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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

26 March 2024 Media Release: Environmental Health Practitioners from GRDM conduct health inspections at KKNK in Oudtshoorn

Media Release: Environmental Health Practitioners from GRDM conduct health inspections at KKNK in Oudtshoorn

For immediate release
26 March 2024

This year the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival (KKNK) takes place in Oudtshoorn for the 28th time. The festival started on 23 March and will conclude on 31 March 2024.

Since the Municipal Health Services function is defined in the National Health Act, 2003 and includes the following Key Performance Areas such as Food Control, Solid Waste Management, Health Surveillance of Premises etc., the Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) from Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) commenced with inspections at the festival’s food stalls for compliance in terms of Regulation No. 638 of 22 June 2018.

During inspections the EHPs also provide food hygiene education to food handlers. By doing so, their efforts ensure that all food during storage, handling and preparation at food stalls are safe, wholesome, as well as fit for human consumption and conform to the applicable quality and safety requirements.

Currently, the team also carry out inspections and monitor public toilets, wastewater disposal systems, refuse disposal and removal, as well as ensuring that regulations relating to the smoking in public places and certain outdoor public places, are adhered to.

What are these Hygiene Guidelines for Food Stalls?

  1. Every food stall owner must be in possession of a Certificate of Acceptability in terms of R638 OF 22 June 2018.
  2. The COA must at all times be available at the food stall and also visible to the public.
  3. People working on the premises must be properly trained in food hygiene.
  4. Suitable protective clothing, which includes a full length apron and head covering, must be worn by all food handlers.
  5. Proper facilities must be provided for the storage of perishable foodstuffs at temperatures under 5°C for cold food and above 65° for warm food.
  6. All working surfaces must be made of smooth, dust free, non-absorbent and washable material.
  7. Cover and protect all foodstuffs from contamination by dust and insects.
  8. Smoking in food stall is prohibited.
  9. Keep a bucket or bowl with water, soap and preferable paper towels at hand for the wash and drying of hands.
  10. A dustbin with a tight lid must be available for use at all times.
  11. Animals may not be allowed in the food stall.
  12. If the natural ground surface of the premises is dusty, it must be covered with a dustproof, washable ground sheet.
  13. All pre packed food must be properly labeled. (Foodstuffs and Cosmetic and Disinfected Act, 1972) (Act no 54 of 1972). Provision must be made for the collection and storage of waste water until disposal thereof.
  14. The stall / premises where food is handled must at all times be kept clean and in a hygiene condition.

For more information or to report complaints relating to the festival or in general, contact the following GRDM offices:

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

Johan Compion, Senior Manager: Municipal Health & Environmental Services
Mission Street, Industrial Area, George
044-803 1525 / Cell: 082 803 5161

Caption: Environmental Health Practitioner from the GRDM Klein Karoo Municipal Health Office, Johan Smith, during an inspection performed at the KKNK. 

ENDS

26 March 2024 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality once again empowers Small and Medium Enterprises with Equipment and Support

Media Release:  Garden Route District Municipality once again empowers Small and Medium Enterprises with Equipment and Support

26 March 2024

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Council has again supported Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) with a significant allocation of R600,000 in the 2023/2024 budget. This funding is geared towards interventions and needs of SMEs within the region.

During a formal handover ceremony held yesterday, 25 SMEs meeting the specified criteria were provided with equipment in order to grow their businesses.

The selection process for beneficiaries began with widespread outreach efforts, including advertisements in local newspapers and rural areas within the Garden Route. A total of 83 businesses responded to the call for proposals. Facilitated by the SEDA, the vetting, screening, and verification process ensured fairness and transparency. The Adjudication Committee, comprising Local Economic Development (LED) Managers, the Department of Agriculture, the Western Cape Economic Development Partnership  (WCEDP), and the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT, carefully reviewed pitches from businesses and made recommendations.

During the ceremony, Alderlady Rosina Ruiters, Portfolio Chairperson of the Planning and Economic Development Department, welcomed attendees and highlighted the program’s origins. Dr. Keith du Plessis, CEO of Casidra, expressed appreciation for the SME program, acknowledging its vital role in supporting small businesses, which are recognised as the backbone of many economies worldwide. “I want to take my hat-off to the GRDM for recognising the plea of the struggling SME’s, what these small businesses are facing, and what our programme assists with,” Du Plessis said.

Program Director and Acting Manager of District Economic Development and Tourism Unit, Richard Dyantyi, emphasised the program’s focus on reaching rural businesses and collaboration with SEDA to provide ongoing support and assistance in marketing.

The Western Cape Provincial Manager of SEDA, Alex Qunta, delivered an inspiring message to SME owners, urging them to prioritise working on their businesses for long-term success. “You have to work on your business first, before it can work for you.  As entrepreneurs and business owners, we always want the business to work for us.

