Media Release: Regional Skills Development Forum focuses on Training Initiatives and Grant Applications
For Immediate Release
7 November 2023
A Regional Skills Development Forum convened on 2-3 November 2023, bringing together all Skills Development Facilitators (SDF) from the Garden Route and Central Karoo District Municipal areas. This quarterly engagement serves as a platform for SDFs to discuss and strategise various training initiatives within these two districts.
One (1) of the key highlights of the forum was a discussion revolving around discretionary grant applications for municipalities. Ms. Aneeka Jacobs, the Provincial Manager of LGSETA (Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority), provided valuable insights into the application process for discretionary grants. It was emphasised that the deadline for the submission of Discretionary Grant Applications is Wednesday, 8 November 2023.
During his presentation, Dr Florus Prinsloo provided valuable insights.
In addition to grant applications, the forum also featured the participation of the Garden Route Skills Mecca Technicians and Coordinator, Dr. Florus Prinsloo. He facilitated a workshop on the evolving SETA landscape and the processes of the Quality Council on Trades and Occupational (QCTO). This insightful discussion shed light on the changing dynamics of skills development and education in the region.
The Regional Skills Development Forum continues to play a vital role in promoting skills development and education within the Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts. By fostering collaboration and sharing best practices, SDFs and their partners are working towards enhancing the workforce’s skills and employability, ultimately contributing to the region’s economic growth and prosperity.
Featured image caption: A group of skills development facilitators from municipalities in the Garden Route District and the Central Karoo District.
Media Release: Mental Wellness in the spotlight in Kannaland
For Immediate Release 7 November 2023
Life can be really tough at times, and we need to know how we can improve our own mental wellness. In light of Mental Health Awareness Month, mental wellness outreaches were done in Kannaland aimed to start the conversation around mental wellness.
Several outreaches took place in October in Zoar, Calitzdorp and Ladismith.
Dennis Jacobs from Zoar is outspoken when it comes to especially men and mental wellness. ‘It doesn’t make you less of a man to talk about your problems,’ he said.
Younger men also joined the conversation.
Bboy Da Vinci, a local entertainer from Oudtshoorn, said that dancing gives him purpose. ‘Dancing gives me purpose to life every day; it is my way of expressing myself. When I dance, nothing else matters,’ he said.
Speaking on the importance of these mental wellness outreaches, psychologist Estelle Crause said: ‘It’s important for people to be made aware of how they can take care of their mental wellness and where they can go if they feel they might need help. This is why we do these outreaches, it’s to bring awareness to our communities.’ A psychiatrists, registered councillor and mental health nurse do rotational visits to clinics in the subdistrict.
Mental wellness is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through to adulthood. Estelle spoke on what you can do to help improve your mental wellness. ‘Nutrition plays an important role in maintaining mental wellness and preventing the onset of mental health disorders. I always tell my patients to eat foods that are high in L-tyrosine such as chicken, fish, cheese, bananas and milk.
‘It’s really important to spend some time outdoors too. Going for walks in nature or doing some exercises or just soaking up some sunrays for a few minutes a day is beneficial to our bodies. A sense of mental well-being also supports our immune system, thus our physical health and vice versa,’ Estelle said.
For those who struggle with getting enough sleep, she said: ‘It’s important to be mindful of your evening routine if you want to get a good night’s rest. Limit coffee, alcohol and sugar at night as well as screen time. Have an evening routine that calms your nervous system gradually and try to avoid strenuous exercise before bed because this boosts your body temperature and all those feel-good chemicals which might keep you awake a little longer.’
We also need to make time for ourselves and do things that we enjoy. Jadon Moses from Ladismith knows that we need to do things that makes us happy. ‘Making music helps me,’ said the young musician.
Every individual can take meaningful steps toward better mental wellness. If you feel you might be suffering from a mental health condition, you can go to your local clinic or make contact with the organizations below.
Where to get support:
If you are a learner experiencing abuse, and/or need advice or counselling support, you can call the Western Cape Education Department’s Safe Schools toll free hotline on 0800 45 46 47.
Need help or advice about relationships, sex, pregnancy, or your body? Send a ‘please call me’ to 083 323 1023 to speak to a trained health expert, call 0800 121 900 or visit bwisehealth.com
Feel alone, overwhelmed, or anxious? Get free help from the Cipla Mental Health Helpline. Speak to a trained counsellor. Send a SMS to 31393 (24/7), call 0800 456 789 (24/7) or WhatsApp 076 882 2775 (8AM – 5PM)
Did you know you can call the free 24/7 emergency suicide helpline for help? Speak to a trained counsellor that you can trust. Call 0800 567 567 any time of the day or night.
