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Eden District Municipality ready for the Skills Summit

Theme – “Bridging the Skills Gap for Investment and Economic Growth”

Eden District Municipality, in collaboration with Western Cape Government (the Office of the Premier), South Cape Economic Partnership (SCEP) and B-Municipalities in the district, will be hosting an Eden District Skills Summit.  The Summit will take place as follows:

Date: 1 February 2018
Time: 08:00 for 9:00
Venue:  George City Hall, (York Street, George)

Background and purpose of the Skills Summit

South Africa is currently challenged with a slow growing economy, which has had a direct effect on job creation, especially for the youth. The disastrous fires that raged through the Knysna and Bitou Municipal areas during 2017, further complicated this challenge.

Consequently the Eden District Skills Summit has been scheduled to identify and address the shortage of skills.  The Premier of the Western Cape, Ms Helen Zille, will deliver the keynote address with much emphasis on the Garden Route Rebuild Initiative (GRII) which has to date, played a major role in reversing the effects that the June 2017 fires had on the region. Delegates from Municipalities in the Eden district will attend the event, they include: Executive Mayors, Councillors and Senior Management, academic institutions and various other key partners.

The Garden Route Investment Conference (GRIC) will follow soon after the Skills Summit and is scheduled to take place on 8 and 9 March.  The aim of the GRIC is to attract national and international investors by showcasing the investment potential and opportunities that the region offers.  Skills development plays a key role with regards to Investment and the information gathered at the Skills Summit will form part of the discussions at the GRIC.

Denneoord emergency airstrip is safe and a major boost to regional firefighting efforts

The George Municipality is proud of its role in establishing Eden’s first dedicated emergency firefighting airstrip in Denneoord and is confident its operations will be safe for residents in its flight circuit.

The municipality will officially open the Denneoord Aerial Fire Base tomorrow (6 December 2017) together with the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association and in partnership with Working on Fire and Eden District Municipality. The opening will coincide with the launch of the Southern Cape summer fire season.

George Municipality Fire Chief Neels Barnard said having a dedicated airstrip for firefighting aeroplanes was a major step forward for firefighting efforts in George and Eden as quick response to fires was essential. “Having a dedicated emergency airstrip means firefighting planes can respond much faster than they would be able to if they were stationed at an airport where they would have to wait in line for a runway along with other aircraft. This is especially applicable during the summer fire season which coincides with the very busy holiday season when hundreds of flights are scheduled at commercial airports.

“George is privileged to have this facility on our doorstep as our proximity to the airbase will ensure very quick response. During test runs last week, response to the site of a veld fire in Wilderness took five minutes, and allowed for quick reconnaissance and appropriate response,” said Mr Barnard.

The aerial base is operated by Working on Fire, a programme funded by the Department of Environmental Affairs, where five aeroplanes and a chopper will be stationed for the fire season from December 2017 to April 2018. Municipalities in the Eden District Municipality, in association with the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association, will work with Working on Fire on a call-out basis as services are required. The airbase consists of a 1000mx30m runway, 20m-diameter helipad, firebase office (existing municipal building upgraded), hangars, taxiways and water refilling point.

Mr Barnard said residents of neighbourhoods in the flight circuit area of the Denneoord airstrip could be rest-assured all safety precautions were being taken and flyovers, landings and take-offs were all within the legal parameters set out in the South African Civil Aviation Act.  “Flights are being monitored by Air Traffic Control at the George Airport to ensure pilots adhere to the relevant standard operating procedures, which in turn are attached to approval from the Central Airspace Management Unit (CAMU) – the authority in South Africa responsible for the management of air traffic flow and capacity management.

“While the landing and take-offs may feel quite close to some residents, they are legal and safe. Pilots operating emergency aircraft are exceptionally experienced and qualified – the very nature of the jobs they have chosen are aimed at the rescue, protection and well-being of people and property.