GRDM Executive Mayor, Alderman Memory Booysen reiterated the municipality’s dedication to changing lives through initiatives like these, despite budget constraints. “Every year during this gathering I say the same things, but the fact of the matter is, facts don’t change, the truth doesn’t change, circumstances might change from time to time.” He elaborated on the District Municipality Council’s proactive decisions made five years ago to positively impact the lives of people in the district.

Alderman Booysen further acknowledged the GRDM’s commitment to prioritising initiatives like supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), even if it meant reallocating funds from other projects. He stressed that a project like this, despite not being part of the GRDM’s core functions, is essential for the growth and prosperity of the community.

Dyantyi shared the success story of 68 previously benefited SMEs, all of which remain operational, highlighting the program’s impact and sustainability.

GRDM Acting Municipal Manager, Lusanda Menze, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their support and contributions in all the different forms, to the success of the SME Program.  He said that GRDM remains committed to empowering SMEs and driving economic growth and prosperity across the region.

Below are photos of the beneficiaries with Ald. Memory Booysen (GRDM Executive Mayor), Ald. Rosina Ruiters (Portfolio Chairperson: Economic Development and Planning), Lusanda Menze (GRDM Acting Municipal Manager), Dr. Keith du Plessis (CEO: Casidra), and Alex Qunta (WC Manager: SEDA).

ENDS

25 March 2024 Media Release: Prohibition of Animals at Food Premises

Media Release: Prohibition of Animals at Food Premises

25 March 2024

The food trading sector is responsible for adherence to Food Safety Management Procedures at all times.

Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) from the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), are represented within each local town and are responsible for enforcing legislation pertaining to, amongst others – food premises.

According to Johan Compion, GRDM Senior Manager: Municipal Health and Environmental Services: “Food premises refer to any premises where food is being manufactured, processed, produced, packed, prepared, kept, offered, transported, stored, or displayed for sale or for serving to the public in any serving area”.

The current Regulation Governing General Hygiene Requirements for Food Premises, the Transport of Food and related matters is known as Regulation 638 of 22 June 2018, promulgated under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, 1972 (Act 54 of 1972). In terms of duties of a person in charge of food premises, Regulation 638 states the following in article 10:
“10. A person in charge of food premises shall ensure that-
(10) an animal, subject to the provisions of any law, is not kept or permitted in a room or area where food is handled, except that –

(a) a guide or service dog accompanying a person with a disability may be permitted in the sales or serving area of the food premises.
(b) fish, molluscs, or crustaceans may be kept alive until prepared for consumption.”

No animal (including any domestic pet), is allowed at any food premises or any area where food is being served to the public, with the exemption of the above scenario.

Regulation R638 also states that a person in charge of food premises must ensure that-

“10(1)(a) he or she is suitably qualified or otherwise adequately trained in the principles and practices of food safety and hygiene, as appropriate, and that the training is accredited or conducted by an inspector, where applicable.”

It remains the responsibility of all food premises owners/managers to empower themselves with knowledge, in terms of their legal obligation regarding all relevant legislation and the requirements contained within the Act, to ensure general compliance of the food trading property which they manage/operate or own.

Offences: Any person who contravenes a provision of these regulations, or allows such a contravention to take place, shall be guilty of an offence and liable for a penalty as provided for under Section 18 of the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, 1972 (Act of 1972):
1. On the first conviction R400.00.
2. On the second conviction R800.00.
3. On the third conviction R2 000.00.

The GRDM is currently reviewing the enforcement of fines in the greater Garden Route and will implement these structures as soon as the processes are completed.

This includes all premises wanting to apply for exemptions in terms of Regulation 638 of 22 June 2018, promulgated under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, 1972 (Act 54 of 1972).

For more information or report any issue elated to this article, contact the following GRDM offices within the Garden Route:

Johan Compion – Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management & Air Quality Control
E-mail: info@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 082 803 5161

Klein Karoo and Kannaland Region
Desmond Paulse – Manager: Municipal Health Klein Karoo
Cell: 083 678 6530

Langeberg (Mossel Bay)
Acting Chief: Municipal Health, Mossel Bay
Cell: 083 630 6108

George (Outeniqua)
Emmy Douglas – Chief: Municipal Health George (Outeniqua)
Cell: 078 457 2824

George (Wilderness)
Acting Chief: Municipal Health George (Wilderness)
Tel: 044 803 1522

Lakes (Knysna)
James McCarthy – Chief: Municipal Health Knysna
Cell: 082 805 9417

Lakes (Bitou)
Gawie Vos – Chief: Municipal Health Bitou
Cell: 083 557 1522

Langeberg (Hessequa)
Haemish Herwels – Chief: Municipal Health Hessequa
Cell: 083 678 6545

ENDS

Feature image: Shutterstock.

