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21 October 2025 Media Release: “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future” GRDM Celebrates World Food Day 2025

Media Release: “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future” GRDM Celebrates World Food Day 2025

20 October 2025

Every year on 16 October, World Food Day is commemorated. This year, under the theme, “Hand in Hand for better Food and a Better Future,” the Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) of the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Knysna sub-office, celebrated the day at the Masithandane Centre in Smutsville, Knysna.

EHP Mitetho Sithonga visited the Centre on 15 October 2025, where he addressed all the caregivers and beneficiaries, providing health education and awareness on several insightful topics. Topics included the following:

  • Environmental Health Practitioner (EHP) Mitetho Sithonga with beneficiaries at the Masithandane Centre in Smutsville.

    Buying only what you cannot grow locally and encouraging locals to start vegetable gardens in their own yards.

  • Lessons that can be learned from other African countries regarding food security.
  • Avoid unnecessary food waste, instead reviving the spirit of Ubuntu.
  • Different things to consider when buying food products.
  • The importance of checking date marking on food products.
  • The Five Keys to Safer Food.

These topics highlighted this years’ theme, a call for global collaboration in create a peaceful, sustainable, prosperous, and food-secure future by working together across governments, organisations, sectors, and communities.

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20 October 2025 Media Release: GRDM’s EHPs celebrate Global Handwash Day at Kwakhanya Crèche, Thembalethu

Media Release: GRDM’s EHPs celebrate Global Handwash Day at Kwakhanya Crèche, Thembalethu

For immediate release
20 October 2025

The team of Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) at Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) serving the George (Outeniqua) region, on 15 October 2025 celebrated Global Handwashing Day at Kwakhanya Crèche in Zone 9, Thembalethu. Global Handwashing Day is a partnership of a group of international organisations, including UNICEF, the World Bank and public health agencies globally – this is why the GRDM forms part of this annual campaign.

The take-away message for this year was “Clean hands are within reach – a small action that creates a big impact on global health”

The localised campaign rightfully therefore focused on highlighting the importance of handwashing with soap and water as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives. The GRDM team educated the learners/toddlers about the importance of washing hands with soap and the effects of germs on people’s health. Approximately 50 children displayed great excitement and enthusiasm, particularly during the handwashing demonstration, which was presented by EHP Lulamile Macala, which made the session engaging and enjoyable for all who participated.

Representatives from the Breede Olifant Catchment Management Agency were also in attendance.

In conclusion of the event programme, the team donated a few backpacks and water bottles which they handed over to the principal of the facility. This gesture, along with the overall celebration and educational activities at their creche, was warmly welcomed by the principal and the children who expressed their appreciation for the visit and programme.

The celebration also aligned with this year’s theme: “Be a Handwashing Hero!”

ENDS

20 October 2025 Public Notice: Traffic switch to a surfaced lane & access control measures on DR1618 – Gwaiing Road

Public Notice: Traffic switch to a surfaced lane & access control measures on DR1618 – Gwaiing Road

Notice Number: 112/2025

Notice is hereby given that the Garden Route District Municipality will do a traffic switch to allow motorists to drive on the completed surfaced lane on 21 October 2025.

However, access is restricted to Residents & their Stakeholders residing along DR1618.

One way traffic flow with a speed limit of 40km/h will be enforced. Construction operations on the other lane are still ongoing, and due diligence will be applied to keep our employees & the public safe.

All questions and recommendations must be directed to the Site Safety Officer, Stenly Zambezi, at: Tel: 044-803 1415/ 0789810566 / E-mail: stenly@gardenroute.gov.za.

Click here to download the Official Notice.

20 October 2025 Media Release: GRDM continues to roll out First Aid Level 3 Training

Media Release: GRDM continues to roll out First Aid Level 3 Training

20 October 2025

From 13 to 17 October 2025, the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Disaster Management Section once again facilitated a First Aid Level 3 training session at the GRDM Head Office in George.

This time around, attendees included lifeguards, principals and teachers from two pre-schools in the Sedgefield area, as well as firefighter contractors, who are preparing for the upcoming fire season.

According to Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel, “This training is of vital importance because it equips people with advanced life-saving skills and prepares them to respond effectively to medical and other emergencies during various incidents.”  He also encouraged citizens within the Garden Route district to contact the Disaster Management Section using the contact numbers provided and submit their details to attend next year’s training sessions.

The next and last training sessions will be on:

10 – 14 November 2025

There is no cost involved if you do the training and sign up to become a Disaster Management Volunteer. However, if you are not planning to become a volunteer, the fee payable is R682.00 (rate valid till 30 June 2026).

