Media Statement: Urgent Public Warning – Fraudulent Tender Activities Alert
9 April 2024
It has come to our attention that individuals have been approached by a person or persons claiming to be involved in the municipality’s supply chain and tender decision-making process. One fraudulent actor, using the name “Patrick Schata” among others, have contacted potential tenderers, promising favourable outcomes in exchange for E-Wallet payments or other forms of financial compensation.
What to do if you encounter this fraudulent activity:
Do Not Respond: Do not click on links, open attachments, make payments, or provide any personal or financial information.
Report Immediately: Contact the GRDM’s Ethics and Fraud Hotline on 0800 116 616, e-mail grdm@thehotline.co.za or SMS 30916
The GRDM is investigating these fraudulent activities while remaining committed to ensuring the integrity of our tender processes.
Your vigilance and cooperation in reporting such incidents are greatly appreciated to combat these fraudulent schemes.
Here is a copy of a fraudulent letter presented to a company:
The Gwaing project is still in its construction phase. The progress of the project currently stands at 70% works completed, after a few rain delays were experienced in the last two weeks.
The main focus areas at this stage remains the processing of the layer works. Material is still being carted in from the approved source, with the cement stabilisation process scheduled to start as early as next week. The drainage network on the entire section of the road has been improved, with minor concrete structures currently being constructed for erosion control.
The intended final completion date is set for 18 September 2024.
Media Release: Future prospects of Garden Route Fynbos uncertain
For immediate release 04 April 2024
Conservationists and environmental management entities in the Garden Route share concern on the dual effect of climate change, expanding agricultural practices and rapid development on what remains of the region’s Fynbos species which are on the Red List of Terrestrial Ecosystems (Government Notice 2747). “These species are critically endangered and unlikely to survive, given their limited prospects in isolation and all present threats,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).
The 2017 Knysna wild-fire disaster was a wake-up call for conservationists and land-owners alike with fears that complete critically endangered eco-systems potentially could have been obliterated by the inferno, combined with the ever-present threat posed by fast-growing invasive alien plants. Substantial seed bases are sprouting rapidly and completely taking over areas previously covered by Fynbos after the fire.
Despite the odds, there is still hope for the survival of Fynbos species in the Garden Route with the cooperation of state and private landowners, and dedicated conservationists and botanists from state and non-state entities e.g. SANParks, Cape Nature, Botanical Societies, private conservancies and entities such as CREW (Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers) and George-based Outramps who regularly undertake efforts to find and document the presence of Fynbos LTRE systems in the Garden Route.
The natural wonders of the Garden Route is exactly what makes the region so special in global terms of its beauty and biodiversity. It is imperative that all those living in the region do their utmost in efforts to create more space for natural assets and all life it sustains to be able to survive and prosper well into the future.
Landowners are encouraged to make an effort to take note of and appreciate what kind of Red List and all other Fynbos species are present on their land and, where at all possible, protect them and possibly enlarge their footprint by removing invasive alien plant growth. Landowners are also encouraged to take proactive measures to prevent a repeat of the 2017 and 2018 regional wildfire disasters, because failure to do so can only accelerate the demise of one of the world’s most precious natural assets.
GREF and SCLI are public platforms for conservation and environmental management entities in Garden Route
DRAFT 2024-2025 INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN (IDP), DRAFT 2024/2025 MEDIUM TERM REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE FRAMEWORK AND MULTI-YEAR BUDGET
Open for Comment
Notice is hereby given that the Garden Route District Municipal Council’s Draft Integrated Development Plan for the 2024/2025 financial year and the Medium Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework (MTREF) Draft Multi-Year Budget for the period 2024/2025-2026/2027, 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 considered by the Garden Route District Council at a District Council meeting held on Wednesday, 27 March 2024.
These documents will be available for public inspection and comments at all main local libraries, satellite offices and the Garden Route District Municipality’s IDP Unit, 54 York Street George and on the GRDM municipal website www.gardenroute.gov.za.
All comments and inputs must be directed to “The Municipal Manager, Garden Route District Municipality, 54 York Street, George 6530”, rekords@gardenroute.gov.za
Persons who are unable to read or write are encouraged to contact the Garden Route District Municipality during ordinary office hours, where they will be assisted to formulate their written comments or objection.
