Impact Based Warning: Yellow Level 1 – Damaging Waves
The Cape Town Weather Office has issued a Level 1 Impact Based Warning for Damaging Waves valid from, 08 August until 10 August 2023.
Areas in the Garden Route District affected by damaging waves include Bitou, George, Hessequa, Knysna and Mossel Bay.
Report weather related incidents to the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at: 044 805 5071.
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.”
Media Release: Garden Route DM and George Municipality visit grade 5 learners and share knowledge about nature conservation
For Immediate Release 01 August 2023
Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Disaster Management Unit in collaboration with George Local Municipality conducted an educational session about World Nature Conservation Day (28 July) at Mzoxolo Primary School for grade 5 learners.
The main objectives of this campaign were to educate learners about nature conversations. Also, to encourage them to take part in protecting the environment and enhance nature conservation.
During the awareness campaign learners were also taught about the following:
causes and the impacts of the loss of natural resources;
health risks associated with loss of natural resources;
the benefits of healthy nature; and
solutions to protect the environment such as minimizing pollution, recycling and conserving water.
Sessions like these increase a sense of responsibility, confidence and empower learners to also become active citizens and take collective action to tackle environmental issues
The following pictures were taken during the awareness session at Mzoxolo Primary School
Feature image caption: Two GRDM Disaster Management Interns unpacking the presentation for learners.
For more information, please contact the GRDM Performance Manager, Ms Ilse Saaiman at: E-mail: performance@gardenroute.gov.za Switchboard: 044 803 1300
Media Release: The Garden Route remains a hub of agricultural exports
For Immediate Release 1 August 2023
The Garden Route is a region renowned for its natural beauty and diverse agricultural offerings. According to the latest data available to the District Economic Development Unit of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), the top ten exported products from the district collectively accounted for approximately 72.89% of the region’s total exports.
According to Ald. Memory Booysen, GRDM Executive Mayor: “A substantial share of exports, 25.05%, includes fresh apples, pears, and quinces”.
Ripe red apples.
Fresh yellow peaches, ready for harvesting.
Sunny yellow quince fruits.
“These high-quality fruits are in demand worldwide. Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, and Egypt, for instance, are the largest importers of apples worldwide.”
“Coming in second at 18.76% are fresh or dried citrus fruits. The export of leather further prepared, after tanning or crusting contributes around 7.59% to the district’s export revenue,” said Booysen.
GRDM is also busy with the process to establish a fresh produce market for the Garden Route. At the moment, GRDM is on the lookout for land to purchase. This will be followed by a process of appointing a service provider to design the fresh produce market and drive additional processes. If the GRDM is able to have its own fresh produce market, it will also small-scale farmers to grow their businesses and create a more inclusive agricultural economy. This is in line with GRDM’s Growth and Development Strategy. Local producers will be able to supply produce to the regional market and save a lot of costs on transport and reduce greenhouse emissions.
The Garden Route is already known for its international agricultural footprint. One product, in particular, is the De Rustica Coratina Estate Collection Extra Virgin Olive Oil. The product achieved the prestigious Double Gold award during the 2023 Aurora International Taste Challenge, solidifying its status as the best in the world.
The top exported products also include canola, proteas, macadamia nuts, pomegranate, aloe cosmetic products, barley, wheat, gin, wine from Bitou & Kannaland, and live ostrich birds.
In addition to agriculture, the Garden Route excels in other industries, including boat building and furniture manufacturing, further contributing to the region’s economic growth.
While the Garden Route has achieved remarkable success in its export ventures, there are still challenges that need attention to unlock the district’s full potential. Some of the key challenges faced by industries include:
Veterinary challenges with certification.
Environmental/export Regulations on farming in other countries, such as the UK’s restrictions on citrus.
Lack of value-adding for primary agricultural products despite high crop volumes.
Connection to the power supply with competitive pricing.
Logistics to major ports and dry stock locations from the main centre.
Absence of Southern Africa Development Community Free Trade benefits.
Double charges on export and import duties on services, e.g., Botswana.
Limited facilities for launching big boats and yachts.
Challenges in marketing locally manufactured products.
The Garden Route authorities are addressing these challenges through a partnership with Seda, the Western Cape Departments of Agriculture and Local Government, creating platforms for market access at the Pop-Up markets in shopping malls and currently in the process of establishing an Agro-processing facility for honeybush, working towards creating a conducive environment for industries to thrive.
The Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism is currently rolling out a provincial-wide export awareness campaign. A session was, as recently as 21 July 2023, held in George with several people interested in exporting.
Other potential commodities and some already growing for export, include but are not limited to honeybush, sceletium, tea, olives, grape juice, kiwifruit, cannabis, and strawberries, along with services in the IT sector.
Feature image: Rows of apple trees laden with fruit in late Autumn in George area of Waboomskraal South Africa.
