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03 March 2023 Media Release: The effect of loadshedding on Water Quality

Media Release:  The effects of load shedding on water quality

For immediate release
03 March 2023

Loadshedding was introduced to South Africa in 2007, the country’s communities and various sectors have had to adjust to its inconvenient nature and effects.

The impact of loadshedding can be seen daily. Loadshedding also has an impact that we cannot see.  It has a direct impact on Municipal Services, specifically water and sanitation.  Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Municipal Health Services is responsible to monitor the water quality in terms of one of their Key Performance areas within their Scope of Practise.

GRDM Municipal Health Services monitor water bodies and water sources on a routine basis to ensure compliance with the relevant legislation.

The impact of load shedding on water quality and associated risk to human health

Pumping water, treating water, and distributing drinkable water all require electricity.  It is also used for the collection and treatment of wastewater.  Authorities may have backup systems that can help with the aforementioned during load shedding periods; however, these systems may break down for extended periods. With load shedding the procedures, become more labor intensified with associated risks.

Water purification systems

In the case where no sufficient amount of water is treated, water might not be available for drinking and hygienic purposes.

 This includes:

Cleaning households or very importantly food premises.  The communities will be reminded to the term “water is life”,  if taps run dry due to load shedding and not being able to drink treated water, or  even not being able to flush your toilet.  Untreated water can expose communities to various infectious bacteria that could be harmful to your health.  The most known bacteria is Escherichia coli.

  1. Coli can cause diseases like gastroenteritis, as well as ear – , nose and throat infections.

Agricultural sector

Water quality is of crucial importance for this sector in our communities.  Premises like abattoirs and dairy farms depend on hygiene during all the related processes and the availability of potable water plays an important part during all these processes.  Pollution can occur in rivers used for agricultural purposes. This can lead to accumulation of microbiological and chemical pollutants in crops and vegetation destined for the consumer.

Sanitation

Electricity is used in all the processes of sanitation from pump station until the final process of disinfection of sewerage.  Pump stations pump sewerage to the wastewater treatment plant. High-risk areas and priority areas might have backup system to ensure that the pump station does not overflow.

The overflowing of pump stations can have a detrimental effect on the environment and cause severe environmental health nuisances. Pump stations near recreational areas or rivers can pollute the nearby water source that is utilised by the communities.  Communities using these recreational areas could be exposed to skin conditions, gastroenteritis or even cholera.

The possibility of untreated sewage entering our water bodies is much higher during load shedding, especially with the increase of the load shedding stages.

Please report all overflowing manholes to your local municipality.

Report all vandalism of infrastructure during loadshedding – compromised infrastructure leads to compromised water quality.

Herewith the details for each regional office within the Garden Route District:

Klein Karoo & Kannaland
Desmond Paulse
Chief: Municipal Health (Klein Karoo)
Tel: 044 272 2241 / 083 678 6530
Address: 94 St John Street, Oudtshoorn

Mossel Bay
Monique Anthony
Acting Chief: Municipal Health (Mossel Bay)
Tel:  044 693 0006
Address C/O Sampson & Marlin Street, Ext 23, Mossel Bay.

George Outeniqua
Emmy Douglas
Chief: Municipal Health (Outeniqua)
Tel: 044 803 1501 / Fax: 044 803 1566
Address: Mission Street, Industrial Area, George, 6530

Knysna Region
James McCarthy
Municipal Health Chief: Knysna
Tel: 044 382 7214 / 082 805 9417
Address: 26A Queen Street, Knysna

Bitou Region
Gawie Vos
Municipal Health Chief: Lakes (Bitou)
Tel: 044 501 1600 / 083 557 1522
Address: 7 Gibb Street, Plettenberg Bay

Hessequa Region
Haemish Herwels
Municipal Health Chief: Hessequa
Tel: 028 713 2438 / 083 678 6545
Address: 23 Michell Street, Riversdale, 6670

Johan Compion
Manager: Municipal Health & Environmental Services
E-mail: info@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1300

ENDS

01 March 2023 Media Release: Nishendra Moodley begins leadership role at the EDP

Nishendra Moodley begins leadership role at the EDP

For Immediate Release
1 March 2023

The EDP’s new CEO Nishendra Moodley takes over from outgoing CEO Andrew Boraine as the organisation prepares to build its reach and resilience over the next three years.