Written comments and inputs regarding the above documents must reach the Office of the Municipal Manager on or before 30 April 2024.
Please contact the District IDP Manager (Mrs Mercy James) or Budget Manager (Ms Louise Hoek) at 044 803 1300, rekords@gardenroute.gov.za with any enquiries.
Click here to download the Garden Route District Municipal Council’s Draft Amended IDP
M STRATU Municipal Manager Garden Route District Municipality
Public Notice: Draft Budget 2024/2025-2026/2027 – open for Comments
Notice 39/2024
Notice is hereby given that the Garden Route District Municipal Council’s Draft Budget for the period 2024/2025-2026/2027, was compiled in accordance with the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act 2003 (Act 56 of 2003).
This document was noted by the Garden Route District Municipality at a District Council meeting held on Wednesday, 27 March 2024.
This document will be available for public inspection and comments on the GRDM municipal website www.gardenroute.gov.za from 28 March 2024.
Members of the public is invited to submit written comments or representations to the municipality in respect of this document. All comments and inputs must be directed to: The Municipal Manager Garden Route District Municipality 54 York Street George, 6530
Please contact the Budget Manager (Ms Louise Hoek) at 044 803 1300 with any enquiries.
Notice of a MPAC Meeting on 03 April 2024 at 14:00
Notice number: 36/2024
Notice is hereby given that an MPAC MEETING of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the Joint Operations Centre (JOC) Committee Room, and via Zoom, 54 York Street, George, on 03 April 2024 at 14:00.
MG Stratu
Municipal Manager
54 York Street
P.O Box 12
GEORGE
6530
This document was approved by the Garden Route District Municipality at a District Council meeting held on Wednesday, 27 March 2024.
This document will be available for public inspection and comments on the GRDM municipal website from 28 March 2024.
Members of the public are invited to submit written comments or representations to the municipality in respect of this document. All comments and inputs must be directed to: The Municipal Manager, Garden Route District Municipality, 54 York Street, George 6530.
Please contact the Budget Manager (Ms Louise Hoek) at 044 803 1300 with any enquiries.
Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality adds two new bakkies to its fleet
For immediate release 27 March 2024
In a significant move to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) officially started using two of its long-awaited brand-new vehicles. This purchase was made available through the capital budget allocated in this 2023/2024 financial year. The bakkies cost R632 000 collectively. These resources will improve the working conditions and service delivery capabilities of the maintenance team and the Calitzdorp Hot Springs.
In the past, the maintenance team had to make use of their personal vehicles for municipal tasks and thereafter claim for the kilometres travelled. This was not only inconvenient but also unsustainable for the municipality. Calitzdorp Hot Springs, managed by the municipality, had a bakkie that was old to repair.
Addressing the attendees during the handover ceremony, Alderman Memory Booysen expressed his optimism for the positive changes the new vehicles will bring. Portfolio Chairperson for Planning and Economic Development, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, highlighted the importance of safety and responsibility. He encouraged the officials to travel safely and maintain the new assets with care, ensuring that they serve their purpose for as long as possible.
The manager of Victoria Bay and Swartvlei Caravan Park, Medron Bussack, Acting Manager of Calitzdorp Hot Springs, Elmo Labuschagne, and other officials of the resorts, Maintenance personnel Unathi Fana and Irvin Siljeur, expressed their gratitude, noting that the vehicles would significantly ease the challenges they face in maintaining the resorts, such as removing waste and other materials.
Feature Image: GRDM Executive Mayor, Ald. Memory Booysen (3rd from left) officially taking into acceptance the two new vehicles, together with (fltr) Manager of Victoria Bay and Swartvlei Caravan Parks, Medron Bussack, Acting Manager of Calitzdorp Hot Springs, Elmo Labuschagne, Acting Municipal Manager, Lusanda Menze, Portfolio Chairperson for Planning and Economic Development, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, and the Maintenance personnel, Irvin Siljeur and Unathi Fana.
