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Author: Marlene Nqumse

Listeriosis Update

RECALL OF SNAX PRODUCTS

The Environmental Health Practitioners of Eden District Municipality are continuing preventative actions to prevent further outbreaks of Listeriosis, which comprise monitoring of retailers to ensure that no suspected products remain on shelves, ensuring safe disposal and incineration of recalled products, investigations and inspections at food premises to ensure hygienic conditions and practices at food premises and Listeriosis prevention education and awareness actions.

In addition to the Enterprise range, Tiger Brands has issued a precautionary recall of all Snax branded products.

As distribution partner, Clover will facilitate the customer and consumer recall process. On 19 March 2018, Clover issued the procedure to be followed in handling the Snax Product Recall, which will comprise two components – the first being the trade recall/withdrawal and the second being the consumer/shopper return component.

With regards to the shopper/consumer returns, the shopper will bring the product back to the store for a full refund, irrespective of till slip being available or not.  Clover will be responsible for the collection and uplift of all products affected by the recall – this includes both customer and consumer returns. Clover will be responsible to safely remove products from stores and will also manage the safe destruction of recalled products at a registered incinerator.

Snax recall product list:

Item Description
 Pack Size
    Unit Barcode
 Snax Chicken Polony 4X2kg   2 kg  6 005 788 004 565
 Snax Chicken Polony 12X1 kg  1 kg  6 005 788 003 704
 Snax Chicken Polony 2X10X500 g  500 g  6 005 788 004 572
 Snax Chicken Polony 2X10X250 g  250 g  6 005 788 001 274
 Snax French Polony 4X3 kg  3 kg  6 005 788 003 681
 Snax French Polony 4X2 kg  2 kg  6 005 788 003 674
 Snax French Polony 4X1.5 kg  1.5 kg  6 005 788 003 513
 Snax French Polony 12X1 kg  1 kg  6 005 788 003 551
 Snax French Polony 12X750 g  750 g  6 005 788 003 643
 Snax French Polony 2X10X500 g  500 g  6 005 788 004 527
 Snax French Polony 2X10X250 g  250 g  6 005 788 004 510
 Snax Liver Polony 2X10X500 g  500 g  6 005 788 003 599
 Snax Liver Polony 2X10X250 g  250 g  6 005 788 000 949
 Snax Mongola Polony 20X500 g  500 g  6 005 788 000 291
 Snax Russian Polony 12X1 kg  1 kg  6 005 788 004 541
 Snax Russian Polony 2X10X500 g  500 g  6 005 788 003 698
 Snax Special Garlic Polony 12X1 kg  1 kg  6 005 788 004 602
 Snax Special Garlic Polony 2X8X500 g  500 g  6 005 788 003 636
 Snax Smoked Russians 4X5 kg Bulk Pack  5 kg  6 005 788 003 667
 Snax Smoked Russians 12X500 g  500 g  6 005 788 000 093
 Snax Smoked Russians 12X1 kg  1 6 005 788 004 503
 Snax Smoked Russians 4X2 kg  2 kg 6 005 788 000 536
 Snax Smoked Skinless Russians 12X1 kg  1 kg 6 005 788 000 864
 Snax Smoked Skinless Russians 4X2 kg  2 kg 6 005 788 000 178
 Snax Value Pack Hamper 5X3.5 kg  3.5 kg 6 005 788 000 215
 Snax Value Pack Hamper 5X4 kg  4 6 005 788 000 901
 Snax Smoked Viennas 4X5 kg  5 6 005 788 001 168
 Snax Smoked Viennas 12X1 kg  1 6 005 788 000 406
 Snax Smoked Viennas 4X2 kg  2 6 005 788 000 468
 Hansa Hamburger Patties 36 x 65 g 3.1 kg 6 005 788 003 575

Awareness about World Tuberculosis Day, 24 March 2018

What is Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) that most often affect the lungs. Tuberculosis is curable and preventable. Tuberculosis mostly affects adults in their most productive years. However, all age groups are at risk. Over 95% of cases and deaths are in developing countries

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a form of TB caused by bacteria that do not respond to the 2 most powerful, first-line anti-TB drugs.
Extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) is a more serious form of MDR-TB caused by bacteria that do not respond to the most effective second-line anti-TB drugs, often leaving patients without any further treatment options.

