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14 October 2024 Impact-Based Severe Weather Warning: Level 2 for Damaging Winds

Impact-Based Severe Weather Warning: Level 2 for Damaging Winds

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued an Impact Based Warning for damaging winds valid for Monday, 14 October 01:00 until Wednesday, 16 October 00:00.

Legal notice:
“This warning from SA Weather Service must be communicated as received and may not be altered under any circumstance. It must be forwarded or communicated in its entirety and no portion hereof may be replicated or copied and distributed.”

SOUTH AFRICAN WEATHER SERVICE
Cape Town Weather Office
2nd Floor: Oval Office Park
Cape Town Int airport
Freight Road
Matroosfontein
Cape Town

E-Mail: factfc@weathersa.co.za
Tel: 021 935 5700

11 October 2024 Media Release: GRDM plays its part in World Food Day, celebrating it in Uniondale

Media Release: GRDM plays its part in World Food Day, celebrating it in Uniondale

11 October 2024

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel, has reflected on the Municipality’s contribution to food security to the Garden Route region at a World Food Day celebration. This year’s theme is the “Right to Foods for a better life and a better future: Leave no one behind”. Collective action across over 150 countries worldwide is what makes World Food Day (16 October) one of the most celebrated days in the United Nations calendar.

During Mayor Stroebel’s address at the Uniondale Sports Grounds, he said: “One of our many promising initiatives is our Municipality’s Resilient Agriculture Niche Support Programme (Agri-processing), which focuses on honeybush tea processing”.

Agri-processing refers to the transformation of raw agricultural products into different forms that add value, enhance usability, or extend shelf life.

“Honeybush, indigenous to our region, has immense potential not only as a health product but also as an agricultural crop that drives economic development. We have thus far facilitated investments in processing equipment for local honeybush production. The establishment of this processing plant has been made possible through funding provided by the Western Cape Government, particularly from the Provincial Departments of Local Government and Agriculture.”

It is interesting to note that Honeybush has spinoffs for job creation, rural development, exports, biodiversity, and even tourism.

“The GRDM remains focused on building a district where food security cross-cuts society and where agriculture remains inclusive, innovative, and globally competitive. With the right partnerships and a shared vision, we are striving to position this region as one that continuously promotes sustainable development,” Stroebel concluded.

The event was arranged by the Western Cape Provincial Government’s Department of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, attended by its Western Cape MEC Dr Ivan Meyer, supported by both Garden Route District and George Municipalities.

Feature image: Items ready for collection by community members.

ENDS

10 October 2024 Notice of Public Participation Information Sessions, 4 – 7 November 2024 – Renewal of the Garden Route District Municipality’s Air Quality Management Plan

Notice of Public Participation Information Sessions: Renewal of the GRDM’s Air Quality Management Plan,
4 – 7 November 2024

Notice Number 32/2024

Notice is hereby given that public participation sessions will take place from 4 – 7 November 2024 in the Garden Route district to solicit inputs for the renewal of the Garden Route District Municipality’s Air Quality Management Plan. Herewith the schedule as follows:

4 November 2024, 09:00-12:00
HESSEQUA
Civic Centre Side Hall (Glaskas), Van den Berg Street,  Riversdale

4 November 2024, 13:00-16:00
KANNALAND
Council Chambers, Queen Street, Ladismith

5 November 2024, 09:00-12:00
OUDTSHOORN
Thusong Community Centre, 12th Avenue, Bongolethu, Oudtshoorn

5 November 2024, 13:00-16:00
MOSSEL BAY
D’Almeida Community Hall, Mossel Street, D’Almeida, Mossel Bay

6 November 2024, 13:00-16:00
GEORGE
Banqueting Hall, 71 York Street, George

7 November 2024, 09:00-12:00
BITOU
Piesang Valley Community Hall, 7 Green Point Avenue, Plettenberg Bay

7 November 2024, 13:00-16:00
KNYSNA
5 Clyde Street, Knysna Central, Knysna

Click here to download the Official Notice

09 October 2024 Opportunities: Work Experience Placement -Tourism and/or Hospitality

Work Experience Placement Opportunities: Tourism and/or Hospitality  – another Garden Route Skills Mecca Initiative

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) invites unemployed persons currently residing within the Garden Route District Municipal area, to apply for an opportunity to be placed at a Tourism and/or Hospitality related organisation for an 18-month work experience opportunity as part of a Garden Route Skills Mecca Initiative. Preference will be given to persons with disabilities.

Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 35. Young people from rural areas are encouraged to apply. Opportunities are currently available in all areas of the garden route district.

Programme and Entry Requirements
This is an 18-month work experience placement programme at Tourism / Hospitality related organisation in the Garden Route.

Applicants will be selected based on the following sequentially prioritised criteria:
• 1st Criteria: Persons with a NATED N6 Tourism / Hospitality qualification that need 18-months work experience for a National Diploma.
• 2nd Criteria: Persons with any Local or International Tourism / Hospitality qualification that have had no work experience.
• 3rd Criteria: Persons with any Local or International Tourism / Hospitality qualification that have had less than six months work experience.

In addition, the GRDM, subject to receiving enough applications and available workplaces, will also attempt to allocate applicants evenly across all Municipal Wards in the District.

Scope of Work and Duties
• This will be determined by the Tourism / Hospitality organisation but could include administration, reception, room services, bar services, restaurant services, food services, customer services or any other typical work within tourism and hospitality.
• All shortlisted candidates will be required to complete an interview with the host employer.
Stipends will be paid for 18-months by GRDM. Stipends must be used for meals, accommodation and travel costs.

The Programme also does not include uniforms, PPE or any equipment unless supplied voluntarily by the host employer. Applicants must apply using the GRDM online system called Unemployed Solutions (red button) found at https://skillsmecca.gardenroute.gov.za/.

THE GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY WILL ONLY CONSIDER APPLICATIONS COMPLETED IN FULL AND IF THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS HAVE BEEN UPLOADED:
• A copy of a South African ID Document certified within the last six months.
• A copy of highest educational qualifications certified within the last six months.
• An affidavit certified within last six months that confirms previous work experience, including any Learnerships.
• A criminal record clearance report from the SA Police Service.

For any enquiries, do not hesitate to contact Mr Reginald Salmons at 044-803 1363, or Ms. Kayakazi Klaas 044 803 1434 during office hours (Monday to Thursday between 07:30 and 16:30 and Friday between 07:30 and 13:30) only. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Should candidates not be contacted 2 months after the closing date, they must consider their application as unsuccessful.

Click here to download the Official Advert

Closing date: 21 October 2024

Notice number: 125/202

04 October 2024 MEDIA RELEASE: Garden Route District and Hessequa Municipalities Join Forces with more stakeholders to clean parts of the Stillbay beach

MEDIA RELEASE: Garden Route District and Hessequa Municipalities Join Forces with more stakeholders to clean parts of the Stillbay beach

4 October 2024

Yesterday, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in partnership with Hessequa Local Municipality, rolled out a coastal cleanup at Stillbay. The cleanup, which began at the Preekstoel Caravan Park, forms part of the GRDM’s ongoing support to local municipalities to clean areas from illegal dumping and other waste.

GRDM annually coordinates resources for these clean-up events with support from the Provincial Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP) and the National Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE). This year, the GRDM secured 237 bottles of still water, 237 notebooks with pens, gloves from the Provincial DEA&DP, and additional resources from DFFE to equip the youth participants engaged in today’s clean-up.  The resources were handed over by the GRDM Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services, Councillor Jobieth Hoogbaard, to Cllr Hendrik Saayman, Hessequa’s Portfolio Chairperson for Development Planning.

Besides officials from the GRDM and Hessequa Municipality, today’s cleanup was supported by stakeholders including the DEA&DP, DFFE, and the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve (GCBR). The collective aim was to celebrate International Coastal Cleanup by removing litter from beaches and waterways, contributing to the global effort to protect oceans and coastal environments.

