Skip to content Skip to left sidebar Skip to footer

News

11 April 2024 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) leads Community Dialogues to address Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Mossel Bay and Kannaland

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) leads Community Dialogues to address Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Mossel Bay and Kannaland

For Immediate Release
11 April 2024

On Tuesday, 4 April 2024, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Mossel Bay Municipality, convened a community dialogue to address the alarming rates of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Mossel Bay. This initiative is part of a broader effort to combat GBV in high-risk areas within the Garden Route District, with a similar dialogue that took place on Friday, 5 April 2024 in Kannaland.

The purpose of these dialogues was to engage the community members and other stakeholders to identify contributing factors and assess the impact of GBV on these communities. Furthermore, the dialogues aimed to develop actionable plans or programs to effectively address this pervasive issue.

These two days brought together a diverse range of stakeholders, including local councillors, representatives from the South African Police Service (SAPS), Neighbourhood Watches (NHW), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and various sector departments. This collaborative approach ensured that perspectives from different sectors and community groups were considered in developing comprehensive strategies to tackle GBV.

“As local governments and communities, it is essential that we come together to address Gender-Based Violence,” said Nkosiyabo Lose, GRDM’s Project Coordinator. “These dialogues provide a platform for open discussion and collaboration, enabling us to understand the root causes of GBV and collectively develop effective interventions to address it,” Lose concluded.

Building on the success of the Mossel Bay and Kannaland’s discussion, GRDM plans to implement similar sessions in other municipalities within the district. These initiatives are part of the broader GRDM Community Safety Strategy, with support from the Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety.

Addressing Gender-Based Violence requires a multi-faceted approach, and community engagement is at the heart of these efforts. Through continued collaboration with stakeholders and communities, GRDM are committed to creating safer and more inclusive environments for all residents of the Garden Route District.

Feature Image Caption: In Kannaland, the community dialogue on Gender-based Violence was well attended.

–End–

10 April 2024 Media Release:  Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism showcases Region’s vibrant offerings at World Travel Market Africa 2024

Media Release:  Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism showcases Region’s vibrant offerings at World Travel Market Africa 2024

For Immediate Release
10 April 2024

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), responsible for tourism marketing and development, proudly announces its participation in the upcoming World Travel Market Africa 2024 (WTM Africa 2024), scheduled to take place from 10 April to 12 April 2024. As a vital opportunity to position the region on the global stage of travel and tourism, the Garden Route and Klein Karoo Tourism office will showcase the diverse and enchanting offerings of the Garden Route and Klein Karoo.

WTM Africa, a renowned event within the travel industry, gathers over 6000 professionals annually to explore the latest trends and opportunities in both inbound and outbound African travel markets. This year, the physical event promises pre-arranged meetings, buyer speed networking sessions, and an extensive conference program, providing an ideal platform for Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism to connect with industry stakeholders.

Recognising the significance of this opportunity, Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism has secured a prominent 90m2 exhibition space, the largest in the region’s history, to highlight the collective offerings of the region. The platform will feature not only the regional tourism office but also local tourism offices and their respective products, all under the banner of Garden Route & Klein Karoo.

Participating alongside Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism are 19 entities, including 6 local tourism offices and 13 products showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage, natural wonders, and unique experiences. Among them, three products have benefited from the GRDM SMME Support & Development program, underscoring the region’s commitment to nurturing sustainable tourism growth and supporting local businesses.

Tourism employees and product owners promoting and selling Klein Karoo and Garden Route attractions and offerings.

The others products are:

Plett Tourism                                

  • Crags Country Lodge
  • Offshore adventures
  • SASSA

Visit Knysna                                      

  • Lithemba Crafts & Tours
  • Vuka Ukhanye Tours

George, Wilderness & Uniondale  

  • Redberry Farm
  • Hawthorn Boutique Hotel
  • Explore our Hood

Oudtshoorn & de Rust Tourism       

  • Cango Caves
  • Surval Boutique Olice estate
  • Swartberg Experience & Kobus se Gat

Explorer’s Garden Route – Hessequa Tourism

Mossel Bay Tourism                         

  • Cape Saint Blaze Artisanal Distillery
  • Eight Bells Mountain Inn

“We are thrilled to represent the Garden Route and Klein Karoo region at WTM Africa 2024,” said Denver Garden Route Johnson, GRDM Tourism Officer. “This platform not only allows us to showcase our breathtaking landscapes and diverse attractions but also highlights our dedication to supporting local businesses and promoting responsible tourism practices.”

Visitors to the Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism stand can expect to discover a wide array of experiences, from thrilling adventures to tranquil escapes, all nestled within the natural beauty of the region. With a focus on forging valuable connections and fostering collaborations, the team is eager to engage with tour operators, travel agents, and travel writers to drive more tourism to the Garden Route and Klein Karoo.

Did you know?