22 March 2024 Media Release: Empowering Communities through Waste Management: A Celebration of Global Recycling Day

Media Release: Empowering Communities through Waste Management: A Celebration of Global Recycling Day

For Immediate Release
22 March 2024

In honour of Global Recycling Day, on Monday, 18 March 2024, the Waste Management Section of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in collaboration with Mossel Bay Municipality, arranged a Global Recycling Day: Handover Waste Characterisation event. This gathering not only celebrated the ethos of recycling but also recognised the diligent efforts of participants involved in the GRDM Waste Characterisation Project in Mossel Bay over the past months.

Nombuyiselo Majola, the representative of Mossel Bay Municipality, commended the participants for their commitment to the ‘War on Waste,’ acknowledging the challenges they faced in sorting through waste yet determined with unwavering dedication. “You took bags with waste, went through it; came across things that are smelly and not pleasant, but still you did not miss a day,” she said.

Following Majola’s address, Johan Gie, the GRDM Waste Manager, echoed into the significance of the Waste Characterisation Project and the invaluable contributions of the participants. He highlighted the importance of understanding waste composition in effective waste management strategies, emphasising that “a person cannot manage something if there isn’t knowledge of what is being managed.” Gie expressed gratitude to the participants for their role in providing essential data for informed decision-making regarding waste management initiatives.

During his presentation, Gie showed interesting insights collected from the project, such as the difference in waste composition between different socio-economic areas. He explained how the data collected, influenced strategic planning, such as implementing composting and recycling initiatives based on waste patterns observed in the different neighbourhoods through the study. “Because of the similar studies, we found a lot of organic waste came out of the lower-income areas, explaining that people who earn less, peel their own potatoes and vegetables and in general end-up with a lot of peels and organic waste. In contrast, where people in high-income areas reside, we saw that they tend to buy packets that’s already peeled and cut, which results in a lot of packaging waste” said Gie.

The event also featured a message of support from Charlotta Lamprecht, CEO of Henque Waste, situated in Mossel Bay. She shared the remarkable work her company does in recycling and waste management, inspiring the audience with tales of environmental ownership and community empowerment.  “I always tell people, we are working with waste, but we are not waste. We are proud of what we are doing; we are not stealing and we are not begging; we are working hard. Even though it is sometimes smelly and not good,” she said. Her message was powerfully driven with – if you throw-away you trash, it does not disappear, but it is where people like them comes in.

Participants of the Waste Characterisation Project, like Chriswell Sandile Nongezana and Monwabisi Matthews Sigxavu, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn and contribute to waste management efforts. “With what we have learn here, we can now teach our children and families at home on how to separate waste and how to practise recycle,” Monwabisi Matthews Sigxavu said

As a token of appreciation, all participants received certificates recognising their invaluable contributions, symbolising their role as champions in the ongoing battle against waste.

The Global Recycling Day: Handover Waste Characterisation event served as a emotional reminder of the collective responsibility we bear towards safeguarding our environment. Through community engagement, education, and strategic initiatives, the Garden Route District Municipality and Mossel Bay Municipality are paving the way towards a cleaner, greener future for generations to come.

The Programme was directed by Innocentia Sikweyiya, GRDM District Waste Management Officer who also coordinated the project.

Featured image caption: Participants and stakeholders of the Mossel Bay Municipality Waste Characterisation Project.

-END-

21 March 2024 Media Release: GRDM Senior Firefighter Emile Conrad and Team Triumph at Aramco Firefighter Challenge 2024

Media Release: GRDM Senior Firefighter Emile Conrad and Team Triumph at Aramco Firefighter Challenge 2024

For Immediate Release
21 March 2024

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) proudly congratulates Senior Firefighter Emile Conrad alongside his wife Bonita, also a firefighter at GRDM and two other firefighters, Baigum Abrahams and Alno Kroon from the City of Cape Town, for their performance at the Aramco Firefighter Challenge 2024.

This challenge was held in Saudi Arabia earlier this month.

The Aramco Firefighter Challenge brings together firefighting professionals, enthusiasts, and teams from across the globe. This year’s event attracted over 87 000 people, including 314 firefighter competitors. Of them, 117 were from 29 different countries.

The South African team participated in the individual as well as the mix-relay challenges.

Conrad secured a 3rd place in his age category and ranked 9th overall. His female team member, Baigum Abrahams’ won a silver medal in stair-running and a 1st place overall in her age category. The other two teammates also performed exceptional and represented RSA well.

“The competition is unique in a sense that all the competitors live and travel together, which in my opinion brings them much closer, so the impact of learning from one another and building camaraderie is much more amplified. We learned a lot from the fellow competitors and how they do things in Saudi Arabia,” said Emile.

Overall the performance of the South African team was exceptional, ‘we made some new friends and met up with old friends we met at the previous competition’, Conrad concluded.

