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13 May 2025 Media Release: NSF visits GRDM to witness success of R36 million skills investment benefiting 400 people

Media Release: NSF visits GRDM to witness success of R36 million skills investment benefiting 400 people

12 May 2025

The Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Training Section received a visit from the National Skills Fund (NSF) Executive Committee from 8 to 9 May 2025.  The visit formed part of their  annual performance monitoring and oversight visits to beneficiaries. This follows the approval last year by the Director-General of the Department of Higher Education and Training, allocating R36 378 000 to the GRDM to benefit 400 beneficiaries over a period 31 month period.

During a brief ‘meet-and-greet’ session on Thursday with the NSF Executive Committee, the Municipal Manager of GRDM Monde Stratu, welcomed the team and highlighted the good working relationship that has been established since 2017. Stratu expressed his appreciation for the strong partnership between GRDM and NSF and thanked them for their continued financial contribution and support, towards skills development in the region. Following this, the NSF leadership continued to reflect and assess the progress of NSF projects in the region.

GRDM and NSF delegations during the Day 1 meet-and-greet session.

On Friday morning, the visit by the NSF continued as the GRDM Training Unit briefed the delegates on the performance of the NSF funded projects.  Ald. Ndayi  (Portfolio Councillor of the Corporates Services) thanked the NSF for the project and the positive impact of the program on the life of the beneficiaries. She motivated the learners on the program and encouraged them to remain positive and dedicated to complete it. During the same session, the NSF representatives also met with some of the Professional Cookery Learnership and Work Integrated Learning (WIL) students, who had the opportunity to share their experiences, skills gained and overall appreciation.

Following this, NSF leadership visited the African Skills Centre in Thembalethu, where they met and engaged with beneficiaries trained as professional cooks.  The final stop was at Fancourt, where they interacted with beneficiaries working and training in the hospitality industry.

Activities underway during Day 2

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9 May 2025 Media Release: Fruitful Pre-Indaba Discussions lay the groundwork for Skills Development Indaba later this year in Uniondale

Media Release: Fruitful Pre-Indaba Discussions lay the groundwork for Skills Development Indaba later this year in Uniondale

9 May 2025

Local skills development providers from the Garden Route District recently gathered for the George/Garden Route Skills Uniondale Pre-Indaba, hosted by the George Municipality in conjunction with Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM).  This engagement provided a platform for local representatives from the business chambers, TVET colleges, and various departments involved in skills development.

The well-attended event took place in Uniondale and was chaired by Luvo Bomvana, the Local Economic Development (LED) Manager of George Municipality.  Bomvana stated that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the Skills Mecca Programme and how it fits in to the town of Uniondale. There were also engagements with community leaders and the local business community about the skills development potential of Uniondale and key initiatives.

George Municipality’s Councillor Jarques Esau who officially opened the event, also extended his special appreciation to the George Municipality’s LED Unit and the Garden Route District Municipality’s Skills Mecca for bringing skills development opportunities to Uniondale. He reiterated that youth unemployment is very high in the area. Uniondale currently faces various skills shortages, particularly in the fields of Occupational Qualifications and urgently needs Read Seal Artisans in bricklaying, welding, furniture making, motor mechanics, and many more.

This was followed by a presentation from Reginald Salmons, the GRDM Coordinator of Skills Development, who provided an informative overview of the Garden Route Skills Mecca journey and the various opportunities available. Following the presentation, stakeholders provided valuable input.

It was agreed that a two-day Summit and Career Festival would be organised in June 2025, with various stakeholders and SETAs in attendance to inform and uplift the youth of Uniondale and Haarlem.  Also that the LED Manager of George Municipality will communicate the date to all role players and stakeholder and will work closely with the Garde Route Skills Mecca Team to coordinate the Summit and Carrer Festival.

The successful event will pave the way for the official Skills Indaba for Uniondale and Haarlem, bringing together a broad spectrum of key role players.

Featured image and images above: Stakeholders participating in the Pre-Indaba discussion session in Uniondale.

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06 May 2025 Public Notice: Register on the Garden Route Skills Mecca Unemployment Database

Public Notice: Register on the Garden Route Skills Mecca Unemployment Database

6 May 2025

The Garden Route District Municipality invites unemployed persons currently residing within the Garden Route District Municipal area, to register themselves on the Garden Route Skills Mecca Unemployment Database.