How it is spread
TB is spread from person to person through the air. When people with lung TB cough, sneeze or spit, they propel the TB germs into the air. A person needs to inhale only a few of these germs to become infected. About one-quarter of the world’s population has latent TB, which means people have been infected by TB bacteria but are not (yet) ill with the disease and cannot transmit the disease. People infected with TB bacteria have a 5–15% lifetime risk of falling ill with TB. However, persons with compromised immune systems, such as people living with HIV, malnutrition or diabetes, or people who use tobacco, have a much higher risk of falling ill.

Worldwide TB
Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide.
In 2016, 10.4 million people fell ill with TB, and 1.7 million died from the disease (including 0.4 million among people with HIV). Over 95% of TB deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.
Seven countries account for 64% of the total, with India leading the count, followed by Indonesia, China, Philippines, Pakistan, Nigeria, and South Africa.
TB is a leading killer of HIV-positive people: in 2016, 40% of HIV deaths were due to TB.

TB in South-Africa
TB was first identified in South Africa as long ago as the seventeenth century. Between 1895 and 1910 TB began to spread so quickly that it became of epidemic proportions. In 1919 TB was made a notifiable disease throughout the entire country.
South Africa is one of the countries with the highest burden of TB, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) statistics giving an estimated incidence of 454,000 cases of active TB in 2015. About 0.8% of the population of about 54 million develop active TB disease each year.

The number of TB patients in the province has decreased over the past years, dropping to 43 294 in 2015/16 treated at 451 Clinics or treatments sites. In the Eden District, the number of TB patients has remained constant over the last 3 years, reaching 4909 in 2016 treated at 90 Clinics or treatment sites.

By 2016 the very significant achievements in respect of HIV and TB were said by the South African government (National Strategic Plan 2017-2022) to include:

  • Deaths due to HIV had dropped from 681,434 in 2006 to an estimated 150,375 in 2016.
  • 3.7 million people were taking antiretroviral treatment for HIV but this was only 53% of those eligible for treatment.
  • Deaths due to TB had dropped from 69,916 in 2009 to 37,878 in 2015.
  • The number of new HIV and TB infections had fallen and a higher proportion of people living with these infections had been diagnosed and treated.
  • In 2016 an estimated 270,000 people became newly infected with HIV, and the 2015 estimate of new TB cases was 450,000.

The role of Eden District municipality

  • Environmental Health is a District municipal function.
  • Environmental Health is concerned with the health and well-being of people by addressing elements of health and safety and assessing various physical, chemical and biological factors in the surrounding environment for their potential negative effects.
  • TB is a notifiable  medical condition in terms of The National Health Act 61 of 2003: Regulations relating to the surveillance and the control of notifiable medical conditions.
  • The World tuberculosis day (24 May) is designed to build public awareness about the global epidemic of TB and efforts to eliminate the disease.
  • The Surveillance and Prevention of communicable Diseases forms part of the Scope of Practice for Environmental Health Services.In terms of this scope of Practice the Eden Environmental Health Practitioners are conducting:
  • Health and hygiene promotion aimed at prevention of environmentally induced diseases and related communicable diseases, such as TB.
  • Collection analyses and dissemination of epidemiological data and information on TB.
  • Use of Participatory Hygiene and Sanitation Training (PHAST) approaches for effective control measures at Community Level.
  • Epidemiological surveillances of Tuberculosis .
  • Develop environmental health measures with protocols reference to epidemics, emergencies, diseases and migrations of population.

