Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality’s Workplace Skills Plan approved
For immediate release
17 April 2024
On Friday, 12 April 2024, the Education and Training Development Committee from Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) approved the Municipality’s Workplace Skills Plan (WSP). To conclude the final stage of the process, the Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, on 16 April 2024 endorsed the Plan for submission to the Local Government Sector Education and Training Association (LGSETA) before 30 April 2024.
Municipal Manager of GRDM, Monde Stratu (front, middle), endorsing the WSP, in the presence of officials (FLTR back) Ilse Saaiman, Nolwando Sambokwe, Reginald Salmons, Michelle Smit, Salman Damons, Khanyisa Madolo, Jacqueline Thomson, Proy Koopman (front, left) and Trix Holtzhausen (right).
The process included rounds of internal consultations by the Municipality’s Human Resources’ Training Section with specific focus on the WSP and it included management and employees from the various departments of the Municipality, as well as trade union representatives.
With the GRDM being registered with the LGSETA, the Skills Development Act, requires all registered employers with an annual payroll exceeding R500Â 000, to pay skills development levies. These levies encourage learning and development across the country and are used to develop and improve the skills of employees.
Subsequently, a Workplace Skills Plan (WSP), together with an Annual Training Report (ATR) must be submitted to the LGSETA no later than 30 April, annually. By submitting the municipality’s Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) annually, allows the Municipality access to Mandatory and Discretionary Funding from the LGSETA for skills development.
Notice of a Special Council Meeting on 25 April 2024 at 10h00
Notice number: 43/2024
Notice is hereby given that a SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the CA Robertson Council Chambers, and via Zoom, 54 York Street, George, on 25 April 2024 at 10:00.
MG Stratu Municipal Manager 54 York Street P O Box 12 GEORGE 6530 Tel: 044 803 1300
Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Mourns the Passing of Former Speaker, Alderman Barnie Groenewald
17 April 2024
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is deeply saddened by the passing of its former Speaker, Alderman Barend (Barnie) Groenewald, who served from 2016 to 2021. Alderman Groenewald passed away earlier today, 17 April 2024.
After he was informed of the passing of Ald. Groenewald, GRDM Executive Mayor, Ald. Memory Booysen had the following words to share: “It is with great sorrow that we bid farewell to Alderman Barnie Groenewald, a cherished colleague and former speaker of our Council. I had the privilege of working closely with Barnie for five years, during which his presence was a cornerstone of both leadership and stability. Barnie had a unique ability to balance the intricacies of politics with the demands of administration, ensuring that our council’s decisions always reflected the best interests of the community we serve. His passing is a tremendous loss for all of us at the GRDM. My thoughts and prayers are with his beloved family during this difficult time. We mourn together with them and honour Barnie’s enduring legacy in our hearts and through our continued dedication to the people of the Garden Route.”
Alderman Groenewald, who married Daleen in 2012, is survived by her, his son, Bern, and two grandchildren, Zarah and Nielen. His deep passion for people and community service was evident throughout his career and life. He lived by the motto, “do unto others, what you want others to do unto you” and believed in the value of every individual, saying, “I am what I am because of others.”
His political career was marked by significant contributions and roles, starting as a Town Clerk at the Ikageng Town Council in 1983 and later serving in various capacities including as the City Secretary and Acting Director of Corporate Services. He also held significant positions at the Potchefstroom Town Council and worked with the Independent Electoral Commission as a Municipal Electoral Officer for over a decade. His final professional role was with the George Municipality, where he served on the Disciplinary Council.
During his tenure as Speaker, Alderman Groenewald was known for promoting constructive debate within the council, always with the goal of improving the lives of the community. His leadership was instrumental in ensuring care and support for councillors and municipal staff, helping them fulfill their roles effectively.
Alderman Groenewald was inspired by figures like Nelson Mandela and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., drawing on their visions to fuel his own work in politics and community service. He often reflected on the poem “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley, particularly resonating with the lines, “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul,” which guided his public service.
His educational contributions were also notable, as he facilitated courses in Local Government Law and Governance Administration at Nelson Mandela University, impacting and shaping future leaders.
The Garden Route District Municipality extends its heartfelt condolences to Alderman Groenewald’s family, friends, and all who were touched by his remarkable life and career. We mourn the loss of a true community pillar and a beacon of moral and civic virtue.
The late Alderman Barnie Groenewald (right) with Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu.
Former Ald. Barnie Groenewald at a Strategic Session.
The Garden Route District Municipality invites unemployed persons currently residing within the Garden Route District Municipal area, to apply for an opportunity to be placed at a Tourism and/or Hospitality Organisation for an 18 month work experience opportunity as part of a Garden Route Skills Mecca Initiative. Preference will be given to persons with disabilities. Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 35.
Opportunities are currently available within the following municipal areas within Garden Route District. Each municipal area will be able to accommodate up to 30 people.
Programme and Entry Requirements
This is an eighteen-month work experience placement programme at Tourism / Hospitality organisation in the Garden Route.