During the session, Mondray Arries, Drowning Prevention Instructor from the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), stationed in George, gave a brief and insightful awareness presentation on water safety, the factors contributing to drowning, and what to do if you get into trouble in the sea. He also demonstrated how to apply CPR if someone is saved from drowning and explained what steps to take after rescuing someone.

GRDM Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services, Councillor Jobieth Hoogbaard, delivered a brief speech at the event’s commencement, expressing gratitude to all stakeholders and highlighting the significance of the initiative. “Today, we will make a difference by removing waste from our coastline, we also help preserve our valuable marine life so that future generations can enjoy the beauty and biodiversity of our oceans. This is a step in the right direction to ensure the protection of our coast and marine life,” Hoogbaard stated.

Marine Week, celebrated during the second week of October each year, complements International Coastal Cleanup Month in South Africa. These events, driven by DFFE, focus on raising public awareness about the importance of oceans and coastal ecosystems, promoting sustainable usage and conservation. Numerous coastal and river cleanups are organized across the country in September and October to commemorate these events.

Dr. Nina Viljoen, Head of Environmental Management at GRDM, extended a challenge to all residents living near oceans, rivers, or lakes to take part in their own cleanup efforts. “Grab gloves, a sun hat, and a couple of refuse bags. Head down to your local beach, riverbank, or lakeside and pick up some litter. Make it an event—invite friends or colleagues and enjoy a coffee afterwards. One bag makes a difference, especially when thousands take action,” she encouraged.

Featured image and collage: Activities during yesterday’s Coastal Clean-up in Still Bay, where volunteers worked together to remove litter and debris from the shoreline, helping to preserve the local marine environment.

The GRDM is proud to support initiatives like today’s coastal cleanup, which are essential for raising awareness about marine conservation and ensuring a healthier, cleaner environment for future generations.

END

03 October 2024 Media Release: Stenden South Africa Second-Year Students Tour Garden Route District Municipality’s Disaster Management Centre

Media Release: Stenden South Africa Second-Year Students Tour Garden Route District Municipality’s Disaster Management Centre

03 October 2024

Earlier this week the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Disaster Management Centre welcomed a group of second-year students from Stenden South Africa as part of their educational tour. This visit marked an important stop on the students’ Cape Town-bound journey, which began in the Eastern Cape at the Sarah Baartman District Centre. Along their route, the students are scheduled to visit various Disaster Management Centres (DM centres) and important sites, including the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station.

Stenden South Africa is an international university that offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Honours degree in Disaster Management. The institution is renowned for its approach, combining theoretical knowledge with practical experiences, equipping students to manage real-world disaster scenarios and global development challenges. Their four-year program builds expertise in key areas such as disaster response, humanitarian security, and global social development.

Among the key modules covered during their studies are:

  • Conflict Management and Humanitarian Security Law
  • Disaster Response, Role Players and Relationships
  • Introduction to Accounting
  • Logistics & Business Communication 2
  • Research Methodology & Field Research 1

The program’s structure is designed to progressively cover foundational topics in the first year, such as Disaster Management Planning, Project Management, and Economics. By the third year, students engage in more advanced subjects like Climate Variability and Strategic Management. Furthermore, specialized international modules in Thailand, such as Global Social Development and International Relations, enhance the students’ global perspective.

The GRDM Disaster Management Centre was one of the major highlights of the trip, providing students with a first-hand look at operational disaster management processes. During the visit, the current GRDM interns were invited to share their experiences, offering the students valuable insights into the day-to-day realities of disaster management. These exchanges provided practical context to their studies and gave them a glimpse into potential career paths.

In addition to the intern presentations, a Stenden South Africa alumna, now working as a disaster management officer at GRDM, shared her personal career journey. Her reflections on transitioning from student to professional provided inspiration and guidance for the visiting students, showing how their studies could shape their future roles in the field.