“We reiterate the Denneoord airstrip is not an airport, but a dedicated emergency airbase for firefighting purposes only. Flights will be reactive only, which means if the aircraft takes off, there is a fire somewhere in the Eden District Municipal Area that requires aerial assistance and support.

“Like any disaster management situation, emergency aircraft may temporarily impact on residents surrounding the airstrip, but we believe the benefits of having life and property saving firefighting aircraft on standby during the high-risk fire season outweighs temporary impacts such as non-continual noise (which are exempted by the Western Cape Noise Control Regulations arising from emergency situations). We only need to remember the thousands of people who were displaced and left homeless during the Garden Route fires in June 2017 to understand the airstrip’s importance,” said Mr Barnard.

Authorisation for the development of an airstrip for emergency firefighting services by the Western Cape Government Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning was preceded by an environmental impact assessment – which took into consideration aspects such as noise, impacts on birds and animals, waste management and Civil Aviation Authority compliance – and included a public participation process.

The Denneoord site was the only available municipal land long enough for the establishment of an airstrip and with an available water source and infrastructure to house emergency aircraft and fill them in the required time for the firefighting response to be effective and efficient.

This Press Release was issued by George Municipality

Eden DM Council approves MOU with Stellenbosch University

After numerous meetings between Eden District Municipality (Eden DM) and representatives of Stellenbosch University, both institutions have decided to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Collaborative research will be conducted to resolve issues relating to the growth of the district.  Future collaboration concerning research and capacity building, will, in turn, enhance service delivery to communities.

Councillor Memory Booysen – Eden DM Executive Mayor and Professor Nico Koopman – Vice Rector for Social Impact and Transformation and Personnel at Stellenbosch University, signed the MOU at a Council meeting on 5 December 2017.

Before the Council meeting, Eden DM top management had the opportunity to share the importance of involving Stellenbosch University in the public participation processes relating to the Eden DM Integrated Development Plan (IDP), Spatial Development Framework (SDF). Stellenbosch University was also requested to form part of a steering committee which will meet on a quarterly basis.

Before to the Council meeting of Eden DM which was held on 5 December 2017, Executive Managers and Senior Officials of Eden DM had the opportunity to discuss pressing issues with Stellenbosch University representatives. Pictured are (front, fltr): Prof Nico Koopman – SU: Vice-Rector of Social Impact, Transformation & Personnel, Mr Monde Stratu – Eden DM Municipal Manager, Mr Clive Africa – Eden DM Executive Manager: Community Services. (Back, fltr): Dr Jerome Slamat – SU Senior Director: Community Interaction, Dr Antionette Smith-Tolken – Acting Director: Social Impact, Dr Leslie van Rooyen – SU Senior Director: Social Impact and Transformation and Mr Johan Compion – Eden DM Senior Manager: Environmental Services and Municipal Health.

During the discussions, Mr Monde Stratu – Eden DM Municipal Manager, said: “I want us to work together to develop a long-term Growth and Development Strategy for the district. The University’s experience in research and strategic planning will be of benefit to us.”

Mr Stratu also said that he would like a more detailed analysis of all the business sectors in the district, which is something that is currently lacking.

Dr Jerome Slamat – SU Senior Director: Community Interaction explained that by entering into a MOU with Stellenbosch University, Eden DM would have a direct entry point expertise and ‘people power’. In closing, he said: “We are in the business of teaching, learning and research – therefore it is important for us to look at the projects in the Eden district and see where we can assist.”