The Economic Development Partnership’s (EDP) new CEO, Nishendra Moodley, has officially taken over the organisation’s leadership from outgoing CEO and founder, Andrew Boraine.

This follows an extensive handover, during which the EDP’s leadership met many of the organisation’s partners and stakeholders to discuss the EDP’s growing role as a collaborative intermediary promoting ‘partnering for action’ towards inclusive, sustainable social and economic development in South Africa.

Nishendra says: “The EDP is a unique organisation that, under Andrew’s trusted leadership, has played a very influential role over the last decade, quickly adapting to provide strategic support in times of need such as during Cape Town’s water crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. I share its principles, values and ethos and am excited about the creative role the EDP can play in our country. My aim is to deepen our practices as a collaborative intermediary and to work with our partners to build increasing capacity to implement joint actions for systems change.”

Nishendra’s arrival coincides with an expanded vision, adopted by the EDP Board to build the EDP’s resilience and reach over the next three years. While the EDP’s core offering remains the same, the organisation’s key focus areas for the next three years include Energy and Climate, Water Resilience, Infrastructure and Mobility, Employment and Economic Opportunity, Food Systems, Spatial Transformation and Strategic Capacity Building. The organisation will also engage with partners nationally to increase its impact.

The EDP’s leadership meets with municipal leadership in the Garden Route District on 01 March 2023. From left to right: Rushka Ely, EDP; Lusanda Menze, Executive Manager: Planning and Economic Development; Melanie Wilson, Manager: Tourism and District Economic Development; Andrew Boraine, former EDP CEO; Monde Stratu, GRDM Municipal Manager; Nishendra Moodley, EDP CEO; Natalie Rubenheimer, Senior DED Officer, and Paul Hoffman, EDP.

“South Africa faces a ‘crisis of implementation’ – as a county we have strong policies and plans but often low agreement on how to deliver on them,” says Nishendra. “We need new ways to engage with the complex, inter-connected challenges we face, and to ensure that we achieve impact through our collective action. The EDP’s role as an independent intermediary that promotes action-oriented partnering and the building of trust is thus more relevant than ever.”

While Andrew has stepped down as CEO, he will continue to play a support role to the EDP. With over 40 years of experience as a systems change-maker, he will now work as an independent partnering practitioner, while teaching and promoting relational governance approaches.

“I’m stepping down fully believing in the continued purpose, role and value-add of the EDP, and confident of Nishendra’s vision and capacity to drive it to the next stage. Leadership transitions in organisations, if handled poorly can result in uncertainty and loss of momentum, but under the full oversight of the EDP Board, we’ve undertaken a very thorough overlapping transition period, while ensuring continued programme delivery. I am confident that we have been able to apply sound transition management principles to ourselves.”

“I am looking forward to stepping out of a management role, which I have held variously for the past 28 years, to have time to focus on two areas: finding ways to better connect the world of practice to the realm of ideas, and to build change-maker and adaptive leadership capabilities in the next generation of development practitioners.”

The EDP Board thanks Andrew, the management and staff of the EDP as well its partners and stakeholders for a seamless leadership transition that has strengthened its offering and positions the EDP for growth in the coming years.

Author: Kate Ribet – Issued by Western Cape Economic Development Partnership

01 March 2023 Media Release: Cater Care Training Programme graduates another successful group

Media Release: Cater Care Training Programme graduates another successful group

For Immediate Release
01 March 2023

Another prestigious ceremony was held at the Francois Ferreira Academy (FFA) on Friday, 24 February 2023, to honour 25 students who successfully completed the Cater Care/Food Handler Programme. The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) last year, on 17 October 2022, kicked of its 2022/2023 Cater Care/ Food Handler Programme.