Eden DM Firefighters shown dignity and respect by Council and Management

Even before the June 2017 fires struck the Garden Route, a need for an upgrade of basic capital items that would create a “home away from home” for more than 40 Firefighters after a long day of work, was identified by Council. This commitment by Council signifies an understanding of the importance of not only the hard work performed by Firefighters, but also the dignity and comfort that is deserved by the brave men and women who put their lives on the line for communities 24/7, 365 days a year. While Firefighters can attest to the fact that their jobs require excessive hours of work, they also make mention of how important it is to relax after working shifts of up to 16 hours when a life-threatening fire is ignited at one or multiple locations in the district.

Firefighters, Mayoral Committee Members and Executive Managers shortly after the official handover of capital items took place at the Eden DM Fire Station in George.

This year during the adjustment budget, an amount of R5 500 000.00 was approved by Council for expanding the firefighting function of Eden DM. During the planning of the 2017/18 budget in February 2017, capital items to the amount of R150 000.00 were identified and purchased a year later.

On 23 March 2018, the official handover of the capital items took place when the Eden DM Mayoral Committee and Executive Managers addressed Firefighters at their firebase in George.

Eden DM Executive Mayor, Cllr Memory Booysen reminded the media and audience that the engagement with Firefighters wasn’t the first or the last and that he will continue to see to it that the needs of Firefighters are met. “We have raised the issue of your welfare, your circumstances, the future of Firefighters at Eden DM – it hasn’t been an easy road for any of us, but this is only the beginning of great things to come,” said Booysen. At a Skills Summit hosted by Eden DM, it was decided that the District should become a Skills Mecca, which means that the District will also invest in a training academy where firefighters will be trained and where other possible municipal-specific skills will be taught.

Eden DM Executive Mayor, Cllr Memory Booysen is pleased with what was purchased to date and said that there are more good things to come.

Booysen also shared that he sees Firefighters of Eden DM as the ‘flagship’ of the organisation that forms part of one of the hardest working and effective Departments of Eden DM, namely Community Services. He explained that it has been extremely difficult for him to get to where Firefighters are working, predominantly in the mountainous areas of the District because of the type of mayoral vehicle that Council owns. He then went on to say that, this would “soon change” because he supports “purchasing an SUV”, especially to support Firefighters. “Even when I go to the Western Cape Government Parliamentary meetings or engagements and firefighting is spoken of, I always stand out because they know very well how good of a job we are doing,” said Booysen.

Eden DM Executive Manager of Community Services, Mr Clive Africa, also shared a background of where Eden DM was ten years ago and where it finds itself today and how much things have changed for the better.

During an interview by the Communication Unit, with the Executive Manager of Community Services, Mr Clive Africa was asked to explain how he feels about where the District is today, compared to previous years. He answered by saying that he is proud of the progress which has been made to date. “When I look at where we were about ten years ago and where we are today, I can only be thankful to Council for their commitment to Firefighters. Firefighters had to sleep under firetrucks in the past or on the back of trucks at fire scenes; conditions have thankfully changed drastically to date. We are also looking into expanding our team of firefighters because in 2006 a study was conducted about how many firefighters were needed for the Eden District to roll out its function. The study showed that we would need 60 Firefighters to effectively safeguard the entire district, but because of budget constraints we have only been able to appoint 40 Firefighters – they have done an excellent job under the circumstances by delivering a quality, dedicated service to the district for years,” said Africa.

Mr Africa also confirmed that Eden DM plans to purchase more fire trucks on an annual basis for the next few years, which will cost an estimated R5.5 million over the next three years. Africa also boasted about the fact that we have been winning the Toughest Firefighter Award for the past five years, which is more evidence that Firefighters have proved their worth year-by-year, and therefore deserve excellent working conditions.

Chief Fire Officer, Mr Freddy Thaver also thanked Mayor Booysen and Council for “taking an interest in the working conditions of Firefighters”.

The following items were bought for two firebases, the George Firebase: Fridge/Freezer, Lounge set, Microwave, table with chairs, two televisions, two open-tv decoders and a DVD player, six mattresses and mattress covers. Hessequa Firebase: Fridge/Freezer, Lounge set, Microwave, table with chairs, one television, one open-TV decoder and a DVD player, six mattresses and mattress covers. Televisions and DVD players will also be used for watching firefighting training and educational videos.

