Odds are, the moment you enter the iconic Garden Route District, your soul will awaken with a jolt!
We offer the perfect balance of nature and metropolis, outdoor adventure and shopping mall delight – our region is a gem, a springboard to launch visitors into an adventure of excellence across the entire region. You will find that there is never enough time to see and experience all that an area has to offer – so you have to come back again to continue your journey.
On a serious note, during your time with us, we encourage you to exercise caution and to be tolerant while travelling on the road. Please obey the speed limits, the road rules, do not text or call while driving, do not drink and drive, and always wear a seatbelt. An important number to dial in case of an emergency is 044 805 5071 or 10177.
The annual Garden Route Environmental Forum’s (GREF) key stakeholder event took place in George on 11 December 2019 under the theme: “Reflecting on regional environmental initiatives and planning ahead for 2020”. Mandated by the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), the GREF is the premier environmental platform in the Garden Route during which stakeholders collaborate about topics for conservation, environmental adaption and community interaction.
GRDM Executive Mayor, Cllr Memory Booysen, during the welcoming address during which he urged attendees to take hands, ‘speak one language’ and determine the way forward
At the Forum, GRDM Executive Mayor, Cllr Memory Booysen officially welcomed stakeholders and guest from around the Western Cape and reminded them of the four major challenges the district faced, namely, “Invasive alien plants, water scarcity, electrical shortages, and unemployment’’. Cllr Booysen highlighted the importance to link ‘Invasive Alien Plants Eradication to Renewable Energy and Water Security, in an essence to address unemployment in the Garden Route District.
Western Cape Government (WCG) Provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Mr Anton Bredell, presented the keynote address and stated that the Garden Route is the crown jewel of the Western Cape, and that stakeholders need to understand the science of planning for the future. Mr Bredell announced that the Western Cape faced 17 000 wildfires during 2017, including the devastating Knysna and Plettenberg Bay fires the same year. He continued by saying that the current drought situation causes havoc and a major concern for our future sustainability, as it is predicted that by the year 2030, the demand for fresh water will exceed 40% of supply.
Mr Bredell acknowledged and brought it to the attention of Councillors that the correct decisions may not always be the popular ones or the ones communities or councillors would prefer. In conclusion he emphasised that Government cannot address the environmental challenges on its own, “It is our responsibility to take action for our future generations – we have to take hands and be more proactive. As a collective we would have to work with landowners so that they can be held accountable for their legally mandated responsibilities.”
During his speech, Western Cape Provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, captivated attendees with an insightful speech.
Speakers from various specialised fields of environmental management, for example, Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF), Biodiversity and Coastal Management, SANParks and Agriculture, to name just a few, followed.
Delegates eagerly participated in discussions to find lasting solutions for prevailing regional problems, and a myriad of new challenges were identified and discussed. Discussions also took place on what the agricultural production scenario will reflect in two decades from now, what are the vulnerabilities of our coastline given the slight rise in ocean levels, stronger storm surges and floods, as well as to look at the fire risk to ever-expanding communities and the rural/urban interface.
For decades authorities and private landowners have dealt with the same problems, including non-sustainable land-use and land management best practice, increased fire risks and water security issues, a rapid decrease in natural habitat and biodiversity conservation, and compliance with environmental and agricultural legislation.
FLTR: Mr Cobus Meiring – GREF Secretariat, Cllr Memory Booysen – GRDM Executive Mayor, Mr Gerhard Otto – GRDM Manager: Disaster Manager, Ms Nina Viljoen – GRDM Disaster Risk Reduction & Climate Change Adaptation Practitioner, Mr Clive Africa – GRDM Executive Manager: Community Services, Cllr Rosina Ruiters – GRDM Deputy Executive Mayor and Mr Anton Bredell – Western Cape Government Provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning.
An all-out effort to ensure a climate-ready future, and a mind shift in the way we adapt and manage our environment, is urgent and should dominate the social and political narrative if the region aims to develop sustainably. An environment free of invasive alien plants and cleared waterways and catchments, will take the region a leap forward in risk reduction, and all authorities, landowners and land managers must heed the call.
With climate change, the spread of invasive alien plants and the intricate and long-term effects these environmental threats bring to the region, regional and local authorities, land managers and conservationists will have little choice but to plan around what nature will impose upon the region in years to come.
Editor’s Note:
GRDM and partners established the overarching Garden Route Environmental Forum, with the aim to coordinate regional conservation efforts, to serve as a catalyst to drive climate adaption practices in the Southern Cape, and to establish a better-coordinated approach to environmental management in the district. The Garden Route Environmental Forum aims to play a leading role in taking on environmental challenges, and to develop partnerships, in order to ensure and encourage a cohesive approach to find sustainable solutions.
Above: The GRDM minds behind the Regional Landfill Facility – hard work paid off: (FLTR): Johan Gie (District Waste Management Officer, Johan Compion (Manager: Municipal Health and Environmental Management Services), Clive Africa (Executive Manager: Community Services) and Morton Hubbe (Manager: District Waste Management).
(Credit: Michelle Pienaar)
A first of its kind for South Africa
Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Council, on 13 December 2019, approved a ten-year and eight-month contractual agreement for a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between GRDM and Eden Waste Management. The facility will include integrated disposal services to accommodate household and hazardous waste from four municipalities in the Garden Route – Bitou, Knysna, George and Mossel Bay.
According to Executive Mayor of GRDM, Cllr Memory Booysen: “This is a first PPP of its kind for South Africa. We are the first district municipality out of 44 district municipalities in South Africa to champion such an initiative.”
“We are also planning a sod-turning event for early 2020. Thereafter, construction of the facility will start in February 2020, with the first truckloads of domestic waste expected to be delivered by September 2020,” said Cllr Booysen.
Cost and Services
The total cumulative cost to the district municipality over the contract period is projected at R790 million.
According to Mr Morton Hubbe, GRDM Manager: District Waste Management: “The Regional Waste Management Facility will have a life-span of approximately 30 years”. He also said: “Provision was made to accommodate waste from Hessequa, Kannaland and Oudtshoorn Municipalities – if the need arises.” Hessequa Municipality also recently indicated that they are interested to dispose the domestic waste generated in Gouritzmond and Albertinia at the regional facility when in need of such a service.
The municipal services and support activities that will be provided by the Regional Waste Facility, will include the following:
The safe disposal of general waste;
a hazardous waste cell for the safe disposal of regional hazardous waste;
bulk waste transport;
chipping of green waste;
crushing of builder’s rubble; and
alternative waste treatment technologies, but only if the alternative waste treatment technologies can be incorporated on a no-additional cost basis.
The services of a roaming chipper, use for green waste, and crusher, used for builder’s rubble, will be made available to Mossel Bay, George and Knysna municipalities on a rotational basis. Bulk waste transport services will be available to George Municipality for the transport of domestic waste from Uniondale and George waste transfer stations to the Regional Facility.
Editor’s note:
Section 83 of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, 1998 (Act No. 117 of 1998), requires a district municipality to seek to achieve the integrated, sustainable and equitable social and economic development of its area, by:
Promoting bulk infrastructure development and services for the district as a whole;
Building the capacity of local municipalities in its area to perform their functions and exercise their powers where such capacity is lacking; and
Promoting the equitable distribution of resources between the local municipalities in its area to ensure appropriate levels of municipal services within the area.
Notice is hereby given in terms of Section 129(3) of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (Act 56 of 2003) that the Garden Route District Municipal Council hereby makes public the Oversight report on the Annual Report of Council for the 2018/2019 financial year.
The Oversight Report and 2018/2019 Annual Report were adopted by Council on 13 December 2019. The Annual Report was drafted in accordance with Circular 63 of the MFMA Act 56 of 2003.
The Cape Town Weather Office has issued the following severe weather alert:
Hazard: Veld Fire Conditions Alert Level: Warning Valid From (SAST): 17/12/19 – 08h00 Valid To (SAST): 18/12/19 – 18h00
Veld fire conditions are expected over the Witzenberg, Breede Valley, Swellendam, Hessequa, Central and Little Karoo (Western Cape) today (Tuesday), but only the Central Karoo tomorrow (Wednesday).