World Travel Market Africa delivers the leading global events for the travel industry. One of six shows in the WTM portfolio, the Africa show was launched in 2014 under the Africa Travel Week umbrella to bring the benefits and opportunities of the global industry expertise to travel professionals in South Africa. Traditionally taking place in Cape Town, South Africa, joined by over 6000 travel industry professionals who attend Africa’s leading and only business to business (B2B) exhibition for both the inbound and outbound African travel and tourism markets.

The Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism office coordinated the platform for the region. Local Tourism Offices in the region and their products will have the opportunity to exhibit with the regional tourism office on the collective stand under the banner of Garden Route & Klein Karoo.

-End-

9 April 2024 Media Statement: Urgent Public Warning – Fraudulent Tender Activities Alert

Media Statement: Urgent Public Warning – Fraudulent Tender Activities Alert

9 April 2024

It has come to our attention that individuals have been approached by a person or persons claiming to be involved in the municipality’s supply chain and tender decision-making process. One fraudulent actor, using the name “Patrick Schata” among others, have contacted potential tenderers, promising favourable outcomes in exchange for E-Wallet payments or other forms of financial compensation.

What to do if you encounter this fraudulent activity:

Do Not Respond: Do not click on links, open attachments, make payments, or provide any personal or financial information.

Report Immediately: Contact the GRDM’s Ethics and Fraud Hotline on 0800 116 616, e-mail grdm@thehotline.co.za or SMS 30916

The GRDM is investigating these fraudulent activities while remaining committed to ensuring the integrity of our tender processes.

Your vigilance and cooperation in reporting such incidents are greatly appreciated to combat these fraudulent schemes.

Here is a copy of a fraudulent letter presented to a company:

ENDS

05 April 2024 Update: Gwaiing Road Construction Works, George

Update: Gwaiing Road Construction Project

05 April 2024

The Gwaing project is still in its construction phase.  The progress of the project currently stands at 70% works completed, after a few rain delays were experienced in the last two weeks.

The main focus areas at this stage remains the processing of the layer works. Material is still being carted in from the approved source, with the cement stabilisation process scheduled to start as early as next week. The drainage network on the entire section of the road has been improved, with minor concrete structures currently being constructed for erosion control.

The intended final completion date is set for 18 September 2024.

-ENDS-

04 April 2024 Media Release: Future prospects of Garden Route Fynbos uncertain

Media Release: Future prospects of Garden Route Fynbos uncertain

For immediate release
04 April 2024

Conservationists and environmental management entities in the Garden Route share concern on the dual effect of climate change, expanding agricultural practices and rapid development on what remains of the region’s Fynbos species which are on the Red List of Terrestrial Ecosystems (Government Notice 2747).  “These species are critically endangered and unlikely to survive, given their limited prospects in isolation and all present threats,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

The 2017 Knysna wild-fire disaster was a wake-up call for conservationists and land-owners alike with fears that complete critically endangered eco-systems potentially could have been obliterated by the inferno, combined with the ever-present threat posed by fast-growing invasive alien plants.  Substantial seed bases are sprouting rapidly and completely taking over areas previously covered by Fynbos after the fire.

Despite the odds, there is still hope for the survival of Fynbos species in the Garden Route with the cooperation of state and private landowners, and dedicated conservationists and botanists from state and non-state entities e.g. SANParks, Cape Nature, Botanical Societies, private conservancies and entities such as CREW (Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers) and George-based Outramps who regularly undertake efforts to find and document the presence of Fynbos LTRE systems in the Garden Route.

The natural wonders of the Garden Route is exactly what makes the region so special in global terms of its beauty and biodiversity. It is imperative that all those living in the region do their utmost in efforts to create more space for natural assets and all life it sustains to be able to survive and prosper well into the future.

Landowners are encouraged to make an effort to take note of and appreciate what kind of Red List and all other Fynbos species are present on their land and, where at all possible, protect them and possibly enlarge their footprint by removing invasive alien plant growth. Landowners are also encouraged to take proactive measures to prevent a repeat of the 2017 and 2018 regional wildfire disasters, because failure to do so can only accelerate the demise of one of the world’s most precious natural assets.

GREF and SCLI are public platforms for conservation and environmental management entities in Garden Route

Feature Image: Christine Ridge- Schnaufer (Outramps)

03 April 2024 Draft 2024-2025 Integrated Development Plan (IDP), Draft 2024/2025 Medium Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework and Multi-Year Budget

DRAFT 2024-2025 INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN (IDP), DRAFT 2024/2025 MEDIUM TERM REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE FRAMEWORK AND MULTI-YEAR BUDGET

Open for Comment

Notice is hereby given that the Garden Route District Municipal Council’s Draft Integrated Development Plan for the 2024/2025 financial year and the Medium Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework (MTREF) Draft Multi-Year Budget for the period 2024/2025-2026/2027, were compiled in accordance with the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 2000 (Act 32 of 2000) and Municipal Finance Management Act 2003 (Act 56 of 2003).

