The COP28 Climate Change Conference is hosted by the United Nations running from 30 November to 12 December in Dubai and is intended for governments to agree on policies to limit global temperature rises and adapt to impacts associated with climate change, says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) on the eve of its Key Stake- holder event taking place on 13 December in Wilderness.
Reducing the drivers of climate change is easier said than done as the global dependence on fossil fuels is universal and the transition to alternative sources of energy is extremely slow and complex in their implementation as the South African effort towards the Just energy Transition (JET) is a case in point.
COP28 is already finding itself in a highly politicised milieu as major role players, including the United Arab Emirates which is hosting the event in Dubai is questioning the very essence of the global drive towards the reduction of emissions contributing to the global rise in temperature, with 2023 already described as the warmest year in recorded history and 2024 predicted to be worse according to the latest UN report on the matter.
The fact that South Africa is already experiencing an increase in climate related disasters including severe flooding, fire and drought is concerning, and it comes at a time where the country is suffering from the effects of retarded economic growth and environmental mismanagement at all levels manifesting in unbridled development, poverty, joblessness and social unrest as expectations in terms of service delivery are not met by the powers that be.
In the face of the challenges South Africa has to face as the climate changes irreversibly, there is much the country can do to be better prepared for environmental changes, including changes in rainfall patterns which will no doubt impact on the quality of life and future prospects of a fast- growing population facing food, energy and water security uncertainty.
Past and present failure by government at all levels to plan ahead and develop policies that will contribute to better environmental management and the safeguarding of natural resources, especially water and the infrastructure required to ensure that future generations don’t suffer as a result of a lack of responding to early warnings must serve as a wake- up call to all.
The state of South Africa rivers and effluent from defunct sewerage plants, water resource management as well as the failure to address the spread of invasive alien plants and the resultant destruction of bio- diversity will prove detrimental to the country’s ability to cope with the challenges a change in climate will impose upon the nation with its limited resources.
GREF will revisit the outcomes of COP28 during its Annual Climate Change and Environmental Management Indaba to be co- hosted with the Nelson Mandela University in June 2024.
GREF is the premier public platform for regional environmental and conservation managers in the Southern Cape.
Save the Date: Council Meeting – 12 December 2023 at 09:00
Notice is hereby given that a COUNCIL MEETING of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the CA Robertson Council Chambers and via Zoom, 54 York Street, George, on 12 December 2023 at 09:00.
Public Notice: Notice of a Combined MPAC / APAC Meeting on 07 December 2023 at 09:00
Notice number:165/2023
Notice is hereby given that a COMBINED MPAC/ APAC MEETING of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the CA Robertson Council Chambers and via Zoom, 54 York Street, George,
on 07 December 2023 at 09:00.
Food has to be fit for humans to eat and must conform to safety requirements as prescribed by law and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Load shedding occurs often in South Africa and these power outages have a direct impact on food safety. Three (3) factors that have a direct impact on food are the length of the outage, how often it occurs and where food is stored. Food safety issues, including spoiling, are especially likely to occur with perishable goods such as fresh meat, poultry, fish, soft cheeses, milk, and leftover food (depending on how long they were stored before load shedding started).
Critical facts to remember
As long as it is cold, food should be safe. Food in a refrigerator may be safe as long as:
Power outages do not last longer than four hours.
The fridge door is kept closed and not opened often.
The temperature of the refrigerator was at 4 °C when load-shedding started.
If a freezer door is kept closed, frozen food will stay frozen for up to 48 hours. Perishable food must be cooked as soon as possible if they begin to defrost. Refreezing perishable food is dangerous.
If the load-shedding schedule is known, one can prepare for it as follows:
Ensure that the temperature in the refrigerator is 4 °C or as near to it as possible.
Frozen leftovers, milk, fresh meat and poultry, fish, and other goods should be moved from the fridge to the freezer that you might not need right away.
Buy fresh food in smaller quantities, prepare it fast, and enjoy it instead of buying it in bulk and storing it in the fridge.
Take special note of purchasing long-lasting items, such as unopened canned foods and sterile or ultra-heat heated temperature drinks. These have a lengthy shelf-life outside of the fridge, however, once they’re opened, they too need to be chilled.
Another method used to keep perishable goods as cold as possible for as long as possible, is to place ice packs around the items in the fridge.
THE CONSUMER’S ROLE
Given the price of food, one is hesitant to discard food but the risks associated with eating unsafe food is very high. Some perishables might not necessarily smell or taste strange, but may be filled with bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses. Consumers must buy food at food premises that was issued with a Certificate of Acceptability (CoA), where they trade. A CoA is issued by an EHP and must be displayed in a place at the food premises for the public to see. If this is not possible, it must be immediately available on request from customers.