The successful partnership of approximately twelve (12) years between the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and the Francois Ferreira Academy (FFA) continues to equip youth with vital skills in the hospitality industry.

Last year 223 applications were received from youth across the district to be part of the Cater Care Programme. Ninety-four (94) applicants were shortlisted for interviews, of which 25 were selected to be part of the 2022/2023 flagship programme.

During the formal graduation ceremony, Chef Francois Ferreira, Head and Founder of the FFA welcomed the students and guests, and shared a special message with them. He pointed out that they had been in the new building for exactly one year. He recalled there were only boxes and equipment in the building last year, but now it is a fully equipped school with a fully functional restaurant.  “In this industry, we change lives, and I hope that what you’ve learned here will, in a small or big way change the way you think and the way you approach life, because this isn’t just a job, but a lifestyle,” Chef Ferreira encouraged students.

Ms Veronica Mekile, Project Administrator and Life-skills Facilitator of the FFA, provided a brief overview of the course and elaborated on the joy and satisfaction the FFA team experiences when they observe the student’s progress.

Ms Pheliswa Gobisiba, one of the graduating students, delivered a tribute of praised to all the role players involved for the great opportunity. She expressed her gratitude to the staff of the FFA for what they have done for them. “Over the past three months, it has been a long and memorable journey for us; full of excitement and challenges, but we have not lost sight of them.  I want to leave my ‘mates’ with the following message: the journey continues, let’s shine and make our chefs proud.”

GRDM Deputy Executive Mayor, Adv. Gert van Niekerk in his speech, commended the FFA team with an exception to Chef Francois Ferreira for their well-equipped facilities. He congratulated the 25 students on their 100% pass. “This is a long-term investment and we urge you to keep up the good work. Nobody can take away what you’ve got here. With this knowledge, you can succeed in the public sector. On behalf of the GRDM, we wish you all the best,” Adv Van Niekerk said.

Executive Mayor, Alderman Memory Booysen, congratulated the students and motivated them with the following words: “You are the ones with the skills, the ones who ensure that people will return to a restaurant or not.  It is not how the manager of the establishment smiles or how the owner has treated them; it is what they have tasted. In spite of the fact that you are in the background, where nobody sees you, you are the ones who make people lick their fingers and return.”  Alderman Booysen further elaborated on the decision made by GRDM to become the Skills Mecca in the Western Cape, after seeing the need and the treachery the country has taken. “In this district, whoever comes in must pick up the phone, dial our number and ask us for whatever skills their business requires. Then ,with a press of a button, the names of people with that particular skills would appear on the screen. When new hotels and restaurants open, with the press of a button, your names must come up, because we have created that pool,” he said.

GRDM through its Tourism Unit is responsible for the funding of this programme, with the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Unit contributing towards the stipends for the students.

-END-

Read related articles:

https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/2022/12/13/12-december-2022-media-release-media-release-cater-care-students-ready-to-gain-practical-experience/

https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/2022/03/14/14-march-2022-media-release-garden-route-dm-reaches-a-decade-of-ongoing-support-for-cater-care-students/

https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/2020/02/05/garden-route-students-graduate-after-completing-cater-care-training-programme/

01 March 2023 Media Release: The Connected Economy – A Priority Focus Area for the Garden Route Skills Mecca

Media Release: The Connected Economy – A Priority Focus Area for the Garden Route Skills Mecca

For Immediate Release
1 March 2023

The Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) is an important initiative that will help to address skills shortages in the Garden Route district, promote economic growth and development. It will also support the realisation of the overall Growth and Development Strategy of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM).

To explore possible skills development options for the ICT element of the Connected Economy, the Garden Route Skills Mecca Forum convened on February 24th, 2023, with relevant stakeholders during a Quarterly GRSM Forum. The Connected Economy is one (1) of seven (7) priority focus areas of the Growth and Development Strategy of GRDM.

Stakeholders present at the Skills Mecca engagement with the MICT SETA.