These documents were considered by the Garden Route District Council at a District Council meeting held on Wednesday, 27 March 2024.

These documents will be available for public inspection and comments at all main local libraries, satellite offices and the Garden Route District Municipality’s IDP Unit, 54 York Street George and on the GRDM municipal website www.gardenroute.gov.za.

All comments and inputs must be directed to “The Municipal Manager, Garden Route District Municipality, 54 York Street, George 6530”,  rekords@gardenroute.gov.za

Persons who are unable to read or write are encouraged to contact the Garden Route District Municipality during ordinary office hours, where they will be assisted to formulate their written comments or objection.

Written comments and inputs regarding the above documents must reach the Office of the Municipal Manager on or before 30 April 2024.

Please contact the District IDP Manager (Mrs Mercy James) or Budget Manager (Ms Louise Hoek) at 044 803 1300, rekords@gardenroute.gov.za with any enquiries.

Click here to download the Garden Route District Municipal Council’s Draft Amended IDP

M STRATU
Municipal Manager
Garden Route District Municipality

28 March 2024 Public Notice: Draft Budget 2024/2025-2026/2027 open for Comments

Public Notice: Draft Budget 2024/2025-2026/2027 – open for Comments

Notice 39/2024

Notice is hereby given that the Garden Route District Municipal Council’s Draft Budget for the period 2024/2025-2026/2027, was compiled in accordance with the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act 2003 (Act 56 of 2003).

This document was noted by the Garden Route District Municipality at a District Council meeting held on Wednesday, 27 March 2024.

This document will be available for public inspection and comments on the GRDM municipal website www.gardenroute.gov.za from 28 March 2024.

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

Please contact the Budget Manager (Ms Louise Hoek) at 044 803 1300 with any enquiries.

Click here to open the Official Notice.
Click here to open all documents.

M G Stratu
Municipal Manager
Garden Route District Municipality

28 March 2024 Notice of a MPAC Meeting on 03 April 2024 at 14:00

Notice of a MPAC Meeting on 03 April 2024 at 14:00

Notice number: 36/2024

Notice is hereby given that an MPAC MEETING of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the Joint Operations Centre (JOC) Committee Room, and via Zoom, 54 York Street, George, on 03 April 2024 at 14:00.

MG Stratu
Municipal Manager
54 York Street
P.O Box 12
GEORGE
6530

CLICK HERE to open the official notice

27 March 2024: Public Notice – Fourth Adjustment Budget 2023/2024 Approved

Notice 37/2024

PUBLIC NOTICE: FOURTH ADJUSTMENT BUDGET 2023/2024 APPROVED

Notice is hereby given that the Garden Route District Municipal Council’s Fourth 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, 27 March 2024.

This document will be available for public inspection and comments on the GRDM municipal website from 28 March 2024.

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.

Please contact the Budget Manager (Ms Louise Hoek) at 044 803 1300 with any enquiries.

Click here to open the Official Notice. 

M G Stratu
Municipal Manager
Garden Route District Municipality

27 March 2024 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality adds two new bakkies to its fleet

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality adds two new bakkies to its fleet

For immediate release
27 March 2024

In a significant move to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) officially started using two of its long-awaited brand-new vehicles. This purchase was made available through the capital budget allocated in this 2023/2024 financial year. The bakkies cost R632 000 collectively. These resources will improve the working conditions and service delivery capabilities of the maintenance team and the Calitzdorp Hot Springs.

In the past, the maintenance team had to make use of their personal vehicles for municipal tasks and thereafter claim for the kilometres travelled. This was not only inconvenient but also unsustainable for the municipality. Calitzdorp Hot Springs, managed by the municipality, had a bakkie that was old to repair.

Addressing the attendees during the handover ceremony, Alderman Memory Booysen expressed his optimism for the positive changes the new vehicles will bring. Portfolio Chairperson for Planning and Economic Development, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, highlighted the importance of safety and responsibility. He encouraged the officials to travel safely and maintain the new assets with care, ensuring that they serve their purpose for as long as possible.

The manager of Victoria Bay and Swartvlei Caravan Park, Medron Bussack, Acting Manager of Calitzdorp Hot Springs, Elmo Labuschagne, and other officials of the resorts, Maintenance personnel Unathi Fana and Irvin Siljeur, expressed their gratitude, noting that the vehicles would significantly ease the challenges they face in maintaining the resorts, such as removing waste and other materials.

Feature Image: GRDM Executive Mayor, Ald. Memory Booysen (3rd from left) officially taking into acceptance the two new vehicles, together with (fltr) Manager of Victoria Bay and Swartvlei Caravan Parks, Medron Bussack, Acting Manager of Calitzdorp Hot Springs, Elmo Labuschagne, Acting Municipal Manager, Lusanda Menze, Portfolio Chairperson for Planning and Economic Development, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, and the Maintenance personnel, Irvin Siljeur and Unathi Fana. 

Article by: Vuyolwethu Notyeke

ENDS