For more information or to report incidents, contact the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at 044-805 5071.
The Cape Town Weather Office has issued the following severe weather alert:
Hazard: Damaging Winds Alert Level: Watch Valid From (SAST): 17/12/19 – 12h00 Valid To (SAST): 19/12/19 – 00h00
WATCH: Gale force (65-75km/h) north-westerly interior winds are expected over the Breede Valley, Laingsburg and Beaufort West municipalities (Western Cape) this afternoon (Tuesday).
ADVISORY: Strong (40-62km/h) north-westerly interior winds are expected over the Breede Valley, Langeberg, Central and Little Karoo (Western Cape) this afternoon (Tuesday), and tomorrow afternoon (Wednesday).
ADVISORY: Strong to gale force (45-70km/h) north-westerly winds are expected along the coastal region from Cape Agulhas and becoming westerly to south-westerly along the south coast spreading to Mossel Bay (Western Cape) during Thursday.
Description: Strong damaging winds
Strong damaging winds often occur along coastal regions, but also often occur during thunderstorm activity. These winds are sudden and can cause much damage.
Precautions: Strong damaging winds
Stay indoors where possible away from the windows that open towards the severe winds. Be aware of the following: – sudden cross winds if traveling especially between buildings, fallen trees or power lines and flying debris.
Small boats must stay away from the open sea and seek the shelter of a harbour, river estuary or protected bay.
Parked aircraft should be pointed into the direction of the wind and secured. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.
Description: Dangerous veld/bush fire conditions
Whenever there are prolonged periods of little and no rain coupled with warm dry winds, veldt or bush fires can easily be sparked and will spread rapidly in strong winds.
Precautions: Dangerous veld/bush fire conditions
Don’t make fires in the open and/or leave fires unattended. Don’t throw cigarette butts out of cars or in the open veldt. Don’t throw bottles in the veldt as they can magnify the sun’s rays and start fires. Prepare and maintain fire breaks in controlled manner. In the case of a large fire, report it immediately and move away from the area to let the professionals deal with it. Never throw water onto a fire started by an electrical fault or fires started by oil or paraffin lamps. In this case sand or a blanket should be used to smother the fire. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.
Description: High Discomfort Values
When temperature and the humidity is high at the same time or when the temperature exceeds a certain threshold, human’s ability to cool their bodies through sweating is reduced. This can be a real threat that leads to hyperthermia.
Precautions: High Discomfort Values
Stay indoors in a cool room near a fan if possible. The old and infirm must take extra care to stay hydrated and cool. Avoid strenuous outdoor activity, playing excessive sport and hard labour. Dress in light weight clothes and drink plenty of liquids NOT alcohol. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.
For more information or to report incidents, contact the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at 044-805 5071.
Long Service Certificates were awarded to various employees of Garden Route District today, 13 December 2019, during an Ordinary Council meeting. Some, but not all of the following employees, were able to attend the award ceremony.
Here are a few of of the employees who received recognition for being employed from to 10 to 40 years.
The Men’s Parliament was launched and presented by the Deputy Minister of Social Development, Honorable Hendrietta Ipeleng Bogopane-Zulu, in collaboration with the South African National AIDS Council, Takuwani Riime and Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM). The purpose of the assembly was to discuss approaches to behavioural change programmes of the Department of Social Development (DSD) that seek to promote positive outcomes critical to change the course of gender-based violence faced by all South Africans.
Executive Mayor of GRDM, Cllr Memory Booysen (2nd right), together with Speaker of GRDM, Cllr Barend Groenewald and Municipal Manager of GRDM, Mr Monde Stratu, welcomed the Deputy-Minister of DSD, Honorable Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu (middle) and Professor Archbishop Mbulelo Dyasi, Secretary of the Men’s Sector, SANAC (right) to the Garden Route district, before the commencement of the 1st Men’s Parliament assembly.
After Honorable Ipeleng Bogopane-Zulu was warmly welcomed by the Executive Mayor of GRDM, Cllr Memory Booysen, she later joined the men in Conville to officially launch the assembly, which will now be a quarterly sitting.