The focus area was on the Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT SETA). A key question answered during the session was about the skills required in the ICT sector. In answering this, Koos Nieuwoudt, ICT Manager for GRDM in summary said that ICT sector continues to evolve and that new skills are required to meet the needs of the industry. Traditional IT skills such as A+ certifications are no longer sufficient, and companies require professionals who are proficient in AI, robotic process automation, data sciences, analytics, and cybersecurity.

Additionally, Niewoudt also shared that soft skills such as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and adaptability are essential for success. The smart region strategy, which integrates digital transformation, offers opportunities for the development of skills in areas such as smart governance, infrastructure, security, environment, mobility, and services. However, he also stated that companies must be mindful of the cybersecurity implications of implementing the smart city concept. With the ever-increasing number of connected devices, cybersecurity is a critical concern, and adequate training and resources must be provided to ensure a safe and secure digital environment.

Skills Development Providers recognised 

During the forum, the Garden Route District Municipality recognized eleven skills development providers who had submitted their organization details during an open tender process in 2022 to be considered as pre-approved service providers for Skills Mecca projects and programs in the future. These providers were required to submit proof of accreditation for specific programs considered necessary for the district in the next few years. As part of the recognition process, providers were issued with a Garden Route Skills Mecca Pledge that commits them to support the Skills Mecca.

A further opportunity for service providers to register with the District Municipality as pre-approved service providers will soon be issued as a tender, and all service providers who offer accredited occupational qualifications or skills programs should watch out for it. The Skills Mecca is particularly in need of qualified and experienced mentors to register with the District Municipality to support small companies in the renewable energy (solar) sector.

Editor’s note: The Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) is a concept that originated from the Garden Route Rebuild Initiative (GRRI) in response to the devastating fires that hit the Knysna/Plettenberg Bay district in June 2017. Since 2018, municipalities in the district, along with national and provincial stakeholders, have been working together to implement the GRSM concept as a critical component of the overall Growth and Development Strategy (GDS) of the Garden Route. 

Feature image caption: Stakeholders present in person during the Skills Mecca Engagement with MICT SETA (FLTR): Dr Florus Prinsloo (GRDM Skills Mecca Coordinator), Oscar Martin (Keep the Dream), Rinus van Raai (SA Value Education), Koos Nieuwoudt (GRDM ICT Manager), Basil Myners (BM Skills Development), Raoul Du Toit (Phezukomkhono Training Services), Gerda Rappard (Africa Skills Private College), Iona Kritzinger (GRDM Portfolio Chairperson: Corporate Services), Joanita Martin (Josmap Training), Chane Martin (Josmap Training), Trix Holtzhausen (GRDM Executive Manager: Corporate Services), Reginal Salmons (GRDM Coordinator: Skills Development), Megan van Rensburg (Training Answers), Monique Oranje (Training Answers), Onke Jako (GRDM Skills Mecca Intern).

ENDS

28 February 2023 Public Notice: 2022/23 Fourth Adjustment Budget – Approved 27 February 2023

Public Notice: 2022/23 Fourth Adjustment Budget Approved

Notice is hereby given that the Garden Route District Municipal Council’s Fourth Adjustment Budget for the period 2022/2023-2024/2025, 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 Monday, 27 February 2023.

This documents are available for public inspection and comments on the GRDM municipal website at www.gardenroute.gov.za from 27 February 2023.

Members of the public are 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 any enquiries, please contact the Budget Manager (Ms Louise Hoek) at 044 803 1300.

Click here to open the official notice.

M G Stratu
Municipal Manager
Garden Route District Municipality

28 February 2023 Media Release: Garden Route DM to partner with Tacoma Sister Cities from the USA

Media Release: Garden Route DM to partner with Tacoma Sister Cities from the USA

For Immediate Release
28 February 2023

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), recently hosted members of the Tacoma Sister City council Committee, who hail from the State of Washington in the United States of America. Delegates included the Deputy Mayor of Tacoma City Council, Pierce County Council Member and the Chair, Tacoma-George Sister City Committee.