MOU: TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND RESEARCH
The following potential research questions and technical support, relating to the functions of Eden DM, are listed in the MOU:

  • Mercury [Lead Pb] levels in fish in the South Cape coastal fishing waters.
  • Green energy initiatives on Eden DM properties (solar and wind).
  • Impact of lead in drinking water on children.
  • Asbestos prevalence in Knysna and Bitou.
  • TB, MDR, XDR in baboons at the Ladismith waste dumping site.
  • Radon exposure prevalence in Oudtshoorn.
  • Antibiotics in milk (Riversdale).
  • Research about Antibiotics in meat.
  • Labelling of genetically modified organisms/food [GMO].
  • Ethics regarding the feeding of animal waste (chicken) to sheep, cattle or pigs.
  • Labelling regards to grain fed pigs vs pigs who eat animal waste.
  • Feeding of food waste to pigs.
  • Cadmium presence in chicken livers in the Eden district.
  • Hormone levels and chemical substances – Crystal Methamphetamine [Tik] in drinking water.
  • The relationship between Avian Influenza and climate change in the Oudtshoorn region.
  • Bromate prevalence in drinking water (Bromate can affect a person’s kidneys).
  • The prevalence of “superbugs” in hospitals and clinics in the District.

FINANCIAL IMPACT
SU will submit funding applications for specific projects and research on behalf of Eden DM to international donors, at no cost to Eden DM.

At the Eden DM Council meeting, the MOU was signed by Cllr Memory Booysen – Eden DM Executive Mayor (front, right) and Prof Nico Koopman – SU: Vice Rector of Social Impact, Transformation and Personnel, while representatives of Eden DM and SU observes.

This MOU is important because it will broaden the social impact that Universities have on communities and the municipal environment. Currently, Stellenbosch University also has a MOU with the City of Cape Town and Stellenbosch Municipality.

Eden District Municipality name to change to Garden Route District Municipality

On 5 December 2017, the Eden District Municipality Council approved the name change of Eden District Municipality to Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM). The decision came after the entire Eden DM Council took note of the rigorous Public Participation process followed by Eden DM and all role-players since the onset of the name-changing process. The next step of the name change will be to inform the Western Cape Government, MEC for Local Government, Mr Anton Bredell, of Council’s decision and request to publish a notice about the name change in the Government Gazette.

During a debate in Council, Cllr Memory Booysen – Eden DM Executive Mayor explained the reasoning behind the name change, by saying: “The Regional Tourism brand will still be known as Garden Route and Klein Karoo and will continue to be marketed in that way. By changing our name to Garden Route District Municipality does not mean that we see less value in the name Klein Karoo, we see the Klein Karoo as part of the Garden Route. When looking at the name “Eden”, it never included the name “Klein Karoo”, but people were still aware of it.”

Cllr Mark Willemse – Eden DM Speaker also shared his personal views about the name change. He explained: “The name Eden is not familiar to people outside the region and it also did not add any value to tourism in the region – it only created confusion. If a person does a Google search for the word “Eden”, it does not even mention anything about the Garden Route or Klein Karoo, but once a person searches for the phrase “Garden Route”, the words “Klein Karoo” ends up with the search results of Garden Route.”

The Public Participation and awareness of the proposed name change included: 

  • Website: Online comment submissions
  • Social media: WhatsApp messages, Facebook posts, Tweets
  • Broadcast media: Radio interviews (Algoa FM, Eden FM)
  • Print media: Newspaper notices in the Group Editors regional newspapers
  • Public Participation sessions: All B-Municipalities (Bitou, Knysna, George, Mossel Bay, Hessequa, Kannaland and Oudtshoorn).

Outcome of public and council opinions:

  • Municipal Councils in favour of the proposed name change:
  • Eden, Mossel Bay, Hessequa, George, Bitou and Knysna.
  • Municipal Councils opposed to the proposed name change:
  • Oudtshoorn and Kannaland.
  • Public in favour of the proposed name change: 28
  • Public opposing the propose name change: 26
  • Other proposals: 7

The Communication and Graphic Design Section of the municipality will design the GRDM logo and a brand guide to ensure that the organisation transitions smoothly into a new identity.

