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25 September 2025 Media Release: Revival of commercial forestry in the Southern Cape a huge relief

Media Release: Revival of commercial forestry in the Southern Cape a huge relief

25 September 2025

“The Southern Cape’s economy was built on forestry for close to two centuries. Unfortunately, this vital industry, supporting thousands of jobs and a wide downstream value chain, which included saw mills and timber sales, has fallen into sharp decline as major plantations on state land have not been replanted and only small pockets remain on private land,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

One of the unfortunate environmental impacts were that vast areas formerly managed as commercial plantations were no longer managed and thousands of hectares of land succumbed to dense infestations of invasive alien plants. This in turn held considerable risks for the region including potential wildfire disasters, water security and loss of biodiversity.

Over and above the environmental risks posed the demise of commercial forestry coincided with substantial job losses, loss of skilled labour, experience and a generational forestry management culture developed over a century.

The recent reversal of government policy allowing Cold Stream Timber Company (CTC) to replant a number of dormant plantations is a welcome relief to the Garden Route. Commercial forestry can create huge amount of jobs to skilled and unskilled labour at a time when unemployment in the region carries enormous socio- economic risks.

The newly formed Garden Route Risk Reduction Task Team (RRTT) welcomes the additional capacity of the forestry industry in protecting the region against overwhelming fire risks as a result of more available manpower and resources. This will include controlled burns, large scale management of invasive plants, the development of essential fire breaks and critical biodiversity corridors free of invasive plants.

As the Southern Cape again enters a period of low rainfall in the medium term fire risk increases exponentially, as the recent wild fires in Ruitersbos are testimony to. Combatting wild fires are extremely costly, and since its re- occurrence is guaranteed it requires an integrated approach, constant planning, vigilance and a high state of preparedness.

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

Photo: The return of commercial forestry brings hope to the Southern Cape socio- economic and biodiversity sustainability

22 September 2025 Opportunities: Financial Assistance towards Further Studies 2026

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TOWARDS FURTHER STUDIES 2026

Applications are invited from students currently enrolled at accredited learning Institutions as well as learners who are currently in Grade 12 or have already passed Grade 12, for financial assistance towards further studies in the 2026 academic year. The financial contribution by GRDM applies only to full-time studies and attendance at SAQA-accredited tertiary or TVET institutions. This is ONLY applicable to students whose parents permanently reside within the Garden Route municipal area.

Application forms are available at the GRDM head office and satellite offices during normal office hours (Monday – Thursday 07:30 – 16:30; Friday, 07:30 – 13:30). Application forms can also be downloaded from the GRDM website at www.gardenroute.gov.za.

THE GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY WILL ONLY CONSIDER APPLICATIONS THAT ARE FULLY COMPLETED AND IF ACCOMPANIED BY ALL THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS LISTED BELOW.

Applicants must attach a detailed Curriculum Vitae, cover letter, completed application form, and certified copies of the following documentation: latest Grade 12 results or equivalent qualification; latest examination results (for students currently enrolled at tertiary institutions); certified copy of ID; affidavit of parents’ combined income; and proof of residential address (e.g., municipal account).

Completed applications and supporting documents must be submitted to: Records, Garden Route District Municipality, 54 York Street, P.O. Box 12, George 6530. For attention: Training and Development Section.

For any enquiries, please contact Mr Reginald Salmons at 044 803 1363, Ms Berma Losper at 044 803 1344 or Mrs Nolwando Sambokwe on 044 803 1345 during office hours.

Kindly note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If applicants have not been contacted within two months of the closing date, they should consider their application unsuccessful.

Closing date: 31 October 2025 Notice number: 99/2025

Click here and download the Official Advertisement.

Click here and download the Official Bursary Application Form.

19 September 2025 Media Release: Close the Gap: It’s never too late to come back or get tested for HIV, TB


Media Release: Close the Gap: It’s never too late to come back or get tested for HIV, TB

For immediate release
19 September 2025

Have you stopped HIV or TB treatment? You’re not alone, and it’s never too late to come back.

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, together with the National Department of Health and community partners, is calling on everyone who has missed appointments or stopped treatment to reconnect with care, without judgment.

Through the Close the Gap and End TB campaigns, we are working to support people in the Western Cape to start and restart HIV or TB treatment.