Editor’s note: It is public knowledge that due to climate change, the environment has changed drastically, which now requires Firefighters to work in conditions which is more physically and emotionally draining. This was seen during the June 2017 fires when six people lost their lives and many more all their belongings. Approximately ten years ago firefighting services were rendered from a tent; today the Firefighters have a fixed structure where all their efforts are coordinated from.

Eden DM launches a Pilot Household Composting Project

The result of waste characterisation studies compiled of waste being transported from households and businesses in the Eden District Municipal areas, has clearly indicated that huge quantities of organic waste are being disposed of at landfill sites in the district.

Most of the landfill sites in the district are already closed or nearly reaching their maximum capacity.  Due to this, municipalities need to implement drastic waste minimisation actions to reduce waste dropped off at landfill sites which will lengthen the life expectancy of the site and also to reduce transport costs from generators to landfill.  By keeping organic waste away from landfills, the production of detrimental landfill gasses will be eliminated.

Eden District Municipality’s (Eden DM’s) Waste Management Section, in collaboration with the Waste Management Officers of the various local municipalities, identified a practical solution to minimise organic waste from households going to landfill.  On Monday, 5 February 2018, residents of the Gouritsmond community attended the launch and training session of the first Home Composting Pilot Project.  This came forth as an initiative by Cllr Thersia van Rensburg from the Hessequa Municipality and Eden DM’s Waste Management Section. Cllr Thersia van Rensburg officially opened the session, followed by Mr Morton Hubbe, District Waste Manager of Eden DM, who presented on the methods, techniques, benefits and possible expectations of the project. Mr Hubbe explained to residents that a one-on-one follow-up training session would be held with each household of the 30 participants. These participants will then all receive a composting bin and worm farm.

Eden DM launches a Pilot Household Composting Project

Considering that 30% of the normal household black bag waste contains organic waste originating from the garden and kitchen, the decision was taken to implement the Household Composting Pilot Project in the different municipal areas. Through this Project, garden and kitchen waste will be recycled into compost, using different recycling methods, such as bin -and worm composting. The compost worm castings and worm tea are then used as fertilizer in-house and for vegetable gardens.

In addition, the Eden District and Hessequa Municipal Waste Management Officers will receive monthly updates from the residents, which will enable them to monitor the progress of the project and capture data.  The duration of the pilot project will be for one year from the date of implementation, and it is envisaged that the project outcome will display to Municipal Councils that the exact quantities of organic waste can be diverted from landfills with the assistance and buy-in from normal households.  Also, to motivate Councils to extend the program to the rest of their municipal area.

It is anticipated that the next pilot project will be implemented in the Mossel Bay Municipal area during March 2018.

Eden DM a helping hand in hospitality and tourism training

The François Ferreira Academy, in collaboration with Eden District Municipality (Eden DM), held a graduation ceremony in February for aspiring chefs of the district who completed a 3-month Cater Care Programme. Eight (8) Youth benefited from this initiative which seeks to address the skills gap and the high unemployment rate. The programme provides culinary skills training and a ‘foot in the door’ of the domestic hospitality and tourism labour markets.

Councillors and students at the official handover of Cater Care Certificates.

Eden DM Council committed R200 000 to the roll-out of the training which was facilitated by the Francois Ferreira Academy. The Eden DM Garden Route and Klein Karoo and EPWP Units, coordinated and mobilised the trainees through a formal recruitment and selection process. EPWP is responsible for ensuring that students get a temporary job which runs parallel to the Cater Care Training, and they provide stipends to Youth during their studies.

Executive Mayor of Eden District Municipality, Cllr Memory Booysen during his keynote address to the students who completed their Cater Care course through the Francois Ferreira Academy.