Swedish Delegation explores potential investment opportunities in the Eden district

A group of Sweden delegates, on Tuesday, 5 December 2017, visited the Eden District Municipality (Eden DM) satellite office in Mossel Bay, to discuss the progress of the Regional Landfill Facility that is now in the final stage until the operation.  The aim of these deliberations was to sketch a clear picture of the Landfill Facility to the visitors and unlock potential investment opportunities.

The group, together with representatives from Business Sweden (CEB, Johannesburg) and Greencape (Cape Town), South Cape Economic Partnership, as well as Eden District Municipality and Mossel Bay Municipality after the formal discussions in front of the Eden District Municipality satellite office in Mossel Bay.

Mr Morton Hubbe, Manager of District Waste Management at Eden DM, took them through the approval process followed, the layout and progress made to date with the development of the Landfill Facility. The short and long-term development and management activities at the landfill facility were also discussed with the delegation.

According to Mr Hubbe, Eden DM has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with USAID: SA LED to assist them with a study on the availability and composition of Biomass feedstock in the Eden DM area and to identify feasible and cost-effective alternatives to manage this, rather than taking it to landfill sites to be landfilled. “Problem waste lines that will be included in this study are abattoir waste, wood waste, green waste and sewage sludge,” Mr Hubbe said.

As soon as the Biomass Report is finalised and made available during February next year, these potential investors will also be allowed to examine its content, before making an informed decision on their possible future commitment towards the project.

During the discussions relating to the Eden district Regional Landfill Facility, are representatives from Cortus Energy, Ecopar and the South Cape Economic Partnership.

In a press statement issued on 7 July this year, Western Cape MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Minister Anton Bredell, said that the project is a top priority because an existing contract with PetroSA, which allows municipalities to dispose waste at the PetroSA facility ends on 31 July 2018.

The delegation was represented by officials from Cortus Energy, Ecopar and Business Sweden (CEB) and  are currently visiting various organisations within the Eden district, such as MTO Forestry, PetroSA, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, SANParks, Transnet, Portnet, the National Port Authority, Airports Company of South Africa etc.  Mr. Jarrod Lyons, a  representative from Greencape (Cape Town) and Mr Shaan Padayachy from Business Sweden (Johannesburg), also accompanied the delegation throughout their itinerary, as well as officials from Eden District and Mossel Bay Municipalities. Mr Paul Hoffman, from the South Cape Economic Partnership, coordinated the visit.

Eden DM, using its mandate, will continue to engage with relevant role-players and use every single platform to address challenges relating to the finalisation of the process, to ensure that the Landfill Facility gets off the ground before its envisaged launch date.

Plea to businesses and industry within the Eden district to adapt operations and behaviour

On Thursday, 09 November 2017, a Water Dialogue was held between the Kannaland Municipality, the Western Cape Government: Department of Economic Development and Tourism and local businesses and business associations within Kannaland in order to enable and facilitate a collective response to the serious drought and water security risks within the Western Cape.

This dynamic and vital dialogue session included information sharing and discussions on the current status of water shortages within the province, the economic risks of the water shortages, response actions by government and business taken to reduce these risks, the development of water services and technologies, business support available and how partnerships can be formed to respond collectively to the water crisis.

Business and industry are recognised as the drivers of the economy and development within the Eden district. Eden District Municipality and the Western Cape Government would therefore like to call on all businesses and industry to meter their water use, so as to identify and fix leaks and identify and reduce wasteful water usage; adjust processes and behaviour to only use water when required and in the most efficient way; apply water conservation measures such as installing  water sensitive fixtures; install alternative, more water sensitive operations and methods; replace water intensive equipment with more efficient technologies, install alternative water resource technologies such as rainwater harvesting, greywater re-use, blackwater recycling, groundwater usage; recycle water used within operations; and make employees and customers aware of the seriousness of the current situation so that they do everything possible to reduce their water use at work as well as at home. Businesses are also encouraged to understand the level of risk that their Western Cape based supply chains face due to the drought and, where possible, support their supply chains to reduce their water use and plan for their own supplies.

