

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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.

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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

23 May 2025 Media Release: Winter is upon us – keep warm and stay safe – caution when using an imbawula

Media Release: Winter is upon us – keep warm and stay safe – caution when using an imbawula

23 May 2025

As winter is approaching and ambient temperatures begin to drop, communities across the Garden Route are turning to traditional heating methods to keep warm. While the use of the imbawula for the burning wood is practical and affordable, it can pose health and fire risks including air pollution.

What is an Imbawula?

An imbawula is a do-it-yourself heater made from a metal drum that is suitable for making fire inside. It is commonly used in rural homes in the colder regions all over South Africa to burn wood for heating and cooking purposes. The use of the imbawula indoor or in small space with poor ventilation can negatively impact a person’s health.

How can it impact your health?

The burning of wood produces gases such as carbon monoxide, particulate matter (fine dust particles) and volatile organic compounds. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas, which makes it particularly dangerous to detect before it is too late. The inhalation of these gases can cause headaches, lung infections, coughing, and worsening of asthma, bronchitis, obstructive pulmonary diseases, lung cancer or TB especially in children, elderly and those suffering from immune-compromised illnesses. It can even cause death.

In short, the harmful gases can cause:

  • Fire hazards
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning
  • Respiratory problems

The smoke from an imbawula, open fires, and the burning of waste does not disappear into the air. During cold nights and early mornings, a layer of cold air sits close to the ground while warmer air traps it from above. This also traps all the smoke, gases, and pollution near the surface, right in our breathing zone. The gasses only escape later in the day when the sun heats the ground, and the air starts moving again.

Safety tips when using an imbawula

For those considering to use a traditional imbawula during the colder months, here are a few tips for making use of the imbawula in a safe and responsible manner:

  1. Always use dry untreated wood
    • Dry firewood burns cleaner and produces less smoke.
    • Treated wood when burned releases more toxic gases
  2. Place the imbawula outside or in a well-ventilated space.
    • Never use it in a closed room or small shack.
    • Make sure there is sufficient airflow — open a window or door nearby.
  3. Start your fire by making use of dry paper, dry twigs, or sawdust instead of using plastics or old motor oil.
  4. To avoid any fire risks always extinguish the fire before going to bed. Set your alarm in case you fall asleep while it is still burning.

The GRDM urges the public to protect their health and safety by opting for safer heating and cooking methods, and always prioritise proper ventilation to prevent the build-up of harmful gases. Do not sleep with the imbawula still in your home – your life and the lives of your family depend on it.

Feature image: AI-generated imbawula in a shack.

ENDS

23 May 2025 Update 6: Gwaiing Road Construction Works, George

23 May 2025 Update 6: Gwaiing Road Construction Works, George

The construction team has commenced activities on 1 April 2025, with the upgrading of the Gwaiing Road construction project that includes the processing and placement of the basecourse layer on the right-hand side (RHS) lane. This is the final layer before the bituminous surface gets applied – 2km of the basecourse has already been placed, and the construction of the remaining 2.4km is underway.

Once the RHS lane has been completed in full, the traffic flow will be relocated to the RHS lane, as the completion of the left-hand side lane will then commence.

Focus also remains on the improvement of the stormwater drainage network, as new concrete lined side-drains are being cast along various sections of the road shoulder.

“As mentioned before, the GRDM Road Services Department is upgrading this road entirely in-house without any external contractor assistance, and this is commendable,” said GRDM Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel.

Feature Image: The compaction process after processing the basecourse layer.

ENDS

22 May 2025 Media Release: Fire danger place Invasive Alien Plants in the spotlight

Media Release: Fire danger place Invasive Alien Plants in the spotlight

For immediate release
22 May 2025

Approaching winter fronts have the Garden Route on edge as fears of a repeat of the 2017 mega fire disaster looms as a clear and present danger”, says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

Regional environmental and disaster management agencies are in agreement that the 2017 conditions conducive to the worst fire disaster in South African history are again ready for the perfect storm.

Despite best efforts and collaboration between landowners affected by the 2017 fire disaster, Invasive Alien Plants (IAP’s) have made a comeback on the Knysna as well as the 2018 Outeniqua burn scars providing more fuel for a wild fire than ever before. Not only is Knysna and surrounds again in the path of danger, but many other areas including George, Wilderness, Sedgefield and Great Brak.

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), George Municipality the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association and many other entities involved with – fighting has ramped up their collective strength to deal  with an increasingly number of wild fires, but the core problem remains: Invasive Alien Plants on the Southern Cape landscape.

Garden Route landowners in the urban edge are especially exposed as they can only do so much in terms of safeguarding their properties by creating defendable zones, cleaning their gutters and prepare escape routes. All river systems, mountains and river corridors in the garden Route are infested with high density IAP plant growth.

Landowners are not unaware of the danger invasive plants pose, but more often than not lack the resources to do anything meaningful about it. Still, fire- proofing the Garden Route is important, and a collective effort u

Government efforts (e.g. The DFFE Working for Water Programme) to eradicate IAP growth has collapsed as a result of a lack of funding, no further investment in bio- control and limited capacity to enforce legislation.

GREF will be focusing on climate change and Invasive alien plant implications at the Annual Climate Change and Environmental Indaba in partnership with Nelson Mandela University on 27 June. At stake is not only fire risk, but hard hitting drought is looming in coming years and loss of critical bio diversity is negative for the region’s appeal as a world class destination.

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

ENDS

Public Notice in terms of Section 116(3) of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (Act 56 of 2003) for the Proposed Amendment of Existing Contract

Public Notice in terms of Section 116(3) of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (Act 56 of 2003) for the Proposed Amendment of Existing Contract

Notice is hereby given in terms of Section 116 (3) (a) and (b) of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (Act 56 of 2003) that it is the intention of the Garden Route District Municipality to amend the following existing contract:

Tender No. Description Supplier Name Amendment
GRDM/29/20-21 Provision of professional services for the design, drafting of tender documentation and contracts supervision for the new Regional Waste Management Facility and associated infrastructure to be established for the Garden Route District Municipality Zutari (PTY) LTD As per Council item F.3 which served at the Council meeting held on 23 April 2025.

The agenda is accessible here: https://tinyurl.com/8mzra9ek

Notice is hereby further given in terms of Section 21 and 21A of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act 32 nof 2000) that the local community and affected parties are invited to submit comments or representations on the proposed amendment and extension of the existing contract with Zutari (Pty) Ltd.

The reasons for the amendment and extension of the existing contract have been considered by the Municipal Council at its Council meeting held on 23 April 2025 under item F.3 of which a copy will be made available to all interested parties on request via the e-mail address indicated below.

Such comments or representations must be submitted by not later than  06 June 2025 at 12h00. Comments or representations must be submitted in a sealed envelope clearly endorsed “COMMENTS ON NOTICE OF AMENDMENT OF EXISTING CONTRACT” and be physically submitted at the Garden Route District Municipality Reception located at 54 York Street, George, or e-mailed to johang@gardenroute.gov.za.

Persons who are physically disabled or unable to write but need to participate in the process may present themselves during office hours at the offices of the Municipality listed above where a staff member will assist them to transcribe the relevant comments or representations.

For any information about the above, please contact Mr. Johan Gie via e-mail: johang@gardenroute.gov.za or at telephone number 044 693 0006.

MG Stratu
Municipal Manager
Closing date: 06 June 2025

Notice number: 44/2025

Download a copy of the notice here.