Featured image caption: From left: Claudel-Draai – Health Promotion, Misida – Registered Councillor and Estelle Krause – Psychiatrist
Media Release: GRDM Roads team praised for excellent work on major projects
For immediate release 07 November 2023
Over the last few months, the Garden Route district experienced severe weather conditions which left a few roads in a poor state for use by road users. Some roads were closed due to the severity of the damage and other roads were repaired and are in use again. These roads are managed and maintained by the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Roads Services Department, as agent of the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure.
In support of Transport Month that was celebrated across the country in October last month and due to the progress of the repair work by GRDM Roads Services, councillors, management and staff, last week, 30 October 2023, visited two sites to view the progress made. One of the roads is the Saasveld road, where an armco failure on the Madiba Road occurred that collapsed the road to 8 metres deep. The road is now completed and fully repaired. The team further visited the Gwaiing road (DR1618), situated near the George airport to witness the road works of the upgrade project.
Saasveld Road (MR355) fully repaired.
Gwaiing Road (Dr1618) well in progress.
Visit to Saasveld Road
During the visit to the Saasveld Road, GRDM Manager for Maintenance, Construction and Mechanical Services, Japie Strydom, explained that the steel pipe that was constructed during the 1950s failed because steel on its own was not successful. GRDM in 2021 then constructed a new pipe with a combination of concrete and steel. Strydom further explained that the road serves as detour for the national road and is frequently used by students, tourists and cyclists. During construction, the detour was via the N2 and Wilderness to Saasveld, leading to NMU. This is a 20km longer road to travel compared to the Madiba Drive route. The GRDM is now keeping the road safe for the students at Nelson Mandela University. For this reason, “students would not need to use the Wilderness Road anymore, when they need to get into town,” Strydom said. Brand new guardrails were also installed. This project cost was R5.6 million.
Strydom further explained that future projects similar to this project, which is 0.6, 1.2, 2.9 and 3 km in distance from this project, as well as a site in Wilderness, are still in design phase and said: “It is envisaged that those projects will commence in August/September next year”. He concluded by echoing the words of the Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu who said: “As a collective, we are stronger”. In addition he said: “We don’t do this just for us and to make it safer, but we are doing this for the future”.
GRDM Portfolio Chairperson for Roads, Ald. Petru Terblanche, praised the Roads team and said: “Every one of you are winners, leaders, the first on the road as well as the last one on the road”. With these words he commended the team for their dedication in realising the objectives of their road construction projects. Terblanche furthermore summed up a few challenges experienced by GRDM, such as a lack of gravel. Consequently, after discussions with the MEC of Infrastructure in the Western Cape, he said that the total of borrow pits increased from three to 13 borrow pits. Terblanche also complimented the team for managing and handling the yellow fleet well. When he referred to the neatness and the overall condition of the vehicles, he highlighted: “I feel proud of the team when I see our machines and vehicles on the road and because of your excellence I’m am very proud to be part of GRDM’s Roads Services Department”.
Visit to Gwaiing Road Project
On arrival at the Gwaiing Road, Strydom and the GRDM Senior Roads Engineering Technician, Chesney Roelf, explained the type of upgrade work that has been done so far. Strydom said: “Proper drainage has been put in, as well as proper layer works and a permanent bitumen road surface. These will change the traffic flow on the road”, he explained. In total 4km of the road will be upgraded with the cost of R16.5 million per kilometer.
The project also created learning and skills development opportunities for final cutters. In explaining his statement, he said: “Across the world there are only a few final cutters that can work with a grader that is capable of cutting a road surface to a final level, to proceed with construction”. Additionally, Strydom also mentioned that 44 Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers were appointed to assist on the project of which 24 already underwent accredited NQF training funded by the Trisano program. One (1) EPWP has now been permanently appointed by the GRDM Roads Department. This is evident that apart from creating a new road, Strydom said “we are also creating opportunities for people to develop themselves”.
Monde Stratu, during the visit, praised the team for their excellent work ethic and dedication. Stratu used the South African rugby team who was crowned at the 2023 World Cup champions as an example when he said that results can only be achieved by team members that work together as one.
In closing, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, GRDM’s Portfolio Chairperson for Property Management and Development, shared his words of appreciation to the Roads Department and their Executive Manager John Daniels, Ald. Terblanche and the Municipal Manager for continuously delivering outstanding work and for allowing them as councillors to witness roads projects that bring significant improvement to the lives of those affected by the road damages.
The project with an overall project cost of R69 million has a duration of 18 months and the road is envisaged to be opened by mid-year to the end of next year.
Feature Photo: GRDM Councillors, Management and staff during the site visits to Saaveld and Gwaiing roads.