Interviews with applicants took place on 07 September 2017 at the Francois Ferreira Academy in George. Applicants were recruited from the Great Brak River area with the assistance of the Great Brak River Youth Café and a Non-Government Organisation – Wonderful South Africa.  During an official graduation ceremony, which was held at the Great Brak River Youth Café, Cllr Cliffie Bayman, on behalf of the Executive Mayor of Mossel Bay Municipality, welcomed all those present and thanked Eden DM for their enabling role and commitment to an excellent programme.

Councillors from Eden DM and Mossel Bay with the Principal Francois Ferreira. FLTR: Cllr Jerome Lambaatjeen (Eden DM Portfolio Chairperson, Financial Services), Cllr Joslyn Johnson (Eden DM Portfolio Chairperson, Property Management and Development), Cllr Erica Meyer (Eden DM Portfolio Chairperson, Strategic Services), Chef Francois Ferreira (Principal, Francois Ferreira Academy), Cllr Liza Stroebel (Eden DM Councillor), Cllr Memory Booysen (Eden DM Executive Mayor of Eden DM), Cllr Rosina Ruiters (Eden DM Deputy Executive Mayor and Portfolio Chairperson, District Economic Development and Tourism), Cllr Cliffie Bayman (Mossel Bay Councillor), and Cllr Isaya Stemela (Eden DM Portfolio Chairperson, Corporate Services).

Chef François Ferreira, Principal of the Francois Ferreira Academy, in his address said: “Today you are picking the fruits of your labour, this is only the beginning. Now is the start of a gruelling task of finding permanent employment. The path forward will not always be easy, but try to stay in the straight and narrow, because it comes with many twists and turns – I am confident that you will all get there”.

Eden DM Deputy Mayor Cllr Rosina Ruiters encouraged the successful students not only to seek employment but to create more jobs by starting businesses and becoming entrepreneurs. She concluded by pleading to students to register on Government’s Central Supplier Database.

Eden DM Executive Mayor Cllr Memory Booysen, who delivered the keynote address, said that the occasion reminded him of a time when he was working in the hospitality industry. “You are in the right trade; I would like to see you all provide food to communities by opening or starting your own businesses. It’s not always about money, but about your passion, if you remain focused and positive you will be recognised and rewarded,” said Cllr Booysen.

Ms Denise Lindley (Vice Principal and business partner, Francois Ferreira Academy) and Mr Francois Ferreira (Principal) with the Cater Care Students after they officially graduated.

Students who successfully completed their Cater Care Training:
• Annelise Brits, Claudine Wuys, Enslin van Hagt, Ingrim van Niekerk, Rolande Cameron, Renice Roelfse, Sherilee Minnie and Waldo van Heerden.

Eden DM engaging with B-Municipalities to prepare for the Garden Route Investment Conference

Engagements with Municipalities in the Eden district is currently underway. The purpose of these sessions is to ensure that all Municipalities are ready for the upcoming Investment Conference and at the same time, to strengthen relations with the B-municipalities in the Eden district.

The first session took place in Hessequa on Wednesday, 23 January 2018 and soon after the Kannaland session followed.

The Eden DM and Hessequa delegations during the 1st session held in Riversdale.

During these sessions the Executive Mayor of Eden District Municipality (Eden DM), Cllr Memory Booysen, emphasised his willingness to strengthen relations with the B-Municipalities. “Not only formal structures such as forums should be used to discuss matters of mutual interest. We should be open for assistance at any given time as the need arises,” Mayor Booysen said at the engagement in Hessequa. Mayor Booysen also gave an update of the name change process of Eden DM and also explained how the name change will be of benefit to the identity of the district.

At the session in Kannaland, Executive Mayor of Kannaland Municipality, Cllr Magdalene Barry, welcomed the willingness of the Eden delegation to meet with Kannaland and commended the team for their efforts to enhance the economy of the district, with reference to the Skills Summit and Investment Conference. The Kannaland delegation made sure that they fully inform the Eden DM delegation of the lack of capacity and resources that the municipality is currently confronted with, but at the same time Mayor Barry praised the Kannaland officials for what they have achieved in such a short period of time, especially with reference to their Eskom bill that was recently fully settled.