Download the application form: https://tinyurl.com/m5sjuzmk

Send a completed form to gail.bekeer@gardenroute.gov.za or wouter@gardenroute.gov.za

For more information contact Gail Bekeer (044 803 1347) or Wouter Jacobs (044 803 1316)

Featured Image Caption: Facilitator Gail Bekeer with participants of the First Aid Level 3 training held from 13 to 17 October 2025.

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17 October 2025 Media Release: GRDM hosts Graduation Ceremony for 69 Learners who successfully completed Water and Wastewater Programmes

Media Release: GRDM hosts Graduation Ceremony for 69 Learners who successfully completed Water and Wastewater Programmes

For immediate release
17 October 2025

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in November 2023, rolled out various projects to upskill employed participants in the field of Water and Wastewater.

A grant allocation for 84 employed learners was awarded for the region then, and today, 17 October, 69 employed learners who successfully completed the 12-month programme, graduated at a ceremony hosted by GRDM at the Conville Civic Hall in George.

These programmes include:
– Water and Wastewater treatment process operations – NQF level 2;
– Water and Wastewater Treatment Process Control – NQF level 3; and
– Water and Wastewater Treatment Process Supervision – NQF level 4.

The Water and Wastewater Treatment qualifications are designed for individuals currently working in/or aspiring to enter the water and wastewater treatment sector. These qualifications aim to recognise and develop essential skills required to operate effectively within water and wastewater treatment works. It provides learners with foundational knowledge, as well as supervisory competencies aligned with industry standards. Learners are therefore equipped with the technical and operational understanding necessary to manage water and wastewater treatment processes efficiently.

Thembani Loliwe, Strategic Services Manager at GRDM, congratulated the students and said: “Climate change has a huge impact on water as a vulnerable resource. We therefore need to protect this vulnerable resource. For this reason, you will be an asset to the region”. Loliwe also acknowledged the Local Government SETA (LGSETA) for the 1.7 million funding which they made available for the successful roll-out of this initiative through the Garden Route Skills Mecca initiative”.

In addition, Loliwe said: “This programme and your dedication has shown that you are indeed needed by the municipalities in the region”. In closing he said: “Take the opportunity, grab it with both hands and make a success of it”.

Gerhard Otto, Manager for Disaster Management at GRDM sketched the worrisome scenario of the status of water in the district. He said: ” Water is scarce – we need to conserve it and we need to have systems in place to prevent a dire situation for the area”. In addition, Otto emphasised: “We need to look at a solution that cuts across municipal boundaries”. In terms of the role of those who completed the course, he said: “Your role is to ensure that the quality of the water is of good standard. We need to conserve what we have and build our future together”. When interpreting the rainfall figures Otto further stressed that “we are not getting enough rain in the catchment that does not look good for the area – we are in for a dry Summer with little rainfall. Therefore, we need to conserve what we have”.

Aneeka Jacobs, Provincial Specialist at the LGSETA, congratulated the students with the following words: “You took the challenge, you showed up. You studied. You grew. You passed and today you wear the badge of achievement.” Describing the certificate received by all, she highlighted: “It is a key to employment, promotion, entrepreneurship, and personal pride”.

In her address, Ald. Nompumelelo Ndayi, Portfolio Chairperson of Corporate Services at GRDM said: “Your achievement demonstrates what is possible when we invest in people. This project made possible through the collaboration between the GRDM, our local municipalities, and the LGSETA, reflects the spirit of the Joint District Metro Approach, working together to build capacity, unlock opportunities, and empower our workforce”.

To the facilitators, mentors, and the Skills Development Units, Ndayi said: “Thank you for your tireless efforts in guiding and supporting our learners. Your dedication ensures that training is not just a formality, but a meaningful investment in the future of local government”. Ndayi also acknowledged the LGSETA. “We extend our gratitude for believing in our region and for making these programmes possible. Partnerships like these ensure that the Garden Route continues to lead by example in capacity building and skills development.”

The implementation of these projects furthermore aims to address critical skills shortages, promote career advancement, improve job security, and enhance overall productivity within the water and wastewater sector. This initiative contributes meaningfully to broader socio-economic development across the Garden Route district.

This collaborative initiative furthermore aims to strengthen regional capacity by supporting skills development and driving the JDMA. The GRDM coordinates and facilitates these projects and implementation is done in collaboration with the Skills Development Units of the respective Local Municipalities.

ENDS 

Participants with the GRDM Management and Stakeholders during the graduation ceremony.

20 October 2025 Media Release: Klein Karoo EHPs Celebrate World Environmental Health Day

Media Release: Klein Karoo EHPs Celebrate World Environmental Health Day

20 October 2025

The Klein Karoo Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) recently engaged in community outreach under the theme: “Clean Air, Healthy People.”

Garden Route District Municipality’s EHPs, Maxwelline Fatuse and Ikanya Hendricks visited Zoar Clinic and Amalienstein Clinic, where they engaged with patients on the importance of clean air, avoiding smoking in public spaces, safe water use, and improving indoor air quality. The public interaction was positive, asking questions and actively participating in the discussions.

