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2 November 2022 Impact Based Weather Warning – Severe Thunderstorms

Impact Based Weather Warning – Severe Thunderstorms

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued an Impact Based Weather Warning for severe thunderstorms valid from 12:00 on 2 November 2022 to 23:00 on 3 November 2022 as follows:


Report any weather related incidents to the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at 044 805 5071.

ENDS

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.”

2 November 2022 Save the Date: Continuation of Council Meeting – 7/11/2022 at 9:00

Save the Date: Continuation of Council Meeting – 7/11/2022 at 9:00

Notice is hereby given that a COUNCIL MEETING of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the CA Robertson Council Chambers, 54 York Street, George, on 07 NOVEMBER 2022 at 09:00.

The Council Meeting will be live streamed on the municipality’s official Youtube channel at:
www.youtube.com/channel/UC66RBZT0_U2_L4-zSn7yXJQ

31 October 2022 Impact Based Weather Warning – Severe Thunderstorms

Impact Based Weather Warning – Severe Thunderstorms

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued an Impact Based Weather Warning for severe thunderstorms valid from 0:00 to 23:59 on 2 November 2022 as follows:

Report any weather related incidents to the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at 044 805 5071.

ENDS

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.”

27 October 2022 Media Release: Do you meet the standards for food premises?

Media Release: Do you meet the standards for food premises?

For immediate release
27 October 2022

In order to ensure safety and wholesomeness, food that comes from a food establishment must always be clean and hygienic. Food premises can be kept hygienic by adhering to regulations.

Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) from Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) are required by law to monitor all food-processing establishments. Regular monitoring of all food establishments is done on a monthly basis in accordance with Regulations 328 of 2007, POWERS AND DUTIES OF INSPECTORS AND ANALYSTS CONDUCTING INSPECTIONS AND ANALYSES ON FOODSTUFFS AND AT FOOD PREMISES.

The business of a food premises is governed by the requirements set out in REGULATIONS 638 OF 22 June 2018, REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE GENERAL HYGIENE REQUIREMENTS FOR FOOD PREMISES, THE TRANSPORT OF FOOD AND RELATED MATTERS, promulgated under the FOODSTUFFS, COSMETICS AND DISINFECTANTS ACT, 1972 (ACT 54 OF 1972).

It is stated in the regulations that a food establishment must be located, designed, constructed, and finished in such a manner that food can be handled hygienically on the premises at any time without creating a health hazard.

In addition, all interior surfaces of walls, sides or ceilings or of roofs without ceilings and the surfaces of the floor must not have open joints or open seams and must be made of smooth, rust-free, non-toxic, cleanable and non-absorbent material that is dust proof and water resistant. Furthermore, with having clean premises, ensuring good hygienic conditions also include proper personal hygiene of food handlers.

Personal hygiene:

  1. Food handlers should wear clean Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) every day. If single-use PPE is used, it should be removed at the end of each shift, work day and in-between breaks.
  2. Reusable PPE can be used multiple times if it is kept in a clean and hygienic condition.

A smart idea to ensure that food handlers have clean PPEs every day is to provide them with more than one set (one on, one in the cupboard and one in the wash).

  1. A crucial step in ensuring that food is hygienic is handwashing – as often as possible during the shift or work day.

Hands should be washed with running water, hand soap and dried with disposable hand-drying material or other hand drying facilities.

Proper pest control measures are essential on food premises to ensure hygienic conditions. Pests can be a major source of contamination of foodstuffs in any food premises.

In order to prevent rodent and roach infestations, food needs to be stored appropriately. Bulk stock, previously opened, should be stored in containers with tight fitting lids to safeguard against pests.

These are just a few of the areas mentioned to ensure that food can be handled hygienically at all times on a food premises. Clean food premises and wholesome food will always have happy clients.

For any further information, questions, comments or queries, please contact us at the respective Regional GRDM offices as follows:

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

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

Mossel Bay
Sam Bendle – Chief: Municipal Health (Mossel Bay),
Tel:  044 693 0006 /Cell: 083 630 6108
Address C/O Sampson & Marling Street, Ext 23, Mossel Bay.

George Outeniqua
Emmy Douglas – Chief: Municipal Health (Outeniqua)
Tel: 044 803 1501 / Cell: 078 457 2824
Address: Mission Street, Industrial Area, George, 6530

George Wilderness
Jessica Erasmus – Acting Chief: Wilderness (George)
Tel: 044 803 1501 / Cell: 081 346 3118
Address: Mission Street, Industrial Area, George

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

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

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

ENDS

26 October 2022 Media Release: Kids from Plett Primary School reminded of the importance of clean hands

Media Release: Kids from Plett Primary School reminded of the importance of clean hands

For Immediate Release
26 October 2022

Handwashing with soap and water is one of the most effective ways to minimise the spread of germs. Keeping hands clean can prevent 1 in 3 diarrheal illnesses and 1 in 5 respiratory infections, such as the common cold or flu.