According to national estimates, around 160,000 people in the Western Cape are living with HIV but not yet on treatment. Provincial patient-level data, however, indicates just over 111,000 people living with HIV have not accessed services in the past 24 months. Across our province, our health teams are focusing on the facilities where the need is greatest, using local data to reach out and bring people back into care.

Our healthcare teams understand that life happens – work, travel, family, personal circumstances or fear can get in the way. But we’re here to welcome you back and to support your journey.

“We must intensify both HIV and TB screening, ensure early linkage to care and maintain treatment adherence to reduce ongoing transmission. The Close the Gap campaign is an opportunity to highlight that Undetectable= Untransmissible (U=U) and ‘YES, we can END TB’ with our Targeted Universal TB Testing(TUTT). We invite everybody to visit our facilities. We are ready to welcome you back to care or start your journey to wellness by knowing your status.”, said Marli Delport, clinical program coordinator: TB & HIV.

Knowing your TB and HIV status is the first step to protecting yourself and the people you love. If you’re living with HIV or TB and you are not treatment, starting or restarting treatment can protect your loved ones and your health.

We’re also bringing services closer to you:

  • Free testing at your local clinics and wellness hub
  • Outreach at taxi ranks, workplaces, schools and malls
  • Confidential support at your local clinic
  • Youth Zones – free testing and counselling available at our local clinic youth zone for young people aged 10 and older; or speak to your school nurse if you need support.

We’re working in partnership with NPOs and community organisations to make sure that, as far as possible, services are delivered in a manner that meets the needs of communities.

Protect your health

  • If you have a persistent cough, night sweats, weight loss or fatigue, visit your nearest clinic or mobile site for a free TB test.
  • Open windows at home, school or work, in public transport like taxis and buses to let fresh air in.
  • Wear a mask if you’re coughing or in crowded spaces.
  • Ask about TB Preventive Treatment (TPT) if you’re living with HIV or have been in close contact with someone who has TB.
  • Complete your TB treatment if diagnosed, even when you start feeling better – stopping early can lead to drug resistance.
  • U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable. If someone with HIV is on sustained treatment and their viral load is undetectable, they cannot sexually transmit HIV. Staying on treatment protects your health and your loved ones.
  • You can choose to abstain from sex to avoid contracting sexually transmitted infections.
  • Use condoms – free at clinics to protect you from HIV, STIs and pregnancy.
  • Ask a nurse at your clinic about PrEP: an antiretroviral medication taken by HIV-negative people to reduce the risk of acquiring HIV.
  • Limit sexual partners to reduce risk.
  • Test every 3 months for HIV if you’re at higher risk.

Here for you

Whether it’s your first time visiting for a test or you’re coming back, we welcome you. No judgment. Just care.

Visit your local clinic or call to find out how to reconnect with treatment today.

This campaign is part of the National Department of Health’s Close the Gap Campaign, delivered in partnership with WHO, UNAIDS and local organisations.

ENDS

For media enquiries, contact:
Nadia Ferreira
Communication Officer
Western Cape Government Health and Wellness
Tel: 044 813 1831
Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za
Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

140 x Training Opportunities – Code C Drivers License for Unemployed Youth – Garden Route Rural Areas

Drivers License: Code C – Unemployed Youth 

140 x Training Opportunities for Unemployed Youth – Garden Route Rural Areas

Garden Route District Municipality invites unemployed persons between ages of 18 to 40 male or female residing within the Garden Route District Municipal area, to apply for an opportunity to be trained for a Driver’s License Code C as part of a Garden Route Skills Mecca Initiative.

Areas (Rural) include: Hessequa, Knysna, Bitou, Kannaland, Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn and George.

HOW TO APPLY:
Applicants must register and apply using the online Unemployment Solutions (Red Button) on the Garden Route Skills Mecca website / or by browsing to this short link: https://tinyurl.com/34unespk. Alternatively, applicants may manually apply by downloading the application form here, completing it, attaching the required documents listed below, and submitting it to the Garden Route District Municipality offices within their municipal area.

Programme and Entry Requirements

  • Applicants need to have as a minimum educational qualification of Grade 11 (NQF 3) or equivalent.
  • Persons must be between ages of 18 to 40 male or female residing within the Garden Route District Municipal area.