The team also visited Ladismith Clinic, focusing specifically on safe water use and household air quality.  The visit was particularly important as the community of Ladismith has faced numerous water challenges in the past months.

Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) hosted regular public education and health awareness activities, highlighting the importance of smoke-free public areas. They also monitored the safe storage, handling, and distribution of food served during the event. Food samples are collected on-site during events for bacteriological testing to ensure compliance with food safety standards.

These initiatives reflect Klein Karoo Environmental Health’s ongoing commitment to promoting healthier communities through education, preventative action, and strong public engagement.

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Afrikaans:

Klein Karoo EHP’s vier Wêreldomgewingsgesondheidsdag

Die Klein Karoo Omgewingsgesondheidspraktisyns (EHP’s) van die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit het onlangs Wêreldomgewingsgesondheidsdag gevier met gemeenskapsuitreike onder die tema: “Suiwer Lug, Gesonde Mense.”

EHP’s Maxwelline Fatuse en Ikanya Hendricks het die Zoar- en Amalienstein-klinieke besoek waar hulle met pasiënte gesels het oor die belangrikheid van skoon lug, die vermyding van rook in openbare ruimtes, veilige watergebruik en binnenshuise luggehalte. Die besoek aan Ladismith-kliniek het gefokus op veilige watergebruik en huishoudelike luggehalte – ’n belangrike tema gegewe die dorp se onlangse wateruitdagings.

Tydens hierdie tipe uitreike word openbare gesondheidsbewustheid bevorder, rookvrye ruimtes beklemtoon en voedselveiligheid gemonitor deur monsters vir toetsing te neem. Hierdie inisiatiewe weerspieël die Klein Karoo-span se voortdurende verbintenis tot gesonder gemeenskappe deur opvoeding, voorkoming en aktiewe betrokkenheid.

-EINDE-

16 October 2025 Public Notice: Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) Meeting on 22 October 2025 at 11:00

Notice of a MPAC Meeting on 22 October 2025 at 11:00

Notice: 111/2025

Notice is hereby given that a Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) Meeting of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the CA Robertson Council Chambers and via Zoom, 54 York Street, George, on 22 October 2025 at 11:00.

MG Stratu
Municipal Manager54 York Street
P O Box 12
GEORGE
6530

Tel: 044 803 1300
Notice Number: 111/2025

Click here to download the Official Notice

15 Oktober 2025 Persverklaring: Klein-Karoo Tuinroete- en Kannaland-munisipaliteite verenig vir gemeenskapsgedrewe rivier-skoonmaakinisiatief

Persverklaring: Klein-Karoo Tuinroete- en Kannaland-munisipaliteite verenig vir gemeenskapsgedrewe rivier-skoonmaakinisiatief

15 Oktober 2025

Laas week Dinsdag, 7 Oktober 2025, het die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit, in vennootskap met Kannaland Munisipaliteit, ’n skoonmaaksessie gehou. Die inisiatief is geïnisieer en gelei deur die Afvalbestuursafdeling van die Kannaland Munisipaliteit.

Die skoonmaak was ’n gemeenskapsgedrewe poging met die doel om die plaaslike ekosisteme te herstel en bewaar. Dié geleentheid het plaaslike vrywilligers saamgebring, omgewingsbewustheid bevorder, en besoedeling aan te spreek deur skadelike afval suksesvol uit die rivier verwyder. Die projek wys wat mense kan bereik as hulle saamwerk om die omgewing te beskerm.

Doelwitte van die skoonmaakinisiatief:

– Verwyder plastiek en ander rommel uit die rivier.
– Lig gemeenskappe in oor hoe om afval beter te bestuur en die natuur te beskerm.
– Moedig mense aan om die omgewing op die lang termyn te versorg.
– Versamel inligting oor die hoeveelheid afval om toekomstige skoonmaakplanne te verbeter.

 

Belanghebbendes en Vennootskappe:

 

Kannaland Munisipaliteit – Verskaf logistieke ondersteuning en afvalverwydering.

Kommunikasie- en LED-afdeling van Kannaland Munisipaliteit – Help met gemeenskapsbetrokkenheid en koördinering.

Departement van Bosbou, Visserye en die Omgewing (DFFE) – Jeug-omgewingsgradueerdes het deelgeneem.

FC Velocity Sokkerklub – Verskaf jeugvrywilligers.

Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit – Verskaf T-hemde, sakke, water, bewustheidsmateriaal en die ‘maskot’.

Kantoor van die Uitvoerende Burgemeester, Kannaland Munisipaliteit – Bied versnaperinge aan.