In honour of this year’s Global Handwashing Day with the theme “Unite for Universal Hand Hygiene,” Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) from the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Bitou sub-office, Zoleka Goniwe, Sophia Marthinus and Nokuphiwa Mbali visited Plett Pre-primary School to refresh learners and educators about the importance of washing hands. The topics of “the appropriate times to wash hands” and “how to clean hands properly,” were also discussed.

Global Handwash Day is an annual reminder that handwashing with soap and water is one of the most effective steps to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. That is why handwashing is essential, especially when preparing a meal, before enjoying a meal, using the bathroom and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose. After changing baby nappies and handling waste, hands should also be washed.

In closing, the kids enjoyed an activity demonstrated by the team, to illustrate how hands should be washed. The principal of the facility expressed words of gratitude to the GRDM team for reaching out to the school in the fight against the occurrence of diseases that can be prevented by washing hands properly and often.

Clean hands save lives.

Did you know?

Educating people about handwashing helps them and their communities to stay healthy. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, studies show that handwashing education in the community can:

  • Reduce the number of people who get sick with diarrhoea by about 23%–40%
  • Reduce the number of school days children missed because of gastrointestinal illness by 29%–57%
  • Reduce diarrhoeal illness in people with weakened immune systems by about 58%
  • Reduce respiratory illnesses, like colds, in the general population by about 16%–21%

Feature Image: EHPs from the GRDM Bitou sub-office, Zoleka Goniwe, Sophia Marthinus and Nokuphiwa Mbali with the learners of Plett Pre-primary School during their visit. Zoleka Goniwe (left) and Sophia Marthinus (right), demonstrating the proper handwash techniques to all present.

ENDS

24 October 2022 Media Statement: Garden Route District Municipality’s role in the Rooikat Recycling Project

Media Statement: Garden Route District Municipality’s role in the Rooikat Recycling Project

For Immediate Release
24 October 2022

In terms of Section 36 of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, 2004 (Act 39 of 2004) the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is charged with implementing the atmospheric emission licencing system. In accordance with the Air Quality Act, the GRDM is responsible for performing the licensing function of a licensing authority.

The Rooikat recycling PTY Ltd applied for an atmospheric emission licence on the South Africa Atmospheric Emission and Licencing portal (SAAELIP) and went through an Environmental impact assessment process. This process involved, amongst others, public participation, and specialist studies (air quality impact assessment).

After consideration, the integrated Environmental Authorisation (Waste Licence) was granted after which the GRDM also granted the Provisional Atmospheric emission licence (PAEL). Both these authorisations were appealed and both appeals were rejected by the applicable appeal authorities. Please find below the granting letter issued to Rooikat as well as the appeal outcome letter from the Municipal Manager of the GRDM, Mr Monde Stratu.

PAEL Granting letter

Reason for appeal decision

ENDS

20 October 2022 Media Release: Want to make a difference? Sponsor a pair of school shoes and socks to an underprivileged child

Media Release: Want to make a difference? Sponsor a pair of school shoes and socks to an underprivileged child

For Immediate Release
20 October 2022

Eden FM, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), Vodacom, and the George Museum kicked off their 2nd Walk a Child to School campaign drive on 20 October 2022. Local businesses, faith-based organisations, institutions of higher learning and community members, amongst others, will be targeted to form part of the drive to ‘walk a child to school’ – a figurative reference to donating shoes and socks to learners from rural schools. Beneficiaries will come from the Garden Route district (Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Bitou, Oudtshoorn and Kannaland).

Attendees at the launch of the second “Walk a Child to School” Campaign kick-off on 20 October 2022.

When asked about the campaign goal for this year, Eden FM’s Sales and Marketing Manager, Nomonde Makhubalo said: “We aim to source around 2 500 donations, an increase of more than 300% we received last year”.

“Those interested to make a difference in a child’s life are welcome to sponsor a pair of school shoes to an underprivileged child.”

A pair of shoes will help a child to enjoy a painless and less harmful walk to school. No shoes also mean cold feet, something underprivileged children also face, especially during winter months. Life is also far more expensive than years before. Compared to groceries, school shoes cost an average of R150,00. There isn’t much a person gets for R150,00 – only one or two small grocery bags without meat.

During the official launch of the 2022 campaign, the Station Manager for Eden FM, Morné Petersen, said: “It is wonderful for some people to say that they want to give something. However, many of those people only talk. Some people write books and theses about initiatives, but it takes a special kind of person that rolls up his or her sleeves and say: ‘We are going to make a difference’”. Referring to last year’s campaign, he highlighted that last year, through this campaign, “we were able to donate 750 pairs of shoes to children living in the Garden Route”.