Deputy-Minister of DSD, Honorable Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, during her keynote address at the assembly.
Attendees used the opportunity provided to them, to speak about the issues men are faced with on a daily basis and used the question “What is a man?” as a basis and kick-off point for all related discussions that followed.
These discussions included:
the nature of the problem;
validation of positive masculinity and the need for healing;
promoting a healthy society;
the call from women; and
the responses of men – what must be done, economic development – how we are going to build the economy and personal commitment, mobilisation and accountability (from decision, to action, to results, demonstrating the results of our actions, as well as mentorship in raising responsive responsible boys.
During her keynote address, Ms Bogopane-Zulu praised the GRDM Executive Mayor, Cllr Memory Booysen, and Speaker, Cllr Barend Groenewald, as well as the local municipalities in the district for their eagerness to implement the programme. She said: “I know that more men will be included in future male-focused engagements. This is a long road, but if we continue to work together, the road will get shorter. We cannot achieve anything if we do not have your support”. Ms Bogopane-Zulu further referred to the recent tragic deaths of women in the district as a result of gender-based violence, specifically in the Mossel Bay area and said: “It is time that men take full responsibility and accountability, not only for their individual actions, but also for their collective actions”. She added: “Whenever these perpetrators go to court, only the faces of women are visible outside the courts“. She furthermore said: “I want to see men with posters in front of these courts, not only women. She encouraged men to stand firm and say ‘no, this one must not be allowed bail”. She further encouraged all attendees to use their voices with the hope to help Government to implement programmes that will assist men to improve their circumstances and behaviour, to make this country a better country for all.
Portfolio Councillor for Roads and Transport Planning Services at GRDM, Cllr Rowan Spies, spoke about how men must find a way to manage their egos and anger. He emphasised: “We as men have to find a way to deal with our egos and anger, in order to gain self-respect. Change only happens in the practice of discipline and forgiveness”. He concluded with the following words: “We are servants at various levels of society and we must all translate it into what we do on a daily basis. We have to deal with our egos and forgiveness,” he added.
The assembly was successfully chaired by the GRDM Speaker Barend Groenewald, who concluded the event with the following words: “Let us act, to correct, educate and let the perpetrators face the consequences of their own shameful and deliberate actions”.
It is envisaged that the programme will be implemented and extended to the local municipalities in the Garden Route from next year onwards, whereby men structures will be established by the DSD and GRDM, to ensure the progress of the Takuwani Riime project. ‘Takuwani Riime’ is a Venda expression meaning “let Us Stand Up Together”.
Resolutions taken at the event:
Motions with Notice
1. Motions on Definition of a man
A man is not simply defined by his physical make-up, A man is a man through his action(s) that reflect good morals, accountability and the affection he brings to his house and community. A man is provider and a protector, nurtured by his character.
2.Motions on health wellness and socio-economic hardships
We move for the adoption that men need to avail themselves to seek health advice timeously in order to detect and help prevent illnesses. Men need undergo introspection and seek psychosocial services in order to effect social behavioural change practices. Men need to undergo HIV, TB, Prostate Cancer and heart-related health check-ups and take a greater responsibility in looking after their health. Men need to work in conjunction with the government to examine the nature and structural drivers of unemployment for middle-aged men and develop a framework that will remedy unemployment.
3. Motions on gender-based Violence
We move for the adoption to work towards eradicating and preventing new cases of GBV, femicide, rape and abuse. We as Men of Garden Route bind and commit ourselves to say “No women and Child” should suffer or experience any form of violence in our district, we say “Not in Our Name”.
4. Motions on District Men’s Parliament
We move for the adoption to work towards strengthening the implementation of Takuwani Riime and looking at avenues to strengthen the relationship between the Garden Route District Men’s sector, District Municipality, local municipalities and the Department of Social Development. As men of the Garden Route District, we need to mobilize more men in communities, mobilize the business and capacitate existing men’s sector structure. We need to move towards institutionalizing our movement to be absorbed by our district and local municipality through finding synergies and other methods of cooperation. District Men’s Parliaments are to have quarterly sitting to monitor and evaluate implementation efforts, and to aid implementations of Boys Assemblies.