LABELLING
Consumers must look at the labelling and date marking of foodstuffs to make informed decisions regarding the foodstuffs they want to buy. It is important to understand that date marking is a best practice in the food industry and help to protect both food quality and food safety. Pre-packed food must be labelled in accordance with the Regulations relating to the labelling and advertising of foodstuffs, R146 of 1 March 2010.
Click hereto read more about fake food and food labelling.
Follow these five keys to safer food.
For further information, please contact:
Mr. Johan Compion, Manager: Municipal Health & Environmental Services,
Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality paid tribute Alwin Fuller’s life at a special Memorial Service
For immediate release 4 December 2023
On 29 November 2023, Councillors, Management and Staff from the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) paid tribute to the life of Alwin Fuller during a special Memorial Service, after his passing on 25 November 2023 at the age of 38.
The Council Chamber was left in a sombre atmosphere when his wife, children and family members walked through the guard of honour formed by the GRDM Firefighters to attend the service. Messages of support were delivered by his colleagues. Pastor Kevin van Wyk delivered a touching biblical message for all present and affected by Alwin’s passing.
GRDM Executive Deputy Mayor, Cllr Gert van Nierkerk, issued a certificate of appreciation to Mrs. Lorna Fuller for the dedicated services rendered by her husband to the organisation.
Fuller was appointed on 1 September 2022 in the Planning and Economic Development Department and was in tenure of the organisation until he took his last breath. He fulfilled the role of Project Administrator for Projects and Bulk Infrastructure and became intricately involved with Energy projects driven by the organisation.
When comforting all present in his welcoming address, Portfolio Chairperson of Planning and Economic Development, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, stated: “This time of year is usually a period for family to spend more time with one another and having family reunions”. Adding to these words, Hoogbaard encouraged all to use the sudden passing of Alwin as an opportunity to learn how precious time on earth is. “We need to also make time throughout the year to enjoy and create precious moments with others.”
Portfolio Chairperson of Planning and Economic Development, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, welcomed all present.
Executive Manager: Planning & Economic Development, Lusanda Menze, remembered Alwin as hardworking and dedicated official.
Described by a few colleagues as a passionate and dedicated official, many also felt that his other side portrayed more humour and others described him as a person who frequently challenged red tape that stood in the way of projects. Almost all officials alluded to the fact that Alwin wanted to get things done. Passmore Dongi, his former manager, during his virtual message, reiterated Alwin’s stubbornness for the better good of the organisation. Dongi said: “I liked his stubbornness because I don’t like a colleague working so closely with me that portrays the same characteristics as I have – because of these different characteristics we made a great team”, he said. He also highlighted that Alwin left behind a huge legacy with key projects he spearheaded. One such project is the Energy Efficient program where GRDM received an Energy Efficient Certificate as the 1st District Municipality in the Western Cape and in the country.
Executive Deputy Mayor, Cllr Gert van Niekerk, delivered the eulogy.
Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, delivered the vote of thanks at the service.
Pastor Kevin van Wyk shared a Word of Comfort with the family and colleagues.
Programme Director of the event was GRDM’s Ayakha Magxotwa.
Colleague and friend, Mats-will Louis, shared his personal experiences with Alwin.
Tando Gauzela served with Alwin on the Energy Forums and how they approached matters.
Emile Conrad performed an instrumental of the song “Amazing Grace”.
Natalie Arries and Grace Rwayi performed the song “There is coming a day”.
Integrated Development Planning colleague of Alwin, Ayakha Magxotwa, while directing the programme, shared memorable tales about his experiences and moments with Alwin. He remembers and experienced Alwin also in a more personal manner.
Executive Deputy Mayor, Ald. Gert van Niekerk summed Alwin up as a shy, reserved person. He said: “Alwin played a crucial role within the Infrastructure, Projects and Resorts Management Units of the Planning and Economic Development Department. Alwin also worked closely with Communications to ensure awareness was created about Green Energy”. In closing his speech Ald. van Niekerk said that in the face of loss, “let us celebrate the life of a man that left us too soon; but left behind a legacy. We are all fortunate that God borrowed Alwin to us”. In concluding Alwin’s journey with the organisation, Ald. van Niekerk handed over a token of appreciation to Alwin’s wife, Mrs Lorna Fuller at the event, for the dedicated and loyal service her husband rendered to the organisation.
Through his message of comfort, Pastor Kevin van Wyk urged all present to “reflect on potential obstacles hindering our path to achieving goals”. Pastor van Wyk made an example about a person receiving a gift leaving it unopen. He said: “By leaving the gift unopen, has the same meaning as not receiving the gift”. He encouraged the family and officials to, much like Alwin, stand firm in preserving the essence of what he represented, resisting any attempts to diminish his legacy”.