Media Release: Oil spill sampling training and what you should know
For Immediate Release 28 July 2023
A debriefing session was held by the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre (GRDMC) after the December 2022 oil droplet pollution along the Garden Route beaches. It was noted that there is a need for formal accredited training on correct oil pollution sampling procedures. The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) managed to obtain the services of Mr Conor Bolas from International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation Limited (ITOPF) to present this training.
On Wednesday, 26 July 2023, this training was presented via an on-line platform from their London Offices to more than 130 officials. ITOPF is a non-profit organisation that represents ship owners around the world and endorses a precise and operational response of oil spills, chemical spills, and any other hazardous substance spills in the marine environment.
In most cases spills occur within the ocean or coastal waters, however, they may also occur on land. Dr Bolas explained how the oil is broken down through a process called Chromatography; this process is a laboratory technique that separates a mixture into its original components. Once the oil has been tested, it is possible to know who is responsible for the oil spill based on the properties of the oil.
During the oil spill sampling training, valuable insights into best practices were received. The training, consisting of four sessions focused on Marine Spill Forensics.
Session 1 commenced with an introduction to ITOPF and the importance of sampling. The reasons for obtaining samples were thoroughly explained, and case studies were presented.
In session 2, Dr Bolas delved into understanding analysis, where a comprehensive overview of tests and standards was provided. To keep the session interactive, a quiz was conducted.
Session 3 covered potential complications and focused on sample considerations, including the required type, quantity, and quality. Additionally, other factors were explored such as laboratory capabilities, storage and shipping, oil weathering, legal aspects, and cost recovery.
Moving on to Session 4, various other factors were discussed, including the identification and monitoring of Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS), costs and compensation, taint testing, dispersants, wildfire and environmental monitoring. Emphasis was placed on sampling strategy, sample types, and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs).
In summary, Dr Bolas extensively covered the following topics:
The key reasons for sampling.
How to conduct proper sampling.
Types of analysis performed.
Understanding chemical fingerprinting.
Complicating factors in sampling.
Choosing appropriate analytes and considering the effects of weathering on samples.
Considerations for HNS and other specific circumstances.
Environmental monitoring and sampling.
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Feature image: Image of oil in water
Did you know:
An oil spill is when liquid petroleum hydrocarbon is released into the environment because of human behaviour, particularly in marine areas. In most cases spills occur within the ocean or coastal waters, however, they may also occur on land.
GRDM Firefighters achieve great results at the Dräger SA Fire Combat and Rescue Challenge
For Immediate release 28 July 2023
Yesterday, 27 July 2023, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Fire & Rescue Services firefighters participated in the Dräger SA Fire Combat and Rescue Challenge. The competition was held in Johannesburg.
This is the third year that Dräger hosted the Combat Challenge, where firefighters are tested displaying their skills and fitness while getting hands-on experience with the latest firefighting equipment and technology available.
The team members who participated in the challenge include: Emile Conrad (Senior Firefighter), Heinrich Leslie (Platoon Commander), Petrus Jordaan (Firefighter), Kevin Lee Gericke (Senior Firefighter) and Branville Abrahams (Senior Firefighter).
In the Team Relay events, the GRDM Fire & Rescue Services team excelled, securing the top position in the Combat Challenge Overall and Fire Fighter CrossFit Event Overall categories. Their performance in the MTG Rescue Operations Course earned them a second place. The Overall Relay Results show that the team displayed their impressive capabilities, securing an impressive second place.
Emile Conrad dominated multiple categories. He won the Overalls Categories, including the Combat Challenge Overall and Fire Fighter CrossFit Challenge Overall, where he earned two first-place finishes. Conrad also won the Overall Age Category (35 – 40), securing his position as the top performer with a first-place finish in the Overall Results.
Heinrich Leslie secured second places in the Age Category 30 – 35 Overalls and the Fire Fighting CrossFit Events Overalls.
Petrus Jordaan, achieved a first-place finish in the Age Category 45 – 49 Overalls, adding to the teams overall success. The team is congratulated for representing GRDM with passion and pride.
The main event on the calendar is yet to come with the South African Toughest Firefighter Alive competition taking place in Mossel Bay which will again be hosted by the Mossel Bay Municipality over the weekend of 05 – 07 October 2023.
Many local firefighters will be in action, competing with the country’s best. GRDM hopes to see you there!
Feature Image: GRDM Fire & Rescue Service Firefighters embracing their winning medals at the Dräger SA Fire Combat and Rescue Challenge
Media Release: Garden Route DM Council raises concerns about climate change
For Immediate Release 28 July 2023
This week at an Ordinary Council meeting hosted at the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Council Chambers on Wednesday 26 July, the Council of GRDM expressed their concern about weather-related incidents. Evidence is becoming clearer of a changing climate, following persistent rain in the Garden Route during the past few months.