Applicants will be selected based the following sequentially prioritised criteria:
1st Criteria: Persons with a NATED N6 Tourism / Hospitality Qualification that need 18-months work experience for a National Diploma.
2nd Criteria: Persons with any Local or International Tourism / Hospitality Qualification that have had no work experience.
3rd Criteria: Persons with any Local or International Tourism / Hospitality Qualification that have had less than six months’ work experience.
4th Criteria: Persons with at least a NQF 1 Qualification that have a desire to work in the Tourism / Hospitality Sector.
Persons with a disability supported by a medical certificate are encouraged to apply and will be exempt from any of the above criteria.
In addition, the GRDM, subject to receiving enough applications and available workplaces, will also attempt to allocate applicants evenly across all Municipal Wards in the District.
Scope of Work and Duties
This will be determined by the Tourism / Hospitality organisation but could include administration, reception, room services bar services, restaurant services, food services customer services or any other typical work within tourism and hospitality.
All shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a pre-assessment to assist with correct career development.
Stipends will be paid for eighteen months by the Garden Route District Municipality. Stipends must be used for meals, accommodation, and travel costs. The Programme also does not include uniforms, PPE or any equipment unless supplied voluntarily by the host employer.
THE GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY WILL ONLY CONSIDER APPLICATIONS COMPLETED IN FULL AND IF THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS HAVE BEEN UPLOADED:
A copy of South African ID Document certified within the last six months.
A copy of highest educational qualifications certified within the last six months.
An affidavit certified within last six months that confirms previous work experience, including any Learnerships.
A criminal record clearance report from the SA Police Services.
For any enquiries, do not hesitate to contact Mr Reginald Salmons on 044-803 1363, or Mrs Angela-Ziva Coetzee at 044 803 1344 during office hours only. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Should candidates not be contacted within two months of the closing date, they must consider their application as unsuccessful.
Media Release: GRDM continues to create fire breaks on its properties
16 April 2024
Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in collaboration with Working on Fire (WoF), created several fire breaks on its properties. The GRDM owns several properties along coastal areas like Rheebok, Glentana, Herolds Bay, Hansmoeskraal, Victoria Bay, Swartvlei and Buffalo Bay. WoF and GRDM work hand-in-glove to create fire breaks in high-risk fire areas.
During Autumn and Winter, properties are prioritised for several reasons – the effects of a change in climate, compliance with relevant legislation, wildfire risks, as well as management of alien invasive plant species. Compliance with the National Veld and Forest Fire Act 101 of 1998, also remains a priority.
The teams already covered Rheebok in February 2024 and concluded the project by clearing the highly invasive Rooikrans (Acacia cyclops) trees in the first week of April 2024. On 15 April, the team proceeded to a second property based in Glentana, which borders the George and Mossel Bay Municipalities. This property has significant fuel load and especially dozens of Black Wattle Trees need to be reduced.
It is important to note that alien Invasive plants contribute mostly to fire fuel loads. Some of the most prevalent invasive plants include Black Wattle, Rooikrans, Pine (wild growing), Gum trees (Eucalyptus), Hakea, Port Jackson, Long leaved wattle, and Black Wood.
According to Deon Stoffels, the GRDM Fire Chief: “Landowners are responsible for preparing and maintaining fire breaks. Each owner on whose land a veldfire may start, or from whose land it may spread must prepare and maintain a firebreak on his or her side of the boundary between his or her land and any adjoining land.”
Firebreaks are particularly important as it provides for an area of reduced fuel load which will reduce the intensity of a wildfire and allow for more effective combating.
Feature Image: A firebreak on a Rheebok property that is owned by the Garden Route District Municipality.
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.
Mossel Bay SAPS Youth Desk chair Baxolele Jwili.
Those involved in the GBV session in Mossel Bay.
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:Â In Kannaland, the community dialogue on Gender-based Violence was well attended.
Media Release:Â 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.
Representatives of the Garden Route District Municipality attending the 2024 World Travel Market Africa. FLTR: Richard Dyantyi, Acting Manager Economic Development and Tourism, Mireille Wenger, Western Cape Government Minister of Finance and Economic Development and Tourism and Denver Johnson, GRDM Tourism Officer.
The Garden Route and Klein Karoo Tourism exhibition space at the World Travel Market Africa.
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                Â
Crags Country Lodge
Offshore adventures
SASSA
Visit Knysna                                     Â
Lithemba Crafts & Tours
Vuka Ukhanye Tours
George, Wilderness & Uniondale Â
Redberry Farm
Hawthorn Boutique Hotel
Explore our Hood
Oudtshoorn & de Rust Tourism      Â
Cango Caves
Surval Boutique Olice estate
Swartberg Experience & Kobus se Gat
Explorer’s Garden Route – Hessequa Tourism
Mossel Bay Tourism                        Â
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.
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:
The Gwaing project is still in its construction phase. Â 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.
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