Eden DM Mayor, Cllr Memory Booysen (left) and Executive Mayor of Kannaland, Cllr Magdalene Barry during the session held in Ladismith.

Furthermore Mayor Booysen requests municipalities to ensure that when they attend the Conference, they be fully prepared with their product offerings. “We will require all municipalities to provide information on what their area can offer to investors by showcasing specific offerings.”

The sessions will be finalised during the second week of February.

Eden District Municipality ready for the Skills Summit

Theme – “Bridging the Skills Gap for Investment and Economic Growth”

Eden District Municipality, in collaboration with Western Cape Government (the Office of the Premier), South Cape Economic Partnership (SCEP) and B-Municipalities in the district, will be hosting an Eden District Skills Summit.  The Summit will take place as follows:

Date: 1 February 2018
Time: 08:00 for 9:00
Venue:  George City Hall, (York Street, George)

Background and purpose of the Skills Summit

South Africa is currently challenged with a slow growing economy, which has had a direct effect on job creation, especially for the youth. The disastrous fires that raged through the Knysna and Bitou Municipal areas during 2017, further complicated this challenge.

Consequently the Eden District Skills Summit has been scheduled to identify and address the shortage of skills.  The Premier of the Western Cape, Ms Helen Zille, will deliver the keynote address with much emphasis on the Garden Route Rebuild Initiative (GRII) which has to date, played a major role in reversing the effects that the June 2017 fires had on the region. Delegates from Municipalities in the Eden district will attend the event, they include: Executive Mayors, Councillors and Senior Management, academic institutions and various other key partners.

The Garden Route Investment Conference (GRIC) will follow soon after the Skills Summit and is scheduled to take place on 8 and 9 March.  The aim of the GRIC is to attract national and international investors by showcasing the investment potential and opportunities that the region offers.  Skills development plays a key role with regards to Investment and the information gathered at the Skills Summit will form part of the discussions at the GRIC.

Denneoord emergency airstrip is safe and a major boost to regional firefighting efforts

The George Municipality is proud of its role in establishing Eden’s first dedicated emergency firefighting airstrip in Denneoord and is confident its operations will be safe for residents in its flight circuit.

The municipality will officially open the Denneoord Aerial Fire Base tomorrow (6 December 2017) together with the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association and in partnership with Working on Fire and Eden District Municipality. The opening will coincide with the launch of the Southern Cape summer fire season.

George Municipality Fire Chief Neels Barnard said having a dedicated airstrip for firefighting aeroplanes was a major step forward for firefighting efforts in George and Eden as quick response to fires was essential. “Having a dedicated emergency airstrip means firefighting planes can respond much faster than they would be able to if they were stationed at an airport where they would have to wait in line for a runway along with other aircraft. This is especially applicable during the summer fire season which coincides with the very busy holiday season when hundreds of flights are scheduled at commercial airports.

“George is privileged to have this facility on our doorstep as our proximity to the airbase will ensure very quick response. During test runs last week, response to the site of a veld fire in Wilderness took five minutes, and allowed for quick reconnaissance and appropriate response,” said Mr Barnard.

The aerial base is operated by Working on Fire, a programme funded by the Department of Environmental Affairs, where five aeroplanes and a chopper will be stationed for the fire season from December 2017 to April 2018. Municipalities in the Eden District Municipality, in association with the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association, will work with Working on Fire on a call-out basis as services are required. The airbase consists of a 1000mx30m runway, 20m-diameter helipad, firebase office (existing municipal building upgraded), hangars, taxiways and water refilling point.

Mr Barnard said residents of neighbourhoods in the flight circuit area of the Denneoord airstrip could be rest-assured all safety precautions were being taken and flyovers, landings and take-offs were all within the legal parameters set out in the South African Civil Aviation Act.  “Flights are being monitored by Air Traffic Control at the George Airport to ensure pilots adhere to the relevant standard operating procedures, which in turn are attached to approval from the Central Airspace Management Unit (CAMU) – the authority in South Africa responsible for the management of air traffic flow and capacity management.