For any enquiries, contact the following officials during office hours only:
– Mr. Reginald Salmons at 044-803 1363 /or
– Ms. Sisanda Sajini at 044 803 1450 .

Closing date: 03/10/2025

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CODE-C ADVERT

140 x Training Opportunities – Code B Drivers License for Unemployed Youth – Garden Route Rural Areas

Drivers License: Code B – Unemployed Youth 

140 x Training Opportunities for Unemployed Youth – Garden Route Rural Areas

Garden Route District Municipality invites unemployed persons between ages of 18 to 40 male or female residing within the Garden Route District Municipal area, to apply for an opportunity to be trained for a Driver’s License Code B as part of a Garden Route Skills Mecca Initiative.

Areas (Rural) include: Hessequa, Knysna, Bitou, Kannaland, Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn and George.

HOW TO APPLY:
Applicants must register and apply using the online Unemployment Solutions (Red Button) on the Garden Route Skills Mecca website / or by browsing to this short link: https://tinyurl.com/34unespk. Alternatively, applicants may manually apply by downloading the application form here, completing it, attaching the required documents listed below, and submitting it to the Garden Route District Municipality offices within their municipal area.

Programme and Entry Requirements

  • Applicants need to have as a minimum educational qualification of Grade 11 (NQF 3) or equivalent.
  • Persons must be between ages of 18 to 40 male or female residing within the Garden Route District Municipal area.

For any enquiries, contact the following officials during office hours only:
– Mr. Reginald Salmons at 044-803 1363 /or
– Ms. Sisanda Sajini at 044 803 1450 .

Closing date: 03/10/2025

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CODE-B ADVERT

140 x Training Opportunities – Code C Drivers License for Employed Youth – Garden Route Rural Areas

Drivers License: Code C – Employed Youth 

140 x Training Opportunities for Employed Youth earning R15,000 or less – Garden Route Rural Areas

Garden Route District Municipality invites employed persons between ages of 18 to 40, male or female, residing within the Garden Route District Municipal area, to apply for an opportunity to be trained for a Driver’s License Code C as part of a Garden Route Skills Mecca Initiative.

Areas (Rural) include: Hessequa, Knysna, Bitou, Kannaland, Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn and George.

HOW TO APPLY:
Applicants must register and apply using the online Unemployment Solutions (Red Button) on the Garden Route Skills Mecca website / or by browsing to this short link: https://tinyurl.com/34unespk. Alternatively, applicants may manually apply by downloading the application form here, completing it, attaching the required documents listed below, and submitting it to the Garden Route District Municipality offices within their municipal area.

Programme and Entry Requirements

  • Applicants must be between 18–40 years of age.
  • Must be currently employed and earning R15,000 or less per month.
  • Minimum educational qualification: Grade 11 (NQF 3) or equivalent.
  • Must reside within the Garden Route District Municipal area.

For any enquiries, contact the following officials during office hours only:
– Mr. Reginald Salmons at 044-803 1363 /or
– Ms. Sisanda Sajini at 044 803 1450 .

Closing date: 03/10/2025

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CODE-C ADVERT

140 x Training Opportunities – Code B Drivers License for Employed Youth – Garden Route Rural Areas

Drivers License: Code B – Employed Youth 

140 x Training Opportunities for Employed Youth earning R15,000 or less – Garden Route Rural Areas

Garden Route District Municipality invites employed persons between ages of 18 to 40, male or female, residing within the Garden Route District Municipal area, to apply for an opportunity to be trained for a Driver’s License Code B as part of a Garden Route Skills Mecca Initiative.

Areas (Rural) include: Hessequa, Knysna, Bitou, Kannaland, Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn and George.

HOW TO APPLY:
Applicants must register and apply using the online Unemployment Solutions (Red Button) on the Garden Route Skills Mecca website / or by browsing to this short link: https://tinyurl.com/34unespk. Alternatively, applicants may manually apply by downloading the application form here, completing it, attaching the required documents listed below, and submitting it to the Garden Route District Municipality offices within their municipal area.

Programme and Entry Requirements

  • Applicants must be between 18–40 years of age.
  • Must be currently employed and earning R15,000 or less per month.
  • Minimum educational qualification: Grade 11 (NQF 3) or equivalent.
  • Must reside within the Garden Route District Municipal area.