WHY REGISTER?
By registering, you will:

  • Be included in a central database used to match job seekers with opportunities.
  • Be considered for skills development programs and employment initiatives.
  • Receive communication about relevant training and development projects.

HOW TO REGISTER:
1. Visit: https://skillsmecca.gardenroute.gov.za/.
2. Click the red button labelled “Unemployment Solutions”.
3. Select “Create Account”.
4. Go to “Your Profile” and choose “Create Your Unemployment Profile”.
5. Fill in all required information.
6. Upload the following documents:
– Your CV;
– A certified copy of your ID; and
– Certified qualifications

For any enquiries, do not hesitate to contact Reginald Salmons at 044 803 1363, Ms Khanyisa Madolo at 044 803 1456 or Mrs Nolwando Sambokwe at 044 803 1345 during office hours only. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Should candidates not be contacted within one month of the closing date, they must consider their application as
unsuccessful.

Click here to download the Official Advert.

Closing date: 30 June 2025
Notice number: 41/2025

06 May 2025 Media Release: Strengthening Our Partnership for Youth Empowerment in 2025

Media Release on behalf of Bighearts Africa: Strengthening Our Partnership for Youth Empowerment in 2025

6 May 2025

Reflecting on our successful collaboration in 2023 and 2024, Bighearts Africa is proud of the impact made through the YES Program in various departments of the Garden Routhe District Municipality (GRDM). Successful placements were made in the EPWP, IDP, Traffic, IT, Waste Management, Tourism, and Records departments. With the support of the GRDM, over thirty young individuals gained valuable work experience, setting the stage for a brighter future.

At Bighearts Africa, we believe in the power of opportunity and mentorship to uplift youth and transform communities. Our goal is a future where every young person gains essential work experience and skills.

This success wouldn’t have been possible without Christine de Wet, our dedicated host liaison. A strong host liaison ensures a smooth transition into the workplace. Christine represents everything we value – nurturing connections, fostering collaboration, and offering unwavering support to both youth and hosts. Her leadership has been key in creating lasting opportunities for young people.

As we look ahead to 2025, we are eager to continue and expand our partnership with the GRDM, further strengthening our shared commitment to youth empowerment, skills development, and local socio-economic growth.

Our vision for the coming year includes:

  • Enhanced Training & Mentorship: Provide structured, quality mentorship to improve job retention and career growth.
  • Workforce Development: Offer tailored skills development that aligns with local needs and supports community growth.
  • Sustainable Employment Pathways: Strengthen connections between youth and employers to foster long-term employment.

Let’s build on the momentum of 2024 and create even greater opportunities for young people in the Garden Route District.

Olivia Goosen: Finding Confidence, Purpose and a Path Forward

Since joining the YES Youth Program, Olivia Goosen has embraced every opportunity to grow. She began working in the Solid Waste section of Knysna Municipality, doing data capturing, and is now assisting in the Traffic department with administrative tasks and handling phone calls. This shift not only broadened her experience but helped her develop practical skills she’ll use for life.

Through her work, Olivia has learned how to respond to emails professionally, communicate with the public about traffic enquiries, and capture data more efficiently in Excel. Her supervisors, Natalie Salmons and Randall Bower, were incredibly supportive and approachable, guiding her with patience and care. “They were always there to assist when I needed help,” she says.

Before the program, Olivia faced the emotional weight of repeated college rejections due to funding issues, which left her feeling stuck. But instead of giving up, she found purpose in her work. “The program made me realise I can do anything I put my mind to,” she says. “I used to be shy and wanted to be in my own corner, but now I’m not afraid to take the lead when it comes to getting something done.”

Olivia is now supporting both her household and extended family with groceries and electricity. Her next goal is to study administrative management—and you just know she’s going to make it happen.

Jay-dene Botha: From Listless Days to a Life with Purpose

Before joining the YES Youth Program Jay-dene’s days had felt long and empty. “I spent most of my time at home, not really doing anything,” she recalls. “I didn’t have a sense of purpose.” That all changed when she began working in the Property Section at the Garden Route District Municipality.

What started as a chance to gain experience, quickly became something more meaningful. Under the guidance of a supervisor whom she describes as “an exceptional role model”. Jay-dene began to see what’s possible when you take pride in your work. “She handles difficult situations with grace and delivers excellent results. Watching her has really motivated me to push myself,” Jay-dene says of her mentor.