Media Release: Environmental Health Practitioners from GRDM conduct health inspections at KKNK in Oudtshoorn
For immediate release 26 March 2024
This year the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival (KKNK) takes place in Oudtshoorn for the 28th time. The festival started on 23 March and will conclude on 31 March 2024.
Since the Municipal Health Services function is defined in the National Health Act, 2003 and includes the following Key Performance Areas such as Food Control, Solid Waste Management, Health Surveillance of Premises etc., the Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) from Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) commenced with inspections at the festival’s food stalls for compliance in terms of Regulation No. 638 of 22 June 2018.
During inspections the EHPs also provide food hygiene education to food handlers. By doing so, their efforts ensure that all food during storage, handling and preparation at food stalls are safe, wholesome, as well as fit for human consumption and conform to the applicable quality and safety requirements.
Currently, the team also carry out inspections and monitor public toilets, wastewater disposal systems, refuse disposal and removal, as well as ensuring that regulations relating to the smoking in public places and certain outdoor public places, are adhered to.
What are these Hygiene Guidelines for Food Stalls?
Every food stall owner must be in possession of a Certificate of Acceptability in terms of R638 OF 22 June 2018.
The COA must at all times be available at the food stall and also visible to the public.
People working on the premises must be properly trained in food hygiene.
Suitable protective clothing, which includes a full length apron and head covering, must be worn by all food handlers.
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.
All working surfaces must be made of smooth, dust free, non-absorbent and washable material.
Cover and protect all foodstuffs from contamination by dust and insects.
Smoking in food stall is prohibited.
Keep a bucket or bowl with water, soap and preferable paper towels at hand for the wash and drying of hands.
A dustbin with a tight lid must be available for use at all times.
Animals may not be allowed in the food stall.
If the natural ground surface of the premises is dusty, it must be covered with a dustproof, washable ground sheet.
All pre packed food must be properly labeled. (Foodstuffs and Cosmetic and Disinfected Act, 1972) (Act no 54 of 1972). Provision must be made for the collection and storage of waste water until disposal thereof.
The stall / premises where food is handled must at all times be kept clean and in a hygiene condition.
For more information or to report complaints relating to the festival or in general, contact the following GRDM offices:
Desmond Paulse, Manager: Municipal Health (Klein Karoo)
Klein Karoo Region & Kannaland Region Address: 94 St John Street, Oudtshoorn
Tel: 044 272 2241 / Cell: 083 678 6530
Johan Compion, Senior Manager: Municipal Health & Environmental Services Mission Street, Industrial Area, George
044-803 1525 / Cell: 082 803 5161
Caption: Environmental Health Practitioner from the GRDM Klein Karoo Municipal Health Office, Johan Smith, during an inspection performed at the KKNK.
Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality once again empowers Small and Medium Enterprises with Equipment and Support
26 March 2024
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Council has again supported Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) with a significant allocation of R600,000 in the 2023/2024 budget. This funding is geared towards interventions and needs of SMEs within the region.
During a formal handover ceremony held yesterday, 25 SMEs meeting the specified criteria were provided with equipment in order to grow their businesses.
The selection process for beneficiaries began with widespread outreach efforts, including advertisements in local newspapers and rural areas within the Garden Route. A total of 83 businesses responded to the call for proposals. Facilitated by the SEDA, the vetting, screening, and verification process ensured fairness and transparency. The Adjudication Committee, comprising Local Economic Development (LED) Managers, the Department of Agriculture, the Western Cape Economic Development Partnership (WCEDP), and the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT, carefully reviewed pitches from businesses and made recommendations.
During the ceremony, Alderlady Rosina Ruiters, Portfolio Chairperson of the Planning and Economic Development Department, welcomed attendees and highlighted the program’s origins. Dr. Keith du Plessis, CEO of Casidra, expressed appreciation for the SME program, acknowledging its vital role in supporting small businesses, which are recognised as the backbone of many economies worldwide. “I want to take my hat-off to the GRDM for recognising the plea of the struggling SME’s, what these small businesses are facing, and what our programme assists with,” Du Plessis said.
Program Director and Acting Manager of District Economic Development and Tourism Unit, Richard Dyantyi, emphasised the program’s focus on reaching rural businesses and collaboration with SEDA to provide ongoing support and assistance in marketing.