The purpose of the visit was to start talks about future collaboration and subsequent partnering with the Tacoma Sister City Committee, known as a twinning agreement.

Executive Mayor, Ald. Memory Booysen, boasted about the Sister City Committee’s achievements and the impact they’ve made in George over the past 25 years. GRDM Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu also said he is excited about the prospect of Tacoma City Sisters working with the entire Garden Route. “With the opportunity coming our way, the people of the Garden Route will reap the benefits,” said Stratu.

“I am encouraged and looking forward to the concretisation of the Garden Route and Tacoma Sister City partnership.”

Catherine Ushka (Deputy Mayor: Tacoma City Council) said that she particularly gravitated towards the warmth and kindness of the people of the region. She also stated that the partnership going forward would help the parties to find ways to move closer to the outcome of justice.

 

Caption: The GRDM Executive Mayor, Ald. Memory Booysen, Melannie Denise Cunningham, Chair, Tacoma-George Sister City Committee, and Ald. Gert van Niekerk, GRDM Deputy Executive Mayor. 

To date, Sister City has made significant strides in the George area, which include the following:

– Support the establishment of Phambili Refuge for Battered Women and Children in 2017;

– George-based student studied small business development in Tacoma, while a Tacoma intern studied community development in George;

– A container of 9071 kg of donated supplies was sent to Bethesda HIV/AIDS Hospice and orphanage;

– Container donated for a Grade 1 classroom at Tyholorha Primary School in Thembalethu, George;

– Textbooks and computers donated to Tyholorha Primary School;

– Supported the “Stepping Away from AIDS” project through the George HIV/AIDS Coalition;

– Sponsored a 30-minute video titled “Shattering Images” about common stereotypes of Africa and America;

– Participated in the U.S. State Department grant awarded to Tacoma Women of Vision NGO to reduce domestic violence in George;

– and more…

Feature image:

The GRDM Mayoral Committee, Municipal Manager and support staff hosted Tacoma Sister City Committee members from the USA. Pictured (from left to right): Adv. Nadiema Davids, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard (Mayco), Iona Kritzinger (Mayco), Monde Stratu (GRDM MM), Marty Campbell (Pierce County Council Member), Ald. Memory Booysen (GRDM Executive Mayor), Catherine Ushka (Deputy Mayor: Tacoma City Council), Ald. Gert van Niekerk (Deputy Executive Mayor), Melannie Denise Cunningham (Tacoma-George Sister City Committee), Siphiwe Dladla (GRDM), Jerome Lambaatjeen (Mayco) and Jannie Horn (George Community Leader).

ENDS

18 February 2023 Media Release: Measles Awareness Session Held at Rosemore Crèche in George to Promote Prevention Measures

Measles Awareness Session Held at Rosemore Crèche in George to Promote Prevention Measures

18 February 2023

A measles awareness session was held recently at Rosemore Crèche in George, where Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) from the Garden Route District Municipality’s Community Services Department educated approximately 50 children and staff members on the importance of preventing the spread of this highly contagious viral infection.

Measles, which can have serious consequences for young children, typically exhibit symptoms 10 to 14 days after exposure. Those infected by it usually has a cough, runny nose, inflamed eyes, sore throat, fever, and a red, blotchy skin rash. The session covered the transmission of measles, prevention measures, and the significance of consistent handwashing.

Measles spreads easily through the air via respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, as well as through saliva, skin-to-skin contact, touching contaminated surfaces, and from mother to baby during pregnancy, labour, or nursing.

Education was led by Ivy Mamegwa, an EHP from the Wilderness region, one of the eight areas served by the GRDM. The goal of the session was to increase community awareness of measles and to promote personal hygiene practices to prevent its spread.

To prevent the spread of measles, it’s important to ensure proper ventilation and practice proper handwashing. The best defence, however, is to get vaccinated. Pamphlets were provided to the children and staff members to take home and share with others, including their parents, to further increase awareness and promote prevention measures.