In his address, Ald. Memory Booysen, Executive Mayor of GRDM said that he will engage other municipalities in the region to form part of the campaign.

His address focused on circumstances and that he’s seen a matriculant from his hometown, Hankey, radiating happiness. “Last year I was invited to attend a prize-giving ceremony in Hankey. The high school top achiever was dressed in a worn uniform with broken straps and shoes. Mayor said that he could see she was happy. “I looked at her and was reminded that it was God’s grace that she was happy under very difficult circumstances.” He explained that not all the kids are strong enough to navigate through difficult circumstances, however, many do go all the way and don’t allow their environment to get them down. Booysen also reminded the audience that kids get lost in the system because of many root causes.

“Children drop out of school because they do not have the bare necessities; like shoes, sometimes girls also stay away from school because they do not have sanitary towels.”

GRDM recently held a sanitary towel drive and will continue to support this cause to restore the dignity of children.

DONATIONS ALREADY PLEDGED

The Road Accident Fund donated 500 pairs of shoes today, George Museum pledged 100 pairs of shoes, Vodacom pledged R7500 worth of shoes (approximately 50 pairs), and Eden FM R5000,00 (approximately 33 pairs) worth of shoes.

The estimated number of donations, taking into account the pledges, now stands at 673 pairs of shoes.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED: CONTACT EDEN FM

Get in touch with Nomonde Makhubalo if you would like to donate shoes and socks. She can be reached by e-mail marketing@edenfm.co.za, WhatsApp at 078 395 4196 or dial 044 874 5085.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED: REQUEST A PLASTIC CONTAINER FOR SHOES

Companies who would like to get involved can request a “Walk a Child to School” box from Nomonde.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED: DROP OFF SHOES AT SELECTED LOCATIONS

Drop-off locations this year are at locations below:

  • Eden FM Offices at 97 York Street in George.
  • Vodacom Offices throughout the Garden Route.

ENDS

Feature image caption: Key stakeholders of the campaign with the Executive Mayor of GRDM, Ald. Memory Booysen. They are (FLTR): Nomonde Makhubalo (Eden FM), Queeny Diko (Vodacom), Ntombesithathu Kulati (Road Accident Fund) and Errol Jafta (George Museum).

20 October 2022 Media Release: Take action during Breast Cancer Awareness month

Media Release: Take action during Breast Cancer Awareness month

For Immediate Release
20 October 2022

Annually, October marks “Breast Cancer Awareness month”. In this month, awareness about breast cancer risks and signs are shared with the public and support is offered to those suffering from this illness.

According to studies, early detection remains key to controlling cancer. This means, early and adequate diagnosis can lead to effective treatment, resulting in an excellent chance to cure breast cancer. Therefore, women must empower themselves with the knowledge to lower their health risks. Furthermore, they should be able to address the warning signs of cancer as quickly as possible.

In South Africa, breast cancer is known to be one of the most common cancers among women of all races. All women are at risk, particularly women with a family history of breast cancer. Approximately 90% of patients survive breast cancer after diagnosis during early detection, but this should be 100% – a whole of society approach is required for this to be achieved.

South Africans are lucky to have an organisation like CANSA (Cancer Association of South Africa) involved in lowering cancer risks and providing an integrated service to all people affected by cancer. CANSA continuously supplies the public with information and support. They are committed to offering day-to-day help, including emotional support to the patients.  Their mission is also to ensure that cancer survivors and loved ones aren’t alone in the fight against cancer.

In support of “Breast Cancer Awareness Month”, women are encouraged to go for annual medical check-ups and cancer screening; and familiarise themselves with the early warning signs and symptoms of cancer. It is also crucial for women to regularly check their breasts and visit health care practitioners if changes are noticed. Awareness of risk factors can help women reduce their cancer risk.

The following are common breast cancer signs and symptoms, which include:

  • a lump or swelling in the breast, upper chest or armpit – you might feel the lump but not see it;
  • a change to the skin, such as puckering or dimpling;
  • a change in the colour of the breast – the breast may look red or inflamed;
  • a change to the nipple, for example, it has become pulled in (inverted);
  • rash or crusting around the nipple;
  • any unusual liquid (discharge) from either nipple; and
  • changes in the size or shape of the breast.

Women must develop the habit of regularly checking their breasts, including the upper chest areas and armpits. The TLC technique (Touch Look Check) makes it easy.

  • Touch your breasts: can you feel anything unusual?
  • Look for changes: does anything look different?
  • Check any changes with your GP

Remember, early detection and awareness can result in an earlier diagnosis, resulting in better treatment outcomes. It is in the nature of a woman to put others first – however, women must realize they too have the right to prioritize their own health.

-End-