Pastor van Wyk also emphasised the importance of embracing love and accepting the invitations extended to us. “The time for acceptance is now,” he said. “We must ensure that the love bestowed upon us is received wholeheartedly. In times of turmoil, he compared God to an anchor, a steadfast presence amid life’s unpredictable winds. Him resonating with Alwin’s life, as he also grew up in the area where Alwin was born, during the event multiple times requested all present to put their hands together in celebration of Alwin’s life. He said: “This creates energy which is also symbolic to the role fulfilled by Alwin in this organisation. He said: “Every time we clap our hands let us remember Alwin in the energy we create”.
Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, extended a special vote of thanks, specifically to the family of Alwin you borrowed their husband to the organisation. Mr Stratu said that Alwin was well-aware of what his mandate He understood the vision of the organisation and his role within his Department, because he took his mandate seriously.”
To the staff, Mr Stratu shared words of appreciation to all GRDM colleagues who worked closely with Alwin and who spoke fondly about “our brother” during the service. “I am also thankful to those colleagues that made his life bearable within the institution. Thank you for your humanity in which you interacted with Alwin and that you treated him with dignity”. To these words, Stratu emphasised: “Thank you for your interaction with Alwin, we are grateful for the demeanour that you treated him with dignity. Evidence is showing us that life is too short, for that we must love each other.”
“We come from different homes, families, homes, coming with different agendas etc, but after all we are all children of God and in God’s eyes, we are all equal. Love each other and appreciate one another. ”
Alwin was laid to rest from the VGK Church in Rosemoore, George, on Saturday, 2 December 2023 at 9:00.
Rest in Peace Alwin Fuller – Garden Route District Municipality’s Council and Staff will miss you dearly.
It is with great excitement that we share with you that the Auditor General of South Africa announced late last night, 30 November 2023, that the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) achieved its third (3rd) consecutive Clean Audit.
“Congratulations to all employees who worked tirelessly in the background to help us to achieve another huge milestone, this time around for the 2022/23 financial year,” said Monde Stratu, GRDM Municipal Manager.
The GRDM is committed to its culture of good governance, accountability, and sound financial management. The institution will keep the bar raised to the standard it has set out to.
Media Release: Municipal resorts and caravan parks are ready for the high-season
For Immediate Release 30 November 2023
Throughout the year, Mayoral Committee members oversee their respective portfolios. The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Mayoral Committee Member overseeing Properties and Asset Management, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, along with the members of his portfolio, embarked on visits early this week to the GRDM municipal resorts in anticipation of the upcoming high season. These oversight visits hold significant importance as they hold the GRDM administration responsible for its management of the municipal resorts and caravan parks. This ensures that service delivery remains both effective and efficient in the lead-up to the high season.
Cllr Jobieth, following his visit said: “I visited the resorts with my fellow Councillors, Alderman Petru Terblanche (Portfolio Chairperson for Roads and Transport Planning), Cllr Hilton Stroebel and Cllr Russel Arends, as well as the acting manager for Projects, Properties, Facilities and Resort Management, Shehaam Sims.”
Hoogbaard and his delegates visited the following four municipal resorts and caravan parks: Calitzdorp Hot Springs, De Hoek Mountain Resort, Victoria Bay Caravan Park and Swartvlei Caravan Park. He commented that the resorts are clean and ready for the high influx of guests who are expected to arrive from 14 December until 15 January 2024 – high season.
All websites of the resorts and caravan parks were recently redeveloped and boast a new, fresh look, with updated pictures and detailed information and pricing.
“I trust that all guests will have an enjoyable experience while staying at our resorts. If there are issues, please e-mail them to communications@gardenroute.gov.za,” said Hoogbaard.
Delegates at Calitzdorp Hot Springs (from left to right): Cllr Russel Arends, Elmo Labuscagne (Acting Manager: Calitzdorp Hot Springs), Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard (Chairperson: Assets and Property Management), Luyolo Ndima (Human Settlement Intern), Ald. Petru Terblanche (Portfolio Chairperson: Roads and Transport Planning Services), and Cllr Hilton Stroebel.
Media Release: Environmental Health Practitioners educate inmates at Uniondale Correctional Service facility about Diphtheria (Witseerkeel)
For immediate release 28 November 2023
On 21 November 2023, Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) from the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Municipal Health Services serving the Outeniqua region, conducted Health and Hygiene education at the Uniondale Correctional Services facility.
Approximately sixty-eight (68) inmates and 3 staff members of the Uniondale Correctional Services were made aware of what (Witseerkeel) is and how the bacterial disease is transmitted from one person to another. More topics that were covered include the signs and symptoms, as well as how the disease is treated.