For any enquiries, contact the following officials during office hours only:
– Mr. Reginald Salmons at 044-803 1363 /or
– Ms. Sisanda Sajini at 044 803 1450 .

Closing date: 03/10/2025

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CODE-B ADVERT

15 September 2025 EXPANDED PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME (EPWP): LAW ENFORCEMENT AMBASSADORS

EXPANDED PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME (EPWP): LAW ENFORCEMENT AMBASSADORS

The EPWP of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is providing an exciting opportunity to unemployed youth who have completed Grade 12, to gain practical experience as Law Enforcement Ambassadors for a period of seven (7) months.

PERIOD:  7 Months

RESIDENTIAL AREAS: Within the Garden Route district, including: Kannaland, Hessequa, George, Oudtshoorn, Knysna and Bitou.

Candidates who wish to apply must meet the following minimum requirements:

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

  • Grade 12 (Matric).
  • A valid police clearance certificate or proof of payment for police clearance.
  • Ability to speak at least two (2) of the three (3) official languages of the Western Cape.
  • Must be a South African citizen between the ages of 18 – 35.
  • Unemployed and not registered on any other Learnership, Internship, and/or Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Programme.
  • Must reside within the Garden Route district municipal area.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

  • Certified copy of Identity Document.
  • Certified copy of Grade 12 Certificate.
  • Proof of police clearance or proof of payment for police clearance.
  • Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
  • Completed EPWP application form.

APPLICATION FORMS AND FURTHER INFORMATION:

Please submit a completed EPWP application form, together with your Curriculum Vitae (CV), a certified copy of your Identity Document, a certified copy of your Grade 12 certificate, and proof of police clearance, at one of the Garden Route District Municipality’s satellite offices listed below, or via email to: epwp@edendm.co.za

GRDM Offices
GRDM Environmental Health Office
23 Michell Street, RIVERSDALE.
Tel nr: 028 7132438		 GRDM Fire and Rescue Office
54 Van Riebeeck Street, LADISMITH.
GRDM Environmental Health Office
24A Queen Street, KNYSNA.
Tel nr:  044 382 7214		 GRDM Head-Office
54 York Street, George.
Tel nr:  044 803 1300
GRDM Environmental Health Office
4 Virginia Street, PLETTENBERG BAY, 6600. Tel nr: 044 5011600		 GRDM Environmental Health Office
15 Regent Street, OUDTSHOORN, South Africa, 6620. Tel nr: 044 5011600

The current EPWP application forms are available at the Garden Route District Municipality’s Office in George (54 York Street and Mission Street) and satellite offices within the district during normal office hours (Monday – Thursday 07:30 – 16:30; Friday 07:30 – 13:30). EPWP Application forms are also available from the GRDM’s website at www.gardenroute.gov.za.

For any enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. H. Claassen at (044) 803 1531 or Ms. A. Killian at (044) 803 1501 during office hours.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applicants who do not receive any communication within one week after the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.

Click here and download the EPWP Database Application form.

Click here and download the Official Advert.

CLOSING DATE: 30 September 2025
Notice number: 97/2025

MG STRATU

15 September 2025 Media Release: GRDM plants indigenous trees at Rosemoor Home for Aged in celebration of Arbor Month

Media Release: GRDM plants indigenous trees at Rosemoor Home for Aged in celebration of Arbor Month

For immediate release
15 September 2025

This morning, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), visited the Rosemoor Home for the Aged to celebrate the importance of the trees in celebration of Arbor Month under the unified theme: “Our Forest – Our Future”.

Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, hands over the trees to Ms Jael Africa from Rosemoor Home for the Aged before planting it.

As part of the celebration, the GRDM Community Services team, led by the Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, joined representatives from the retirement home to plant three indigenous trees (a Water Pear and two Spekboom) on the premises.

In addition, GRDM Environmental Management Intern, Zine Tyam, used the opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of planting trees and protecting those that already exist.

MMC Hoogbaard, during his address to all present said that “The Garden Route District Municipality reiterates its commitment to sustainable practices that will secure a green and safe environment for future generations to enjoy”. Adding to these words, he further highlighted: “The GRDM is committed to planting trees and to ensuring that communities are empowered to contribute to nature by planting trees, and to share in the benefits from trees and the environment”.