This visit is one of many ongoing collaborations between GRDM and Stenden South Africa, nurturing a dynamic exchange of knowledge and mentorship. Each year, such engagements provide students with practical exposure to disaster management, enhancing their academic experiences. The inclusion of GRDM interns in this year’s program offered the students peer-level insights and further emphasized GRDM’s commitment to developing the next generation of disaster management professionals.

Featured image caption: GRDM Disaster Management Officials alongside second-year students from Stenden South Africa during their visit to the GRDM Disaster Management Centre.

-END

02 October 2024 Media Release: 32 New Signs for Garden Route Peaks to Boost Adventure Tourism

Media Release: 32 New Signs for Garden Route Peaks to Boost Adventure Tourism

3 October 2024

The Garden Route and Klein Karoo (GR&KK) is world-renowned for its breathtaking hiking, trail-running and mountain biking trails, offering adventure seekers routes that traverse peaks reaching up to 1,578 meters (Cradock Peak) above sea level in the George area.

During an informal handover ceremony, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel met with members from the Mountain Ultra Trail (MUT), the Garden Route Trail Running community-based running group and a Conquer Together community enthusiast.

Mayor Stroebel said: “In support of enhancing these trails for local and international visitors, the GRDM is proud to donate 32 new signs to rebrand key mountain peaks”.

“These new signs will replace the current faded ones, ensuring a refreshed experience for hikers and trail runners.”

Each sign will prominently feature the GR&KK logo, a QR code and a few other brands, which offer a gateway to valuable resources, including links to:

The signage and trail maintenance in George have long been carried out by the dedicated members of the Mountain Ultra Trail (MUT) group, who fund these efforts independently. Recognising their hard work and commitment, GRDM’s contribution aims to alleviate some of the financial pressure on the group, helping to ensure these trails remain safe, clear and accessible for all.

The highest peak, Cradock Peak, will also receive a new sign right at its highest point.

Feature image: The handover ceremony took place at the GRDM Mayor’s Office. Each person held a sign featuring one of the 6 big peaks in the George area – Vensterberg, Losberg, George Peak, Cradock Peak, Tierkop and Groenkop. The stakeholders present included (fltr): Jacques Mouton (FKT & GTR), Herman Pieters (GRDM Communication Manager), Andrew Stroebel (GRDM Executive Mayor), Clare Mouton (FKT & GTR), Zane Schmal (MUT), and Attie Bedeker(Conquer Together).

ENDS

30 September 2024 Toughest Firefighter Alive (South Africa) competition drawn to a close – Message from Chief Fire Officer

Message From GRDM Chief Fire Officer: TFA-SA competition drawn to a close

For immediate release
30 September 2024

Whilst the Toughest Firefighter Alive South Africa (TFA-SA) Competition has drawn to a close, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Fire & Rescue Services would like to close out this year’s journey by extending our GRATITUDE to fellow colleagues, the municipality, managers, and most importantly, family and friends, as well as sponsors and volunteers, whom not only assisted at the event, but also our firefighters.

You have jumped into this with the firefighters and adjusted your schedules, your weekend, and SCREAMED and JUMPED with equal passion and fire, as those who battled on the course.

We heard you, we’ve seen your excitement, the smiles, the special dress-ups and even the help with taking off the the kits, and equipment after each stage, to bring some fresh and cool energy to the competitors.

We have seen the support and and messages of encouragement on social media, leading up to the event and we felt all of it over the weekend.

Thank you for being the Heros off the pitch – it certainly pushed us all to give our very best and achieving the results we did over this weekend.

* Personal Bests
* Finishing the course
* First Time Participation
* Improvement
* Medals
* New Supporters
* Future firefighters.

TEAM, the camaraderie, expertise, and teamwork were invaluable. Together, we pushed boundaries and achieved greatness.

Thank you for the exceptional weekend and may this strengthen us even further.