Today, she walks into work with confidence and goes home with a sense of pride. The relief of no longer being idle has been matched by the joy of being able to support her mother, who was once the sole breadwinner in their home. “Now I help pay the bills,” she says. “It feels good knowing I’m making things easier for her.”

Jay-dene is a star. She’s grabbed opportunity with both hands and hasn’t forgotten to show up for the people who’ve always shown up for her.

Lutho Kemele: Dreams for the Future, Revived!

Although he already had a Diploma in Business Management, Lutho Kemele couldn’t seem to find any opportunities to utilise his qualifications.  “I didn’t know what to do or how to advance in my career,” he says. “This program gave me a new outlook on life.”

Placed at the Mossel Bay Municipality, Lutho quickly got stuck in, doing business licensing, data capturing, and more. “It’s been great,” he says. “I did a lot and learned a lot.” He credits much of this growth to the people around him. Mentors like Lukhanyo, Mabatho and Ntombifuthi not only showed him the ropes, but helped him believe in his own potential. “I’ve learned many valuable things that I’ll implement in my life going forward.”

Lutho has big dreams, seeing himself owning properties and building his own business. He’s already witnessing change right at home. “We managed to buy a few new things for the house,” he says, “and I even saved some money for my own needs.”

Sometimes a little belief, good people, and an open door at just the right time is all it takes to start dreaming again!

Angelo Manho: A Voice for His Community

Angelo Manho, now working in the Power Station Department at the George municipal buildings, joined the YES Youth Program at a time when hope felt distant. Despite applying for many jobs, he struggled to find work—often turned away simply because he hadn’t yet obtained a driver’s license.

Since joining the program, Angelo has not only gained practical workplace experience but also a deeper understanding of the issues facing his community. “The work has taught me a lot,” he shares, “especially about what people are struggling with most, and how we as workers can help improve things for them.”

With the support of mentors like Stephan Blok, Angelo has learned valuable professional skills and developed strong work ethics. Now, he’s also able to support his family in meaningful ways. “I can give a portion of my money to my parents each month, and I also help my mom buy things like cleaning products for the house.”

Angelo’s journey is a reminder that with the right support, young people can rise above their circumstances, find purpose—and bring home the Handy Andy, too.

Featured Image Caption: All role-players involved in the successful Bighearts Africa YES Programme, pictured with Christine de Wet (Host Liaison) and the GRDM team led by former Executive Manager, Trix Holtzhausen.

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05 May 2025 Media Release: Indaba to discuss the likely impact of Climate Change on the Garden Route: A 20 year outlook

Media Release: Indaba to discuss the likely impact of Climate Change on the Garden Route: A 20 year outlook

For immediate release
05 May 2025

“The Garden Route is no stranger to natural disasters and increasingly so to which many ascribe to a fast-changing climate”, writes Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF). The question begs how can environmental managers look into the future and make projections on what may be impacting on the region over the next two decades. The Garden Route conservation and environmental management community is blessed with recognised and highly educated academics and practitioners capable of modelling scenarios and impacts capable of creating scenarios of what an uncertain future may hold.

Floods, storm surges, drought and non-stop wild fire disasters are all posing serious challenges to hard infrastructure, fragile ecosystems and vulnerable Garden Route communities. Perhaps more importantly, a changing climate may well adversely affect the regional economy as it becomes harder for the all-important agricultural sector to be viable and sustainable unless it is able to adapt. The other significant regional economic driver is tourism, and a deteriorating natural environment due to natural disasters and loss of natural infrastructure, e.g. the deteriorating coast line and risk to properties will also be discussed at the upcoming Climate Change Indaba.

Over time budgets to repair hard infrastructure such as roads, bridges, storm water systems and infrastructure along the coast are decreasing, and governmental entities responsible for planning and construction must take into account potential risks associated with the impact of a changing climate and rain fall patterns. Torrential and episodic rain storms are becoming the order of the day, and storm water systems and roads must be designed in order to be able to survive such impacts.

The negative impact of Invasive Alien Plants (IAP’s) on the environment including providing fuel for out- of control wild fire disasters an severely affecting biodiversity, preventing water catchments and feeder streams to function effectively is not being addressed by landowners and spreading fast.

Across the region environmental disasters are on the increase, and disaster management agencies responsible for dealing with their aftermath must be better funded, better equipped, better trained and be pro-active in putting early warning systems in place to reduce exposure.