In terms of the threat of climate change he said: “It is also important that we continue emphasising that climate change is the most serious threat to the existence of human beings”.  To address this threat, he advised: “We need to continue to plant trees, which can better the harmful effect of global warming and contribute greatly to the effective regulation of our environment and atmosphere”.

Hoogbaard further stated that trees can grow and survive for hundreds of years. “And once fully grown they bring many benefits to us, our children and their children; so, while we plant trees to grow and support the future, we remember those that have come before us”. In conclusion Hoogbaard stated: “We hope that the residents of the will find joy in the beauty and shade that it will provide.”

While delivering the vote of thanks, Johan Compion, Senior Manager for Environmental Health at GRDM said: “It is a privilege to know there are people that look after the environment and that this Old Age Home promise to look after the trees. He extended a heartfelt thanks to Sister Charmaine Titus, Ms Jael Africa and the entire Rosemoor Home for the Aged for welcoming GRDM and its officials to celebrate Arbor Month with them.

This collaborative initiative stands as a symbol of partnership and a step toward a greener, more sustainable future for the Garden Route district.

Why are trees important?

  • Trees are often called the lungs of the earth, because they give us oxygen and clean the air.
  • They absorb carbon dioxide, helping us fight climate change.
  • They also provide shade, fruit, medicine, and even wood for our daily use.
  • Beyond that, trees protect the soil from erosion, support birds, and wildlife; and
  • They make communities more beautiful and provide a peaceful atmosphere.

What can we do

  • Plant a tree at home, school or in the community – always make sure the roots are not invasive.
  • Care for the trees we already have.

We urge communities to spread the message of why trees matter!

ENDS

15 September 2025 Media Release: GRDM joins Knysna Municipality and others to clean up some beach areas

Media Release: GRDM joins Knysna Municipality and others to clean up some beach areas

For immediate release
15 September 2025

To celebrate International Coastal Clean-Up Day in Knysna from 11 to 12 September 2025, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) joined hands with the Knysna Municipality, the Western Cape Provincial Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP), CapeNature, and the South African National Parks (SANParks).

Participants clean-up the Main Beach of Buffalo Bay, in celebration of International Coastal Clean-up Day.

The annual International Coastal Clean-Up Day is celebrated on 20 September 2025 every year, however this initiative is celebrated worldwide with various coastal, estuarine, river, and marine clean-up activities. According to Dr Nina Viljoen, GRDM Head: Environmental Management, ‘this initiative is a meaningful approach to raise awareness on the impact of waste and littering on the Garden Route’s sensitive coastline, and why coastal and marine wildlife, birds and plants rely on a clean coastal and marine environment”.

“It inspires sustainable habits, as awareness is the first step towards change,” she said.

On Thursday, 11 September, Knysna Municipality hosted a coastal clean-up awareness event at the Hornlee Civic Hall in Knysna, where High School Tourism learners from surrounding schools were treated to awareness talks and exhibitions. Organisations, including CapeNature, the SANParks, and Knysna Tourism, collectively raised awareness to learners about the Tourism Industry, focusing on the benefits of eco-tourism and the challenges within the Sector.

Learners are educated about various marine life species during the Clean-up operation at Buffalo Bay beach.

The next day, Knysna Municipality also hosted a clean-up operation along the Buffalo Bay main beach. During the event, learners from the Rondevlei Learning Centre participated to clear the beach as they collected waste and small litter particles they came across. In rewarding them for all their efforts, the CapeNature team presented an interactive activity to them, where they had to identify marine life on the beach, and were furthermore educated on ‘why clean beaches are important’. The GRDM Environmental Management team, under leadership of Dr Nina Viljoen, furthermore spoiled them with stationery packs and snacks that were donated by the Western Cape DEA&DP.

This collaborative partnership between these participating organisations symbolises how Government institutions take hands and make a difference in ensuring the success of environmental projects rolled out within communities of the Garden Route district.

Did you know?

Rondevlei Learning Centre is established in 2019 and is a registered NPC (2024/453120/08) and PBO with Section 18A registration. Their aim is to provide stimulating forms of learning to children struggling with mainstream education.

Also read: https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/2025/09/01/46214/

ENDS