Mr Lourencio Pick addressing Kannaland businesses regarding the serious drought situation and its implications.

Please visit the website of the City of Cape Town, which provides valuable information and resources that can be printed and displayed within your place of operations, http://www.capetown.gov.za. The non-profit organisation, GreenCape, can also be approached for assistance with water saving measures at no cost to businesses. Email: water@green-cape.co.za or visit: http://www.greencape.co.za/content/focusarea/business-support.

The Western Cape Government: Economic Development and Tourism can also be contacted for further information and advice.  The contact persons are Mr Lourencio Pick, email:Lourencio.Pick2@westerncape.gov.za or Ms Helen Davies, email: Helen.Davies@westerncape.gov.za

The current drought can only be broken with three to four years of good rains and its impact will affect us all, for years to come. Businesses need to diversify technologies, methodologies and behaviour in order to adapt to a new “normal”.  We need to take hands in preparing for the coming water security impacts within our district.  All economic sectors need to take the responsibility of ensuring risk mitigation and water sustainability within their businesses.

Eden DM Municipal Manager elected as the President of ILGM

Mr Monde Stratu, Eden DM Municipal Manager, was elected as the President of the Institute for Local Government Management of South Africa (ILGM), on 16 November 2017. Currently, there are nearly 300 Municipal Managers in South Africa (Local, district and metros combined).  ILGM is a platform where the Municipal Managers (Section 56 and 57) come together at an annual conference to share best practices in terms of service delivery models and how to deal with various factors relating to the changing political landscape in South Africa.

Proud political leaders from Eden District Municipality with Mr Monde Stratu (seated), who has been elected as the President of the ILGM, South Africa. Standing from left to right behind Mr Stratu is Cllr Memory Booysen, Executive Mayor, Cllr Rosina Ruiters, Deputy Executive Mayor and Cllr Mark Willemse, Speaker.

During a Special Council meeting today, 20 November 2017, Speaker Mark Willemse congratulated Mr Stratu on his election as the president of ILGM and said that it is a remarkable achievement which he has reached in such a short time of being a Municipal Manager at Eden DM.

Cllr Memory Booysen, Eden DM Executive Mayor commented that: “It is a major achievement and privilege for Eden District Municipality to be home to a Municipal Manager who wears the crown as the President of an institution that represents many of the Municipal Managers in South Africa. We are very proud of Mr Stratu.”

While Mr Stratu leads the ILGM, his main goal is to see that the sector is professionalised through an act of parliament. Some of his other goals for the ILGM include:
•    An increase of ILGM memberships;
•    More beneficial programmes;
•    Continuous capacity building;
•    Life-long learning through strategic partnerships; and
•    Constant improvement of conditions of service for Senior Managers.

Eden DM Councillors stand by Mr Monde Stratu (front row, 5th from left) after congratulating him on his election as the President of the ILGM South Africa.

Eden DM Councillors experience the working environment of EHPs in Knysna

The Eden District Municipal Health Services section in Knysna was afforded the opportunity to host all the Portfolio Councillors responsible for Community Services earlier in November this year.

Mr Clive Africa, Executive Manager for Community Services accompanied the Councillors, together with Mr Johan Compion, Senior Manager: Municipal Health and Environmental Services.

Hilder Stent Crèche youngsters showed much eagerness during the visit of the Eden DM Councillors and Officials, to their crèche.
Hornlee Bakery was part of the itinerary of the delegation.

Mr James McCarthy, Manager of the Municipal Health Services office, explained:  “The purpose of the initiative was for the councillors to visit various premises in Knysna, to experience the daily tasks that Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) occupy themselves with”.
The following premises were visited during the “walk- about “.

During the inspections, the EHPs introduced the Councillors to the different Key Performance Areas within the daily Municipal Health Services scope of practice. Councillors were furthermore introduced to the various owners and/or managers of the different premises and participated in lively interaction with all stakeholders.