“While the landing and take-offs may feel quite close to some residents, they are legal and safe. Pilots operating emergency aircraft are exceptionally experienced and qualified – the very nature of the jobs they have chosen are aimed at the rescue, protection and well-being of people and property.

“We reiterate the Denneoord airstrip is not an airport, but a dedicated emergency airbase for firefighting purposes only. Flights will be reactive only, which means if the aircraft takes off, there is a fire somewhere in the Eden District Municipal Area that requires aerial assistance and support.

“Like any disaster management situation, emergency aircraft may temporarily impact on residents surrounding the airstrip, but we believe the benefits of having life and property saving firefighting aircraft on standby during the high-risk fire season outweighs temporary impacts such as non-continual noise (which are exempted by the Western Cape Noise Control Regulations arising from emergency situations). We only need to remember the thousands of people who were displaced and left homeless during the Garden Route fires in June 2017 to understand the airstrip’s importance,” said Mr Barnard.

Authorisation for the development of an airstrip for emergency firefighting services by the Western Cape Government Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning was preceded by an environmental impact assessment – which took into consideration aspects such as noise, impacts on birds and animals, waste management and Civil Aviation Authority compliance – and included a public participation process.

The Denneoord site was the only available municipal land long enough for the establishment of an airstrip and with an available water source and infrastructure to house emergency aircraft and fill them in the required time for the firefighting response to be effective and efficient.

This Press Release was issued by George Municipality

Eden DM Council approves MOU with Stellenbosch University

After numerous meetings between Eden District Municipality (Eden DM) and representatives of Stellenbosch University, both institutions have decided to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Collaborative research will be conducted to resolve issues relating to the growth of the district.  Future collaboration concerning research and capacity building, will, in turn, enhance service delivery to communities.

Councillor Memory Booysen – Eden DM Executive Mayor and Professor Nico Koopman – Vice Rector for Social Impact and Transformation and Personnel at Stellenbosch University, signed the MOU at a Council meeting on 5 December 2017.

Before the Council meeting, Eden DM top management had the opportunity to share the importance of involving Stellenbosch University in the public participation processes relating to the Eden DM Integrated Development Plan (IDP), Spatial Development Framework (SDF). Stellenbosch University was also requested to form part of a steering committee which will meet on a quarterly basis.

Before to the Council meeting of Eden DM which was held on 5 December 2017, Executive Managers and Senior Officials of Eden DM had the opportunity to discuss pressing issues with Stellenbosch University representatives. Pictured are (front, fltr): Prof Nico Koopman – SU: Vice-Rector of Social Impact, Transformation & Personnel, Mr Monde Stratu – Eden DM Municipal Manager, Mr Clive Africa – Eden DM Executive Manager: Community Services. (Back, fltr): Dr Jerome Slamat – SU Senior Director: Community Interaction, Dr Antionette Smith-Tolken – Acting Director: Social Impact, Dr Leslie van Rooyen – SU Senior Director: Social Impact and Transformation and Mr Johan Compion – Eden DM Senior Manager: Environmental Services and Municipal Health.

During the discussions, Mr Monde Stratu – Eden DM Municipal Manager, said: “I want us to work together to develop a long-term Growth and Development Strategy for the district. The University’s experience in research and strategic planning will be of benefit to us.”

Mr Stratu also said that he would like a more detailed analysis of all the business sectors in the district, which is something that is currently lacking.

Dr Jerome Slamat – SU Senior Director: Community Interaction explained that by entering into a MOU with Stellenbosch University, Eden DM would have a direct entry point expertise and ‘people power’. In closing, he said: “We are in the business of teaching, learning and research – therefore it is important for us to look at the projects in the Eden district and see where we can assist.”