The GREF Climate Change and Environmental Management Indaba will take place on 27 June 2025 at Nelson Mandela University: George Campus.

Enquiries can be sent to louisamare@gmail.com.

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

ENDS

05 May 2025 Media Release: Garden Route Forest Villages receiving life-saving training

Media Release: Garden Route Forest Villages receiving life-saving training

For immediate release
5 May 2025

Since the start of April, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Fire and Rescue Services Unit is visiting forest villages in the region. To date, community members from Witfontein in George, Diepwalle and Goudveld (Bibby’s Hoek) in the Knysna, as well as Ruiterbos in Mossel Bay, have received awareness about fire safety.

Among the topics covered in relation to veld and mountain fire safety awareness, information, and education intervention, are:

  • Historic wildfire path in relation to their location;
  • Risk Awareness;
  • Preventative Measures;
  • Clearing methods;
  • Safety measures in the home;
  • Designated and safe burn areas (waste); and
  • Escape routes in case of approaching fires.

Several forest villages in the region are subject to high risk in terms of wildfires especially and these interventions aim to make the inhabitants more fire resilient with good knowledge and tips to understand wildfire behaviour, and how to best protect themselves with safeguarding practices.

It is to note that whilst it is important to continuously inform and educate, firefighting authorities will prioritise rapid response to these remote areas in case of fire break out close to, and in proximity of.

More campaigns to be rolled out during May, include:

  • Bergplaas and Uitsig, George
  • Beervlei, Knysna
  • Kransbosch, Bitou

For more information regarding Fire Education related queries, contact the Deon Stoffels (Fire Chief), deon@gardenroute.gov.za.

 

Diepwalle, Knysna Municipal area

Goudveld, Knysna Municipal area

Witfontein, George Municipal area

Ruiterbos, Mossel Bay Municipal area

ENDS

5 May 2025 Media Release: Role-players sign Workplace Skills Plan for the 2025/26 Financial Year

Media Release: Role-players sign Workplace Skills Plan for the 2025/26 Financial Year

5 May 2025

Last week, all the relevant stakeholders, including the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Human Resources Training Section, the Municipal Manager, and representatives from the trade unions – the South African Municipal Workers’ Union and the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union, signed the Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) for GRDM.

All municipalities fall under the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA), which requires them to pay a levy of 1% of their total payroll, in accordance with the Skills Development Levies Act 97 of 1998. With this, each year municipality is required to submit a WSP in order to claim back Mandatory and Discretionary Funding from the LGSETA.

Trix Holtzhausen with some of the role-players during the signing of the Workplace Skills Plan (WSP).

During the signing of the WSP, the now former Executive Manager of Corporate Services, Ms. Trix Holtzhausen, took the opportunity to thank the Human Resources Training Section, which falls under her portfolio, for their hard work and dedication in ensuring that GRDM Consistently meets the annual deadline for submitting the WSP to LGSETA by 30 April.  Holtzhausen, who will also be leaving the service of GRDM on 30 April 2025, expressed her appreciation for the team’s continued commitment and wish them success with all their future endeavours.

Did you know:

The Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) is a document that outlines the skills needs of Garden Route District Municipality. It outlines the proposed skills development interventions that will be implemented to address institutional skills needs. The WSP is informed by data gathered from the Skills Audit, Personal Development Plan (PDP) processes, and the Organisational Needs Analysis conducted through the Integrated Development Plan (IDP).

To ensure that the WSP aligns with the IDP, the GRDM Training Unit must ensure that each employee completes both a Skills Audit form and a Personal Development Plan.

All role-players endorsing the Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) prior to its submission to LGSETA.

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25 April 2025 Media Release: Renewal and development of the Garden Route fourth Generation Air Quality Management Plan

Media Release: Renewal and development of the Garden Route fourth Generation Air Quality Management Plan

For immediate release
25 April 2025

Air Quality Management planning is a requirement for all municipalities in terms of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, 2004 (Act 39 of 2004).  This process is done every 5 years to adapt to a changing environment.  The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) recognizes its responsibilities, not only as stipulated in the Air Quality Act, but also as a constitutional mandate in terms of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996). The third generation Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) that was approved during 2019 was up for review and renewal, and after more than a year of hard work, the fourth Generation plan was approved by the GRDM Council on 23 April 2025.