Meet the four firefighters who proudly represented their country during the 2024 Aramco Firefighter Challenge in Saudi Arabia.

-ENDS-

20 March 2024 Media Statement: Legal Action withdrawn against Garden Route District Municipal Manager, Mr Monde Stratu

Media Statement: Legal Action withdrawn against Garden Route District Municipal Manager, Mr Monde Stratu

For Immediate Release
20 March 2024

20 March 2024 – The legal proceedings relating to property disputes in Knysna, initiated against Monde Stratu, Municipal Manager of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), have been officially withdrawn, at Knysna Regional Court today. All costs relating to the baseless accusations will be carried by those who brought it before the court.

The case pertained to unsubstantiated allegations surrounding the disclosure and the treatment of contingent assets (properties) valued at approximately R64 million in the 2018/2019 Annual Financial Statements of both Knysna and Garden Route District Municipality. These frivolous allegations included forgery, utterance, and the manipulation of a 2018/19 audit report.

“This decision did not come as a surprise, because from the onset the GRDM Council has unanimously and categorically refuted the allegations as frivolous, vexatious, and unfounded. The decision of the court confirms that the GRDM Council has always been correct in its assessment of such unfortunate allegations,” said Ald. Memory Booysen, GRDM Executive Mayor.

Before the official withdrawal of the case by the Knysna Regional Court Judge, the State made recommendations for the charges against Mr Monde Stratu to be withdrawn by the National Prosecution Authority.

GRDM remains committed to maintaining transparency and accountability in all of its dealings and will continue to work diligently to serve and protect the interests of communities.

ENDS

20 March 2024 Media Release: Environmental Health Practitioners protect public health through rigorous sampling

Media Release: Environmental Health Practitioners protect public health through rigorous sampling

For Immediate Release
20 March 2024

An extensive sampling program is continuously rolled out across various Garden Route district. The region is divided into several focus areas which include the Klein Karoo, Lakes (Knysna), Lakes (Plettenberg Bay), George (Outeniqua), George (Wilderness), Langeberg (Mossel Bay), and Langeberg (Hessequa).

According to Johan Compion, GRDM Senior Manager: Municipal Health and Environmental Services, “sampling is central to our mission to ensure the protection of public health , compliance with current legislation and the identification of potential contaminants in the products our communities consumes”.

Food and water can become contaminated at various stages, from production to distribution. The GRDM’s sampling approach enables the precise identification of harmful bacteria, viruses, chemicals, heavy metals, pesticides, and other contaminants.

Public Health Protection

Sampling efforts have the potential to identify food and water contaminants, pathogens, or toxins. EHPs are proactive in sampling various sources to detect hazards, initiate timely measures to mitigate risks and prevent possible outbreaks of foodborne illnesses or waterborne diseases.

Monthly routine bacteriological and chemical water testing are done at established sampling points, complemented by additional sampling in response to complaints or known spillages. Similarly, bacteriological food samples are collected monthly from various locations to verify hygienic standards in storage and preparation. Chemical food samples are evaluated quarterly to confirm the accuracy of product labels.

GRDM EHPs capture sampling data on the institution’s data management system where they can draw reports and monitor compliance. Furthermore the sampling data is available on our Municipal Health Dashboard where they can track the areas of non-compliance as well as historical data to identify any trends of concern.. The historical data also assists EHPs with investigations to determine possible causes and to remedy them as soon as possible to ensure the water or food are compliant to legislated standards.

Collaborative Laboratory Analysis

Chemical and bacteriological water and food samples are analysed by an accredited laboratory for bacteriological samples and the Forensic Chemical Laboratory do all the GRDM’s chemical food samples.

Johan Compion – Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management & Air Quality Control
E-mail: info@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 082 803 5161

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

Langeberg (Mossel Bay)
Acting Chief: Municipal Health Mossel Bay
Tel: 044 693 0006 /Cell: 083 630 6108
C/O Sampson & Marling Street, Ext 23, Mossel Bay

George (Outeniqua)
Emmy Douglas – Chief: Municipal Health George (Outeniqua)
Tel: 044 803 1537 / Cell: 078 457 2824
Mission Street, Industrial Area, George, 6530

George (Wilderness)
Acting Chief: Municipal Health George (Wilderness)
Tel: 044 803 1522
Mission Street, Industrial Area, George

Lakes (Knysna)
James McCarthy – Chief: Municipal Health Knysna
Tel: 044 382 7214 / Cell: 082 805 9417
26A Queen Street, Knysna

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

Langeberg (Hessequa)
Haemish Herwels – Chief: Municipal Health Hessequa
Tel: 028 713 2438 / Cell: 083 678 6545
23 Michell Street, Riversdale, 6670

Feature Image: Water Sampling being done by an Environmental Health Practitioner at the Kaaimans River mouth

ENDS