Public Notice: Stop-Go Controls: On Brenton-on-Sea and Barrington Roads
1 November 2023
Stop-go controls will be implemented along sections of the Brenton-on-sea Road and Barrington Road between: November 2023 and 14 December 2023
We urge the public to be patient during this time
Lane closures are required for the purposes of undertaking repair work to the roads. Two-way traffic will be maintained by means of a stop-go system which should cause a delay of between 10 minutes and 20 minutes per trip. The public will be kept informed timeously if there are any changes in the traffic accommodation such as temporary road closures.
The safety and convenience to the travelling public are of utmost importance and every effort will be made to ensure that all temporary road signs, cones, flag people and speed controls are maintained and are effective, and that courtesy is extended to the public at all times. The Contractor is required to make use of approved methods to control the movement of his equipment and vehicles so as not to constitute a hazard on public roads.
The Public, when using the affected roads, is requested to be patient, exercise caution, to travel at reduced speed, obey the permanent and the construction related temporary traffic signage and heed the guidance of the stop-go operators and flag people. This is for the safety of all.
The Western Cape Government is working hard to maintain our roads. Please drive carefully during this period of construction. Let us work together to ensure that our roads are safe. BETTER TOGETHER.
PUBLIC NOTICE: SECOND ADJUSTMENT BUDGET 2023/2024 APPROVED
Notice is hereby given that the Garden Route District Municipal Council’s Second Adjustment Budget for the period 2023/2024-2025/2026, was compiled in accordance with the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act 2003 (Act 56 of 2003).
This document was approved by the Garden Route District Municipality at a District Council meeting held on Wednesday, 25 October 2023.
This document will be available for public inspection and comments on the GRDM municipal website from 31 October 2023.
Members of the public is invited to submit written comments or representations to the municipality in respect of this document.
All comments and inputs must be directed to: The Municipal Manager, Garden Route District Municipality, 54 York Street, George 6530.
For more information, please contact Ms Louise Hoek at 044 803 1300.
GRDM Executive Mayor wishes the Class of 2023 all the best!
For Immediate Release
30 October 2023
“Hard work and planning put together ensures success. Make sure you are well-prepared, believe in yourself, and stay focused. You can achieve remarkable results if you remember all the hard work you’ve put in. Having faith in yourself will help you ace the exam because you are the one who studied, the one who knows how tough it is. Stay calm and balanced, you’ve got this!”
As you prepare for your exams, remember to check your pen, take your ID card, and don’t forget your watch. It’s time to pen down all your thoughts on that paper. But keep in mind, this is not only a final exam, but the beginning of a journey filled with numerous tests.
I want to thank all parents, teachers, and communities for the love, care, and understanding shown to our learners. Also for being pillars of strength to our learners and for creating a healthy and productive environment for them. The saying “it takes a village to raise a child” is as true today as it was in the past.
Over the past 12 years, you’ve been equipped with values and principles that will make you responsible members of society. Don’t step back if hurdles come in your life; instead defeat it with your confidence and talent Rise above your circumstances, become a leader, and be the change you want to see.
Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) has approved an affordable housing Strategic Plan during the 2021/2022 financial year that guided the appointment of a social housing delivery partner accredited by the SHRA (Social Housing Regulatory Authority). Therefore, the GRDM also appointed the appropriate partner for the provision of social housing opportunities in well-located areas in order to facilitate long term social-economic integration.
A District Council Meeting was held on Wednesday , 25 Ooctober 2023, during which the new social housing pilot project was approved. Thus, the first social housing opportunities of approximately 166 units, will soon be realised on a municipality-owned site located in Omega Street.
As soon as possible, the GRDM Council will inform local communities about the status of the matter, with the company directly responsible for the development and beneficiation processes.
Maatskaplike Behuising Loodsprojek deur die TDM-Raad Goedgekeur
Die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM) het ‘n Strategiese Plan vir bekostigbare behuising gedurende die 2021/2022 finansiële jaar goedgekeur wat daartoe gelei het tot die aanstelling van ‘n behuisingsvennoot wat deur SHRA (Social Housing Regulatory Authority) geakkrediteer is. As gevolg hiervan het die TDM ‘n toepaslike vennoot vir die verskaffing van maatskaplike behuisingsgeleenthede in goed geleë gebiede aangestel om sodoende sosiaal-ekonomiese langtermyn integrasie te fasiliteer.
Die nuwe maatskaplike-behuisingsprojek was Woensdag, 25 Oktober 2023, tydens ‘n Distriksraadsvergadering, goedgekeur. Die eerste maatskaplike behuisingsgeleenthede van ongeveer 166 eenhede sal dus binnekort op ‘n perseel in besit van die munisipaliteit in Omegastraat realiseer.