During the Council meeting, the Executive Mayor of GRDM, Andrew Stroebel, said: “What makes this project unique is that the Garden Route took the lead, not only developing and renewing its own AQMP, but also coordinating and assisting our local municipalities with the development of their respective AQMPs.  This was also a cost-effective initiative as most of the local municipalities contributed financially towards the development of the AQMPs.”

In the foreword to the AQMP, the Executive Mayor also mentioned:
“It is both an honour and a responsibility to oversee the well-being of our district and its residents. We are a vibrant district that thrives on progress, innovation, and collaboration. I am proud to announce the beginning of a crucial step towards a healthier future for everyone in our district: the renewal of our comprehensive fourth generation Air Quality Management Plan.

According to Dr Johann Schoeman, Manager for District Air Quality at GRDM: “At its essence, an AQMP serves as a strategic roadmap designed to address the pressing issue of air pollution within an outlined geographical area. It starts with a comprehensive evaluation of prevailing air quality conditions, entailing the identification of pollutant sources and a meticulous analysis of temporal trends. Subsequently, the plan describes targeted interventions aimed at mitigating health hazards and environmental degradation stemming from suboptimal air quality.”

The primary objective of this endeavour was to ascertain the municipality’s progress towards the objectives described within the extant AQMP and to provide recommendations for the forthcoming plan spanning the period from 2025 to 2030. The GRDM is also the first municipality in the Western Cape that is on its fourth generation plan.  The AQMP process was facilitated by Rayten Engineering and a copy of the plan is be published on the GRDM website.

Click here to download the document.

The vision of the previous plans, namely: “To have air quality worthy of the name ‘Garden Route’” was carried over to the revised plan as this vision is still relevant to minimise the impact of air pollution emissions on the population and the natural environment of the Garden Route.  The plan was a collaborative effort, with inputs welcomed from the public, industries, consultants, various governmental sectors, and the Air Quality officers of all the municipalities within the Garden Route.  The plan lists all the sources of emissions with the formulation of practical objectives within an implantation plans with timeframes to address air pollution in the whole of the district.

Air quality is a constitutional right and the GRDM recognises the impact air pollution may have on the health, safety, and quality of life of all our citizens. With increased urbanisation and industrial activity in the Garden Route, it is essential to manage the air pollution and ambient air quality.  The commitment to this plan, is to ensure that the Garden Route remains an area that is healthy and safe to live in and to ensure that it remains a pristine tourist attraction.

“Cleaner air will lead to healthier communities, improved economic opportunities, and a more sustainable future for generations to come,” said Dr Schoeman.

Mayor Andrew Stroebel also said: “I encourage every member of our community to familiarise themselves with the AQMP, know their rights and, and share your thoughts and concerns with us. Together, we can live up to our vision of worthy air quality”.

ENDS

23 April 2025 Media Statement by Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel – Garden Route Roads Department Investigation – A Step Toward Clean Governance

Media Statement by Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel

Garden Route Roads Department Investigation – A Step Toward Clean Governance

23 April 2025

During October 2024, I, together with the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Mayoral Committee Member (MMC) for Roads Services, Cllr Daniel Cronje, engaged in discussions relating to an investigation by the Western Cape Provincial Government (WCG) Department of Infrastructure. The investigation was said to focus on the performance, efficiency, and possible irregularities pertaining to the Roads Department at the GRDM.

GRDM is the agency function contracted to execute work on behalf of the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure over many years.Funding for this function is provided by the WCG through a grant.

On 22 April 2025, the WCG Member of the Executive Council for Infrastructure, Minister Tertuis Simmers, presented a broad summary of the findings of their investigation to the GRDM Council, municipal management, several employees and representatives of the Garden Route Ratepayers Association, amongst others.

As part of the turnaround strategy I committed to rolling out from July 2024 after I was inaugurated, the new political leadership of GRDM welcomes the findings that will be outlined in the report by WCG.

At the GRDM, we believe that transparency, accountability, and clean governance are fundamental pillars in building a successful and trusted public service model.

Therefore, once the written report is received, it will be formally tabled at a full sitting of the GRDM Council for consideration and implementation of the recommendations to bring those involved to accountability.

Clean governance is non-negotiable. Our residents expect nothing less – especially when public funds are involved.

Service delivery remains a top priority. Our dedicated employees will continue to uphold their duties as the municipality transitions through this important period of reform.

Andrew Stroebel
Executive Mayor
Garden Route District Municipality