MOU: TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND RESEARCH
The following potential research questions and technical support, relating to the functions of Eden DM, are listed in the MOU:

  • Mercury [Lead Pb] levels in fish in the South Cape coastal fishing waters.
  • Green energy initiatives on Eden DM properties (solar and wind).
  • Impact of lead in drinking water on children.
  • Asbestos prevalence in Knysna and Bitou.
  • TB, MDR, XDR in baboons at the Ladismith waste dumping site.
  • Radon exposure prevalence in Oudtshoorn.
  • Antibiotics in milk (Riversdale).
  • Research about Antibiotics in meat.
  • Labelling of genetically modified organisms/food [GMO].
  • Ethics regarding the feeding of animal waste (chicken) to sheep, cattle or pigs.
  • Labelling regards to grain fed pigs vs pigs who eat animal waste.
  • Feeding of food waste to pigs.
  • Cadmium presence in chicken livers in the Eden district.
  • Hormone levels and chemical substances – Crystal Methamphetamine [Tik] in drinking water.
  • The relationship between Avian Influenza and climate change in the Oudtshoorn region.
  • Bromate prevalence in drinking water (Bromate can affect a person’s kidneys).
  • The prevalence of “superbugs” in hospitals and clinics in the District.

FINANCIAL IMPACT
SU will submit funding applications for specific projects and research on behalf of Eden DM to international donors, at no cost to Eden DM.

At the Eden DM Council meeting, the MOU was signed by Cllr Memory Booysen – Eden DM Executive Mayor (front, right) and Prof Nico Koopman – SU: Vice Rector of Social Impact, Transformation and Personnel, while representatives of Eden DM and SU observes.

This MOU is important because it will broaden the social impact that Universities have on communities and the municipal environment. Currently, Stellenbosch University also has a MOU with the City of Cape Town and Stellenbosch Municipality.

Eden District Municipality name to change to Garden Route District Municipality

On 5 December 2017, the Eden District Municipality Council approved the name change of Eden District Municipality to Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM). The decision came after the entire Eden DM Council took note of the rigorous Public Participation process followed by Eden DM and all role-players since the onset of the name-changing process. The next step of the name change will be to inform the Western Cape Government, MEC for Local Government, Mr Anton Bredell, of Council’s decision and request to publish a notice about the name change in the Government Gazette.

During a debate in Council, Cllr Memory Booysen – Eden DM Executive Mayor explained the reasoning behind the name change, by saying: “The Regional Tourism brand will still be known as Garden Route and Klein Karoo and will continue to be marketed in that way. By changing our name to Garden Route District Municipality does not mean that we see less value in the name Klein Karoo, we see the Klein Karoo as part of the Garden Route. When looking at the name “Eden”, it never included the name “Klein Karoo”, but people were still aware of it.”

Cllr Mark Willemse – Eden DM Speaker also shared his personal views about the name change. He explained: “The name Eden is not familiar to people outside the region and it also did not add any value to tourism in the region – it only created confusion. If a person does a Google search for the word “Eden”, it does not even mention anything about the Garden Route or Klein Karoo, but once a person searches for the phrase “Garden Route”, the words “Klein Karoo” ends up with the search results of Garden Route.”

The Public Participation and awareness of the proposed name change included: 

  • Website: Online comment submissions
  • Social media: WhatsApp messages, Facebook posts, Tweets
  • Broadcast media: Radio interviews (Algoa FM, Eden FM)
  • Print media: Newspaper notices in the Group Editors regional newspapers
  • Public Participation sessions: All B-Municipalities (Bitou, Knysna, George, Mossel Bay, Hessequa, Kannaland and Oudtshoorn).

Outcome of public and council opinions:

  • Municipal Councils in favour of the proposed name change:
  • Eden, Mossel Bay, Hessequa, George, Bitou and Knysna.
  • Municipal Councils opposed to the proposed name change:
  • Oudtshoorn and Kannaland.
  • Public in favour of the proposed name change: 28
  • Public opposing the propose name change: 26
  • Other proposals: 7

The Communication and Graphic Design Section of the municipality will design the GRDM logo and a brand guide to ensure that the organisation transitions smoothly into a new identity.