The Western Cape Provincial Manager of SEDA, Alex Qunta, delivered an inspiring message to SME owners, urging them to prioritise working on their businesses for long-term success. “You have to work on your business first, before it can work for you. As entrepreneurs and business owners, we always want the business to work for us.
Western Cape Provincial Manager of SEDA, Alex Qunta urged SMEs to work on their businesses for long-term success.
Alderlady Rosina Ruiters, Portfolio Chairperson for Planning and Economic Development shared some insights into the program’s origins.
GRDM Executive Mayor, Alderman Memory Booysen reiterated the municipality’s dedication to changing lives through initiatives like these, despite budget constraints. “Every year during this gathering I say the same things, but the fact of the matter is, facts don’t change, the truth doesn’t change, circumstances might change from time to time.” He elaborated on the District Municipality Council’s proactive decisions made five years ago to positively impact the lives of people in the district.
Alderman Booysen further acknowledged the GRDM’s commitment to prioritising initiatives like supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), even if it meant reallocating funds from other projects. He stressed that a project like this, despite not being part of the GRDM’s core functions, is essential for the growth and prosperity of the community.
Executive Mayor, Alderman Memory Booysen during his keynote address, stressed that this type of project is essential for the growth and prosperity of the community.
Acting Municipal Manager, Lusanda Menze, praised the officials for once again hosting a successful SME support program.
Dyantyi shared the success story of 68 previously benefited SMEs, all of which remain operational, highlighting the program’s impact and sustainability.
GRDM Acting Municipal Manager, Lusanda Menze, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their support and contributions in all the different forms, to the success of the SME Program. He said that GRDM remains committed to empowering SMEs and driving economic growth and prosperity across the region.
Below are photos of the beneficiaries with Ald. Memory Booysen (GRDM Executive Mayor), Ald. Rosina Ruiters (Portfolio Chairperson: Economic Development and Planning), Lusanda Menze (GRDM Acting Municipal Manager), Dr. Keith du Plessis (CEO: Casidra), and Alex Qunta (WC Manager: SEDA).
D Meslane Projects receive a rammer with lincoin engine and a generator.
Dilsani’s Transport receives a top grill, fridge with two sliding doors.
Explore your Hood receives a double gas fryer, flat top gas griller, 4-plate boiling table.
Nada J receives a Ryobi Generator and an industrial overlock machine.
Kolanisi Bongiwe receives a Hydrovac extreme , steamer, dryer, mop and a high pressure washer.
Foxi Griffen General Trading receives a wet & dry vacuum cleaner, double bucket trolley and scrubber.
Mbena’s electrotechnical receives a drill with batt, rotary drill, angle grinder, step ladder and power station.
Tambo FM received a channel mixer, dual DJ-PA system, power amp, wireless MIC and a speak-on-lead.
Phiwo’s Décor Hire padded dining chair, plastic chairs, trestle table cloth, rectangular chafing fuel, crockery dinner plates, boiler urn, plastic crate, extra heavy duty pot, peg and pole tent, heavy duty plastic chairs, folding table, kiddies tiffany chairs.
Carbay on wheels received a inverter, cordless vacuum cleaner, brushless polisher.
Titus Tax and Accounting received a mini PC, samsung 23-inch LCD computer monitor, a laser printer and black toner.
Ubomi Bethu Contractors received a brush cutter, chainsaw and a blower.
Lagasi Group received a 39-inch TV, laptop, printer and gaming monitor.
Basil and Biltong received a TAV swivel manifold outlet, ring pipe, DAB Jetcom, controller, valbe, 5500l tank, skadunet, steel wire, 100m piping, buckel hook and eye.
Oelf Enterprise Projects receives a brushcutter and chainsaw.
B & J Cleaning Projects receives a garden tool set, gloves, grass shears, pruning shears, bow saw, prong fork, spade, lady fork, lady fork, slasher, hose gardening set, rake, spray bottle, small lawnmower rake, watering can, plastic leaf rake and hard broom.
Nelton Art received a backpack, mirrorless camera and laptop.
Sublime with Lime received a 300l chest freezer and a bread slier table top.