Key issues and challenges were identified at the different premises during the individual inspections and will be addressed by means of remedial actions, with the assistance of the Municipal Health Services section, as well as the Knysna Municipality.

All councillors made use of the opportunity to express their gratitude towards the Knysna residents who were visited, for rendering a commendable service to the community of Knysna.

The Eden DM delegation also visited the Knysna Taxi Rank.

Media Release: Youth from Oudtshoorn, George and Great Brak River benefit from First Aid Training

Media Release: Youth from Oudtshoorn, George and Great Brak River benefit from First Aid Training

For Immediate Release
28 May 2018

Tears of joy were flowing on Friday, 27 October 2017, when 13 youth from Oudtshoorn and George, as well as 10 youth from Great Brak River Youth Cafés respectively received their certificates following a First Aid Level 3 training course they have completed successfully.

The one week training programme was presented by the Eden District Municipality’s (Eden DM’s) Disaster Management Centre during September this year for staff of the Oudtshoorn, George and Great Brak River Youth Cafés.

During both ceremonies the Executive Deputy Mayor of Eden DM, Cllr Rosina Ruiters, inspired the youth with her own life story; how she changed from one profession to another over the years and how she was always open to learn new skills and her willingness to help others. While motivating them, she said: “You cannot have a 1st Aid Level 3 certificate, but you do not apply it by helping others”.  Cllr Ruiters also referred to the disasters that hit the Eden district recently and encouraged them: “If anything would break out in our district in the near future, be willing to use your skills and help where possible”.  Cllr Erica Meyer, Portfolio Chairperson for Strategic Services, also motivated the youth when she said:  “This is not the end. If you persevere, have faith and have a passion for the community, you will achieve much more in life,” Cllr Meyer added.

At the ceremony held in Great Brak River, Manager of the Youth Café, Ms Aa’ishah Alexander, praised the Eden DM delegation for their efforts and highlighted:  “The training does not only contribute to the personal development of our youth, but also gives us an idea who we can count on should we experience a crisis in our area”.

Ms Gail Bekeer, facilitator of the programme, referred back to the lessons learnt in class and praised the participants for their willingness to learn. Ms Bekeer further encouraged them not be afraid when they find themselves in a situation where their skills are needed. “When you feel nervous, quickly remove yourself from the incident, calm down and try again,” she emphasised.

Both ceremonies were directed by Mr Johannes Jafta, Local Economic Development Officer, who is passionate about the advancement of youth in the Eden district.

National Children’s Day

On Wednesday, 1 November 2017, officials from Eden District Municipality’s (Eden DM) Municipal Health Services, George Municipality’s Civil & Engineering Waste Management Section and Cape Nature celebrated National Children’s Day, with learners of the Waboomskraal Primary School.

Mr David Papier, Environmental Health Practitioner (EHP) started the session with a presentation on water safety and health.  He explained the importance of water, not only for present survival, but also for future generations.  “Without water, we cannot exist,” he said.   He concluded by explaining in lamens terms the functions of water in the body.

Mr Deon Makwena talked to learners about nature conservation.

Second on the programme was Mr Deon Makwena from Cape Nature, who informed learners about the importance of looking after and caring for the environment.  Mr Makwena used dramatic gestures to explain the ripple effect littering have on rivers and the environment as a whole. Followed by Ms Carika Soman, EHP of Eden DM who made a presentation on Personal Health & Hygiene Awareness.  Ms Soman engaged with learners by using practical examples and frequently asking question throughout the presentation.

Ms Janine van Wyk, also from Eden DM did a demonstration on proper techniques when washing hands.  She used two volunteers from the audience.  The last speaker of the day was Mr Geoffrey Bredenkamp of George Municipality who explained the process of water purification.

The core message for learners was to care for your environment, yourself, to save and appreciate our water resources.

Ms Neo-Lay Klue (left) assisted Ms Janine van Wyk (far left) in demonstrating the techniques of washing hands.