Advice from EHP is to practice good hand hygiene. It continues to be one of the main strategies for stopping the transmission of pathogens.

ENDS

14 Febuary 2023 Media Release: Garden Route Growth and Development Strategy Implementation Plan now in place

Media Release: Garden Route Growth and Development Strategy Implementation Plan now in place

For immediate release
14 February 2023

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Council approved the Garden Route Growth and Development Strategy Implementation Plan on 30 January 2023. The implementation plan has been completed through consultation workshops with stakeholder groups for each of the seven priority focus areas in the Garden Route Growth and Development Strategy (GRG&DS).

The Garden Route District Municipality in partnership with all spheres of government, the business community and key community organisations developed a Growth and Development Strategy 2040 (GRG&DS) which was adopted by Council on 30 March 2021.

A formal partnership agreement was entered into with the Western Cape Economic Development Partnership (WCEP) to develop the GRG&DS, in collaboration with the GRDM. The agreement also includes the compilation of Cluster Implementation Plans, based on the following seven(7) strategic focus areas:

  • A Water Secure Future
  • A Circular Economy
  • Resilient Agriculture
  • Sustainable Tourism
  • Supporting Wellbeing and Resilience
  • A connected economy: Transport and Rural-urban integration and ICT
  • Sustainable Local Energy Transition

Click here, to download the implementation plan here.
Click here, to download the Growth and Development Strategy.

By starting off the practical work, a range of workshops, facilitated by the Western Cape Economic Development Partnership (WCEDP), took place from 11 – 15 July 2022, to develop implementation plans for each of the seven strategic priorities as identified in the GRG&DS.

The Garden Route Economic Recovery Plan containing interventions, as well as initiatives identified in the GDS, were formed the basis from which the implementation plans were developed.

Dedicated clusters have been established through which catalytic projects, tasks and identified activities will be executed.

The GRDM in collaboration local B-Municipalities, National and Provincial Government, agencies and the private sector at a later stage, form part of these working clusters. Relevant stakeholders per strategic priority were also identified as key members of the specific clusters.

The implementation of the GRG&DS is crucial to ensure the impact it will have on the region, through partnerships and collaboration. The implementation of the plan will happen over the next 18 years and is linked to the performance agreement of the Executive Manager: Planning and Economic Development.

13 February 2023 Media Release: GRDM rolling out R67 million Gwaing Road construction project

Media Release:  GRDM rolling out R67 million Gwaing Road construction project

For immediate release
13 February 2023

As the roads authority for divisional roads in the Garden Route district, the Western Cape Government Department of Transport and Public Works (DTPW) recently commissioned the upgrading and construction project of Divisional Road 1618 in Gwaing, George. Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is contracted through an agency agreement to implement certain roads projects on DTPW’s behalf.

The Gwaing Road (DR1618) is situated just outside George, near Blanco and connects to the R404, a regional route that connects George with Herold’s Bay, and the R102, situated between the Glentana intersection and the George Airport.

During the project, a section of the road will be upgraded from its start at the R404 to km 4.44 at the R102. The existing 4.44 km gravel surface will be upgraded to a bituminous ‘tarred’ surface.

In addition, improvements will be made to the storm water drainage system, along with other activities. These include the construction of concrete lined side drains, the installation of concrete storm water pipes, and the realignment of certain sections of the road to improve drainage and road safety.

The project is estimated at R 67-million and will last 18 months, starting in January 2023. As part of the GRDM EPWP program, approximately 44 jobs will be created during the construction phase.

During the period of construction, temporary road signs, delineators, flag operators, and speed controls will be utilised to ensure safe use while under construction.

“Road infrastructure is a critical connector to economic, education, health and social opportunities,” said Tertuis Simmers, Provincial Minister of Infrastructure. “The Western Cape is known for the quality and great maintenance of its roads and we remain committed to this.  We take cognisance of the inconvenience this project will have on the lives of our road uses and profusely apologise for this inconvenience. We would like to thank our road users for their patience during this time.” Simmers concluded.

-END-