-EINDE-

15 October 2025 Update: GRDM provides water to residential areas within the Knysna municipal area

Update: GRDM provides water to residential areas within the Knysna municipal area

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) recently received a request from the Municipal Manager of Knysna to assist with the tankering of water to areas in Hornlee, as well as Concordia residential areas where low water levels in the higher lying reservoirs are making it difficult for them to ensure un-interrupted water supply.

Since Monday, 13 October 2025, the DMC in collaboration with the GRDM Fire Service has been using both the 10 000 and 6000 litre water tankers to deliver water to these communities.  According to the Knysna Municipality’s Technical Services Department, personnel experienced in some instances 13 hour long electrical outages that occurred over the weekend resulting in the below normal levels of the higher situated bulk water reservoirs which supply water to these areas. Water flow to these specific areas has been running at full capacity since Monday and it was foreseen that the water levels in these reservoirs would reach normal operating values by today, 15 October 2025.

The GRDM will however extend water tankering assistance to also include water tankering to Buffalo Bay, as well as Kurland in Bitou, where current drought conditions remain a challenge to ensure normal water supply.

ENDS

15 October 2025 Media Release: GRDM bags two awards during the 10th Toughest Firefighter South Africa Championship

GRDM bags two awards during the 10th Toughest Firefighter South Africa Championship

15 October 2025

George – The winners of various categories were announced last Saturday night following three days of the gruelling 10th Toughest Firefighter Alive (TFA) South Africa Championship, held at the Garden Route Mall in George. Firefighters and fire chiefs from across South Africa, as well as teams from Botswana and Namibia, participated in the prestigious event.

The awards ceremony which was held at the Garden Route Fire Station in George was officially opened by Councillor Jobieth Hoogbaard, Member of the Mayoral Committee responsible for Community Services and including Fire and Rescue Services. He welcomed all attendees, referring to every participant as a winner, and congratulated them on their efforts. He concluded with the event programme director’s memorable words from the first day of the competition: “𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘁.”

During a very brief keynote address, Garden Route District Municipal (GRDM) Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel extended a special thank you to all the sponsors, his team, including the Firefighters, Communicators, Leadership and the Organising Committee. “I hope the Garden Route treated you well. Please come back with your families and enjoy our hospitality and beautiful Blue Flag beaches ,” he said.

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿’𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀:

Aphiwe Ndukbini from Western Cape EMS Rescue Services claimed the title of Overall TFA Champion, in second place was Emile Conrad from the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Fire Services, followed by Manie Gouws from the Westrand N’zuri, who secured third place.

In a historic first for the competition, the Overall Female Champion title was shared between Baigum Abrahams and Thobeka Senatse, both representing the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services. Sweetness Qinisile from Western Cape EMS Rescue Services earned second place, while Natasha Stoltz, a volunteer with Wildfire Services, took third.

The Overall TFA Relay Open Champions are firefighters from Westrand N’zuri, who claimed first place. In second place was the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, followed by the GRDM Fire Services in third place.

According to Mayor Stroebel, the Garden Route Council takes immense pride in its firefighters, who serve not only as ambassadors for the municipality but also as representatives of the region and South Africa on the global stage. Their dedication to health, fitness, and professional excellence embodies the true spirit of firefighting and serves as an inspiration to us all.

“Congratulations to Team Garden Route on their outstanding achievements and thank you to the public for their support throughout the event,” said Stroebel.

Two gentlemen, Andrew Burch and Faisel Dossary from Saudi Arabia, attended the three-day event as technical directors and event critics, providing expert insight and guidance to further develop the Toughest Firefighter Alive (TFA) competition in South Africa and globally. They also promoted the World Firefighters’ Games, scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia next year and hosted by Aramco. Andrew co-MC’d the event alongside our local MC and event organiser, Mickie Louw, playing a key role in keeping the crowd engaged, entertained, and informed.

John Hartley, president of the World Firefighter Games, and his wife Laura Hartley from Australia, also attended the competition, showing their support for the event and the participating firefighters.

A huge thank you also has to go out to everyone who made this event such a huge success. The event was organised by Firefighters for Excellence, Garden Route District Municipality Fire and Rescue Services, and the World Firefighter Games. It was presented in collaboration with Garden Route District Municipality, George Tourism, Garden Route Mall, and George Municipality.

The event proudly acknowledges its partners and sponsors:

  • Media Partner: Fire and Rescue International.
  • Platinum Sponsor: Industrial Fire and Hazard Control.
  • Silver Sponsors: Vanguard Fire and Safety and Ramcom Truck Load Bodies.
  • Other Sponsors: Garden Route District Municipality, Dräger, Form Scaff, FirstCare, Frontiermedix, Perfectwater, Pick n Pay, TyreMart, Henra, Kiron Pty Ltd & Project One Pty Ltd, and Design Plus.

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