Environmental Health Practitioner at Garden Route District Municipality, Janine Koopman (left), with Staff (middle) and the Acting Head of the Uniondale Correctional Services facility, Mr Siebert van Rensburg (right), soon after the session.
During an interview with the Acting Head of the Uniondale Correctional Services, Mr Siebert van Rensburg, it was established that there are currently no existing cases of Diphtheria at the facility. It was also confirmed that a representative from the Western Cape Department of Health conducts screening tests with every new inmate before admission to the facility. Although family members are allowed to have contact visits with inmates, they are screened prior to these visits and are restricted from entering the facilities should they show any signs and symptoms of communicable diseases.
The facility is utilising the same system that were implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic. Furthermore, inmates are therefore also not allowed to attend funerals of family members who passed away due to a communicable disease.
Continuous hand and hygiene sessions will be conducted at similar facilities within the Garden Route district by EHPs from the GRDM.
Did you know?
Diphtheria, also known as “Witseerkeel” is a bacterial disease caused by infection. It is a vaccine-preventable disease, however a drop in vaccine coverage could potentially lead to increased numbers of cases. Diphtheria is preventable by vaccination given at 6, 10, 14 weeks, with booster doses given at 18 months, 6 years, and 12 years of age. It usually affects:
The upper respiratory tract mucosa.
The skin, and rarely other sites (including the eyes, ears or genitals).
It can cause local tissue damage (with inflammation, ulceration, oedema and a pseudo membrane/ grey, thick layer inside throat and mouth) and can be absorbed into the bloodstream (affecting the heart, nervous system or kidneys).
What are the signs and symptoms of Diphtheria (Witseerkeel)?
Signs and symptoms start to show after 2- 5 days from becoming infected. Signs and symptoms include:
Mildly painful tonsillitis/ pharyngitis.
A thick, grey membrane covering the throat and tonsils.
A sore throat and hoarseness.
Swollen glands (enlarged lymph nodes) in the neck.
Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing.
Nasal discharge.
Fever and chills.
Tiredness.
Although some infected people may not show any signs or symptoms, they can still transmit the disease.
How isDiphtheria (Witseerkeel) transmitted?
Via ingestion of large respiratory droplets through coughing or sneezing.
Direct contact with an infected person through skin lesions or intercourse with an infected person.
Touching surfaces that are contaminated with the bacteria.
Public Notice: Notice of a Combined MPAC / APAC Meeting on 28 November 2023 at 13:00
Notice number:165/2023
Notice is hereby given that a COMBINED MPAC/ APAC MEETING of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the CA Robertson Council Chambers and via Zoom, 54 York Street, George,
on 28 November 2023 at 13:00.
Garden Route environment suffers as SA economy shrinks
For immediate release 20 November 2023
“Maintaining a healthy environment requires money as any land manager will agree,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).
Dealing with the eradication and constant control of fast-spreading invasive alien plants (IAP’s) in the Garden Route is a particularly expensive exercise, and although private landowners in the Garden Route go to great lengths to clear their land in line with legislation pertaining to invading plant and tree species management, they are facing an uphill battle as the costs related to petrol, herbicide and labour soars. Similarly, mountain catchments and rivers are badly affected by invasive species such as pines and wattle, and there simply is no longer sufficient funding available for authorities to effectively deal with the scourge.
Established some three decades ago to deal with invasive alien plants on a national scale and in the process generate much-needed jobs, the Working for Water Programme is not able to make dent on the spread of invasive plants in the Garden Route as less money becomes available from Treasury and state- sponsored business models to clear land in collaboration with supporting environmental management agencies proves difficult to implement, and with land cleared often falling back to historic densities as essential but expensive follow- up work is not conducted.
The advent of climate change enhance the presence of IAP’s on the landscape, and the accumulative effect this have on the destruction of bio- diversity and availability of fresh water resources lost from catchments and rivers systems already impacts on water security in South Africa. In addition, a warmer climate with hotter and stronger winds impacts on stored water in dams and reservoirs as higher than normal evaporation rates takes its toll.
The South African economy and the country’s ability to manage its environment is inextricably intertwined and critical to understand that if all in the country strives to a higher quality of life and environment, a prospering and fast- growing economy is not negotiable.
Food and water security is vital for the future of South Africa and all its citizens, and the dire state of sewerage management systems country- wide, polluted rivers and the spread of invasive alien plants deserves urgent attention.
During its annual Key- Stakeholder report- back event on 13 December, GREF will be highlighting some of the most burning issues related to environmental management in the Garden Route.
The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for environmental management and conservation entities in the Southern Cape.