Die TDM sal egter so spoedig moontlik die plaaslike gemeenskappe inlig rakende die nuutste verwikkelinge, en die aangestelde maatskappy sal direk verantwoordelik wees vir die ontwikkelings- en toekenningsprosesse.
Media Release: Collapse of natural infrastructure proves costly in Kaaimans
For Immediate Release
26 October 2023
“Following heavy and consistent rain on Saturday, 21 October 2023, the collapse of a seep-line on the western slope of the Kaaimans gorge caused a landslide leading to the temporary closure of the N2 highway. This left the mountainside scarred with severe loss of indigenous vegetation,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).
Streams, seep-lines and wetlands on mountain slopes play an important role in ensuring the geological integrity of mountain slopes and their ability to direct and absorb water flow. Sand dunes, rivers, streams, mountain catchments, forests and many other examples are referred to as natural infrastructure, and collectively they play an irreplaceable role in ensuring the well-being of nature and the human population it supports.
Hard infrastructure, such as the N2 highway is constructed on a sensitive and geologically unstable mountain slope through Wilderness and the Kaaimans gorge. This type of area is prone to landslides and will always be at risk of mountainside collapse (or partial collaps) under certain circumstances such as torrential rain. The impact of invasive alien plants on the landscape and upper catchments affecting river function and health, also has negative snowball effects on rivers and streams to cope with large volumes of water flow during floods. This is because it strips river banks of natural vegetation binding river banks and protecting soils.
Indigenous vegetation plays a vital and irreplaceable role in ensuring soil stability on steep slopes, and unfortunately, the forests on the western slope of Kaaimans gorge, have in recent years been badly affected by a creeper plant overgrowing forest vegetation. This type of vegetation causes the collapse of the forest canopy under its weight with trees dying off. It then leaves the seep-line and rivulet’s shallow soil structure susceptible to collapse once it becomes waterlogged. Sufficient surface vegetation would have kept it firmly in place and prevented it from sliding downward.
Rehabilitating the damaged water course in Kaaimans will pose a challenge as all the vegetation and topsoil slid down the slope and washed away. It should be considered to investigate the stability of the remainder of the western slope to determine if is stable or posing further risks to the N2 highway.
“Invasive alien plants are very likely to claim the scar left by the landslide as they outcompete indigenous vegetation in terms of new growth,” says Meiring.
Given the changing climate and rainfall patterns, which increase the probability of episodic rain storms along the Garden Route, the region is likely to experience repeated damage to its road and rail infrastructure in the near future.
The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for landowners and environmental managers in the Southern Cape.
Photo: Landslide scar in Kaaimans gorge
Caption: Collapse of indigenous forest poses a further potential threat of landslides
Media Release: Executive Mayor of GRDM donates R10 000 to local athlete to participate in Ultra 2023 World Championship
For immediate release 26 October 2023
Executive Mayor of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), Ald. Memory Booysen, recently donated R10 000 to local Backyard Ultra-Running athlete, Tembinkosi Sojola, to participate in the Ultra 2023 World Champions. The championship started on 21 October 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee in the United States of America and concluded on Wednesday, 25 October 2023.
In an update received from the Bayethe Multisport Academy, Sojola has achieved a remarkable feat by establishing a new South African and African Record. With the event that started off with 75, Tembi’s Race came to an end at lap 56 with a total of 368.83km after 2 days and 7 hours of running, he is now ranked 90th in the World.
Thirty-nine-year-old Sojola, a resident of George is, apart from his passion for the sport, also a husband and father of four (4).
Sojola annually also participates in the Comrades and Two Oceans Marathons. The passion has fuelled his desire to participate in this world-class event, where he represented South Africa in the USA. This was the first event where he competed against other countries.
Myra Tisch, supporter of Sojola at the event, thanked all those who supported Sojola during the championship”. Tisch explained: “He had problems with his hip flexor for over 30-hours and pushed through the pain. There were several moments of doubt, but he trusted himself and his capabilities and pushed beyond even when the pain was there to stop him”. Tisch described Sojola as an incredible athlete, beautiful person and hard-working family man. “Let us all thank the Lord above for protecting our friend/dad/husband through the biggest tribulation of his life!” Tisch concluded: “This is a time to rejoice his accomplishment”.
Mayor Booysen, on behalf of GRDM, wished him the best going forward especially with this achievement of now being ranked 90th globally.
Tembinkosi Sojola now holds the South African and African Record with an open invitation to the German Backyard Ultra in 2024.
Report weather related incidents to the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at 044 805 5071.