ENDS

26 September 2024 Media Statement: Innovative Measures Announced to reduce sporadic offensive odours in Great Brak River

Media Statement: Innovative Measures Announced to reduce sporadic offensive odours in Great Brak River

26 September 2024

There are currently three industries in Great Brak River that are regulated through Atmospheric Emission Licences (AEL) issued by the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Air Quality Unit. According to Dr Schoeman, Manager: District Air Quality Control: “It is important to emphasize that these AEL`s have stringent conditions, and the industries are mostly compliant with their respective licence requirements. The industries are regulated through various conditions of their licence, of which the annual emissions monitoring by an independent authority, is a key requirement.  The industries meet the minimum emission limits, which are established based on factors such as the potential health effects on the surrounding environment.”

“Since early 2024, residents from various communities near these industries have reported suspected offensive odours.  Some of these industries emits compounds known for releasing an offensive odour and has a low odour detection threshold,” says Dr Schoeman. He further explained, “Weather conditions play a significant role in the dispersion of odours, which tend to be more noticeable during the colder winter months.”

GRDM and the industries acknowledge all concerns and are working together to address them. Dr Schoeman noted that while the industries comply with its minimum emission limits, the companies recognizes that offensive odours may occasionally be released. Some of these industries are also regulated in terms of their operating times, to minimize the effect during the night and over weekends.

In response to these concerns, the industries have committed to best available technology to address the offensive odours. Some of which has already being implemented. In collaboration with GRDM, the industries have proposed a phased approach to reduce any odours. These measures include, among other things, the venting of gas through pipe ducting systems filled with water and odour suppressant liquid to act as a scrubber system. There is also an installation of rubber curtains at building entrance points to address wind drafts, the replacement of old boilers with improved technology with improved combustion, and the conversion of manufacturing processes to more energy efficient technology, which lowers fuel usage and subsequent emissions. It must also be noted that all these measures come with capital and operational costs and some of these changes do require environmental approval from the relevant authorities before it may be implemented. Dr Schoeman pointed out that “measures requiring authorisation are bound to take longer to implement, however, it is anticipated for the long-term measures to be implemented within the next 1-2 years”.

There remains strong cooperation between GRDM and industry, and all parties are confident that these measures will effectively mitigate and reduce the offensive odours associated with their respective industry.

ENDS

26 September 2024 Media Release: Regenerating degraded land may prove a lifeline to Garden Route biodiversity

Media Release: Regenerating degraded land may prove a lifeline to Garden Route biodiversity

26 September 2024 

“Well over a million hectares of agricultural land in the Southern Cape interior, Karoo and neighbouring Eastern Cape has over time degraded to a point where it can no longer be regarded as suitable for sustainable farming,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

There are multiple reasons for land to degrade to a point where it can no longer sustain biodiversity. The most significant of factors instigating land degradation generally include a combination of climate change, over grazing, irresponsible land management practices, over-extraction of water resources and deforestation.

Habitat loss as a result of new development and rapid urbanization is fast causing the Garden Route to lose biodiversity posing a challenge to those tasked with environmental management and sustainability. Efforts to conserve, grow and protect intact biodiversity is vital for the future well- being of the Garden Route and the quality of life of all dependent on it.

Land restoration and rehabilitation is a complex process which takes time and absorb substantial resources before the full benefit thereof take effect, but the restoration of thousands of hectares of degraded agricultural land holds the key to mitigate biodiversity and habitat loss elsewhere. At the same time eco-system restoration has the potential to earn carbon credit benefits and in parts of Kannaland there are already such efforts underway.

The creation of conservation corridors allowing for the free movement and survival of terrestrial species are increasingly understood and supported by landowners outside the urban edge, whilst conservancies and green belts within the urban edge goes a long way towards that objective.

The creation and maintenance of a healthy environment is a shared responsibility and GREF would like to urge land owners and land managers to contribute towards re-establishing natural habitats and the conservation of threatened eco-systems in the Garden Route.

Feature image caption: Degraded land in the Southern Cape interior, Karoo and bordering Eastern Cape can be restored to sustain biodiversity.

ENDS