Garden Route has become used to the high rainfall during the winter months, however in the recent never-ending periods of rain (more is predicted), with few intermittent days of sunlight, or cloud cover hampering drying out of soil and surfaces these conditions have changed the Garden Route’s landscape with diverse impacts on the agricultural, construction and commercial business sectors, as well as the urban and rural communities dependent on their normal functioning.
Rainfall figures were not exceedingly high throughout the past few months, but the constant floods and the fact that the wet region never had time to shed the water and properly dry out, damaged tarred roads and caused gravel roads to gradually become impassable. Furthermore, the erven of township dwellers with little ground cover, were completely wet for weeks on end.
Farmers on the coastal plateau perhaps suffered the most as productive dairy cows and livestock developed a variety of diseases because of the constantly muddy and wet underfoot conditions. These cows had to be slaughtered as there is not enough time between rainy periods to recover and with many remain in a doubtful state of health.
GRDM Councillors stressed the need for regional preparedness in dealing with a changing climate, and how to be better prepared for out of the ordinary climate events. Council also suggested that academic institutions such as universities should be requested for input and guidance, and from what avenues to obtain funding from, for invasive alien plant management and the upkeep of storm water systems. These funds should be sourced from national government where possible.
All this comes at a time when Europe and North America suffers the highest temperatures on record with thousands dying as the air becomes unbreathable and the constant heat unbearable. With this, the United Nations are expressing serious concerns and insisting actions, to dramatically reduce the burning of fossil fuels and that climate change inaction is unacceptable.
The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) recently co- hosted the Annual Climate Change and Environment Management Indaba with the Nelson Mandela University at the George campus. At the event, experts agreed that the Garden Route is a disaster-prone region, and that more planning needs to be in place even as predictions are that the region is heading to a drier period as the El Nino weather pattern will take effect later this year.
Media Release: Multi-stakeholder anti-litter clean-up campaign continues
For Immediate Release 28 July 2023
Recently, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) kicked off its anti-litter campaign aimed at educating people about proper waste disposal techniques, using waste as a resource, and the pollution effects litter brings to the Garden Route District. Raising awareness at taxi ranks, schools, informal settlements, public facilities, malls, and shopping centres form part of the campaign.
On Tuesday 25 July 2023, the GRDM Waste Management Section conducted an awareness campaign at the Asla Clinic in Mossel Bay in collaboration with the Environmental Officers of Mossel Bay Municipality’s Pollution and Waste Management section.
Community members were educated about the severe negative consequences of illegal dumping on both the environment and human health. Topics covered included the disposal of hazardous materials, garbage and pollutants in unauthorised locations as well as the effects of contaminated soils and water sources on animal and human life. There was a lot of interaction during the session, and community members received stickers with contact information for reporting illegal dumping.
On Thursday 27 July 2023, the GRDM Waste Management Section hosted a workshop with twenty-four (24) waste pickers (Expanded Public Works Program Workers and offenders from Community Correction) to educate them on the different waste streams that can be recycled. During the training, pickers were taught that waste could be a resource for someone else as well as a treasure. It was also clarified that every citizen has the right to live in a clean, healthy, and safe environment. The fact that it is a human right, but also a responsibility, was emphasized.
Stakeholders in the workshop included Mossel Bay Municipality, Henque Waste, and Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) – Local Government Support. Similar workshops continue to be rolled out in other towns of the Garden Route district.
The following pictures were taken during the two awareness sessions hosted by the GRDM Waste Management Section the past week.
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Featured Image Caption: The workshop was attended by waste pickers from Mossel Bay
The Cape Town Weather Office has issued an updated Impact Based Warnings for the Western Cape and Namaqua Region of Northern Cape as follows:
1. Warning: Damaging Waves Orange (Level 5)
Areas affected: Bitou, George, Hessequa, Knysna and Mossel Bay
Valid: From 29/07/23 (00h00) to 29/07/23 (23h59)
2. Warning: Disruptive Rain Yellow (Level 4)
Areas affected: Kannaland, Oudtshoorn,
Valid: From 28/07/23 (12h00) to 29/07/23 (00h00)
3. Warning: Disruptive Snow Yellow (Level 4)
Areas affected: Kannaland and Oudtshoorn
Valid: 29/07/23 (00h00) to 30/07/23 (00h00)
4. Warning: Disruptive Rain Orange (Level 6)
Areas Affected: Bitou, George, Hessequa, Knysna and Mossel Bay
Valid: 29/07/23 (00h00) to 29/07/23 (23h59)
Issued by:
SOUTH AFRICAN WEATHER SERVICE
Cape Town Weather Office
2nd Floor: Oval Office Park
Cape Town Int airport
Freight Road
Matroosfontein
Cape Town
Report weather related incidents to the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at: 044 805 5071.
3. Warning: Disruptive Snow Yellow (Level 4)
Issued by: