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Garden Route

30 June 2021 Media Release:  “We are two weeks ahead of schedule” – upgrades at Calitzdorp Spa

Media Release:  “We are two weeks ahead of schedule” – upgrades at Calitzdorp Spa

For immediate release
30 June 2021

After almost a month of hard work, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) owned Calitzdorp Spa is gradually transforming into a new magical mountain retreat, reclaiming its rightful space in the magnificent mountain vistas of the Klein Karoo. Construction work, which was planned to be executed a number of phases, is currently well on track. “We are at least two weeks ahead of schedule,” Medron Bussack, Acting Manager for Calitzdorp Spa.

The roofs of the swimming pool chalets and mountain chalets have already been repaired. As of now, the reception area and main building’s roofs are being replaced with new steel-based, light roof thatch tiles. The contractors also replaced the roofs’ hip and ridge flashings with treated timber battens and related accessories. Amongst the work done has been a new face of the resorts Roman bath. Being one of the most popular tourist attractions of the Spa, the ‘mineral-rich hot spring bath’ is known for its healing and curative properties. The windows in the Roman bathing room were also replaced.

The next phases will commence as soon as funding becomes available in the new financial year, beginning on 1 July 2021.  These phases will mainly focus on more repairs and upgrades of the mountain chalets, as well as the ablution facilities at the four (4) camping sites and the four (4) pool lapas.

With the construction works currently underway, the GRDM wants to assure the public that the resort is still in full operation and looks forward to welcoming visitors to the resort!

 

28 June 2021 Media Alert: Western Cape Human Settlements budget heads to Garden Route

Media Alert: Western Cape Human Settlements budget heads to Garden Route

For Immediate Release
28 June 2021

Dear Editors & Members of the Public

Kindly note the reminder below. Also, note due to the adjusted alert level 4 as announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 27 June 2021, all Municipal Council engagements will now be virtual.

Further to this, the planned Qolweni site visit and Slangrivier title deed handover have been postponed until further notice. Minister Tertuis Simmers and the team from the Provincial Department of Human Settlements will also no longer be based at the Garden Route District Municipal Chambers.

Apologies for any inconvenience caused.

 

MEDIA ALERT: WESTERN CAPE HUMAN SETTLEMENTS BUDGET HEADS TO GARDEN ROUTE

28 June 2021

Today, Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers will commence with his Ministerial outreach to the municipalities across the Garden Route District. Along with presenting the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements’ budget for the 2021/22 financial year, various other critical human settlements matters will also be discussed.

Joined by his senior executive officials, Minister Simmers will meet with full Municipal Councils. A virtual meeting with the Kannaland Municipality will kick-off the engagements.

On Tuesday, 29 June 2021, virtual engagements will occur with the Oudtshoorn and Knysna Municipalities.

On Wednesday, 30 June 2021, virtual engagements will occur with the George and Mossel Bay Municipalities.

On Thursday, 1 July 2021, a virtual engagement will occur with the Hessequa Municipality.

Citizens and the media across the Garden Route District can follow the different proceedings live on Minister Simmers’ Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/HumanMinWC

Media Enquiries:

Marcellino Martin

Spokesperson for Minister Tertuis Simmers

Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za

021 483 3397 (o)

082 721 3362 (m)

Or

Nathan Adriaanse

Director Communication & Stakeholder Relations

Tell: 021 483 2868

Mobile: 083 2631720

Email: Nathan.Adriaanse@westerncape.gov.za

25 June 2021 Media Release: Increased vaccine allocation to Rural areas

Media Release: release: Increased vaccine allocation to Rural areas

For Immediate Release
25 June 2021

Increased vaccine allocation to Rural areas

The Garden Route district will receive a larger vaccine allocation as from next week.  The increased vaccine allocation will address the slow roll-out experienced to date, due to limited vaccine supply from National Government.

With the increased allocation of vaccines we will be able to open more appointment slots at our vaccination sites and therefore vaccinate more people. We understand the frustration and anxiety experienced at large to be vaccinated,  especially with increasing COVID-19 cases in our District.

“We are pleased to confirm that the Garden Route district is earmarked to receive an additional 7948 doses on top of the confirmed 12 157 that we expect to receive for the week 28 June – 2 July. This is significantly more vaccines compared to our allocation for the past 2 weeks”, said District Director, Mr Zee Brickles.

Updated testing criteria

We have revised our testing criteria and the following categories will be eligible for COVID-19 testing.

All those with coronavirus symptoms AND at least 1 of the following:

  • Needing hospital admission.
  • At high risk of severe disease (age > 45 years, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, cancer, tuberculosis, HIV).
  • clusters in group settings such as old age/care homes, hospitals, schools, workplaces, hostels, prisons, etc.
  • health care workers.

Hospital Visitations

Allowing patients to be visited by their loved ones during their stay in hospital is an essential part of their recovery and wellness. Having an escort present during a visit to an emergency unit and an outpatient clinic, is reassuring for many patients and essential for other patients such as young children. Similarly, the pain and anxiety of labour can be eased by having a partner present. Despite the benefits of having visitors and escorts, the increased risk of spreading COVID-19 infection during the high prevalence of a third wave, outweighs the benefits of having loved ones present, and hence visitors and escorts have to be severely restricted.

Western Cape Government Health can confirm that the visitation policy at public hospitals was amended on 21 June to accommodate the changes in alert levels in the Covid-19 pandemic in the province. The restrictions on visitors and escorts, are aimed at ensuring that our patients, families, visitors and staff are protected against transmission during the third wave. Depending on the nature of the service of particular facilities, specific arrangements have been put in place. Should you or a family member need to visit a hospital, please establish which specific arrangements are in place at that facility. We urge the public to please respect these new arrangements. Although we know it is challenging for many visitors and patients we must be responsible and protect one another.

Keep your bubbles small

Now is not the time to socially interact with people outside of your immediate family bubble (those living in the same household). The more interactions you and your immediate family members have outside of your immediate family bubble, the greater the risk of contracting COVID-19 and spreading it to others. If you have to meet someone do so outdoors or indoors where there is good ventilation. Remember to always wear your mask when in public.

Vaccination sites 28 June – 2 July.

SUB-DISTRICT Town Dates 28 – 2 July
Knysna sub-district Knysna CDC 30, 1, 2
Knysna sub-district Knysna Town Hall 30, 1, 2
Knysna sub-district Sedgefield Clinic 1, 2
Knysna sub-district Keurhoek Satellite Clinic 2
Bitou sub-district Plettenberg Bay Clinic 29,30 1, 2
Bitou sub-district Kranshoek clinic 01-Jul
Bitou sub-district Kwanokuthula CDC 30, 2
Bitou sub-district Crags Clinic 29
George sub-district Harry Comay TB Hospital 28 June – 2 July
George sub-district Thembalethu CDC (Sandkraal road) 28 June – 2 July
George sub-district George Central Clinic 28 June – 2 July
George sub-district Uniondale Hospital 28 June – 2 July
George sub-district George & Herald Mobile Routes 28 June – 2 July
George sub-district Touwsranten Clinic 2
George sub-district Pacaltsdorp Clinic 1,2
Hessequa sub-district Riversdale Civic Centre 29 June – 2 July
Hessequa sub-district Heidelberg Duivenhoks Hall 29, 30, 2
Hessequa sub-district Albertinia Theronsville Hall 1 , 2
Hessequa sub-district Melkhoutfontein Satellite Clinic 30
Hessequa sub-district Still Bay Civic Centre 29, 1 , 2
Hessequa sub-district Slangrivier Satellite Clinic 2
Hessequa sub-district Witsand de Duine Hall 30
Hessequa sub-district Gouritsmond Hall 30
Kannaland sub-district Ladismith DRC Church Hall 29
Kannaland sub-district Zoar Sports Club 30
Kannaland sub-district Calitzdorp DRC Church Hall 1, 2
Mossel Bay sub-district Alma CDC 29, 30, 1, 2
Mossel Bay sub-district Wolwedans Community Hall 30, 2
Mossel Bay sub-district Friemersheim outreach 1
Mossel Bay sub-district Mossel Bay Town Hall 29, 30
Mossel Bay sub-district Rheebok outreach 30
Mossel Bay sub-district Bosbou & Brandwag outreach 29
Mossel Bay sub-district D’Almeida Community Hall 29, 30
Oudtshoorn sub-district Toekomsrust Community Hall 29 June – 2 July
Oudtshoorn sub-district Dysselsdorp Clinic 29
Oudtshoorn sub-district De Rust (Blommenek) Clinic 1

 

ENDS

 

Nadia Ferreira

Principal Communications Officer

Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts

Western Cape Government Health

Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za

Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

14 June 2021 Media Release: Garden Route COVID Update

Media Release: Garden Route COVID Update

For Immediate Release
14 June 2021

The Garden Route District had a 110% increase in new cases over the last 7 days compared to 7-14 days ago.

All sub-districts had large increases except for Oudtshoorn with a minimal increase and Kannaland which remained unchanged.

The new cases are widespread with some household clusters. It is important that we all play our part in curbing the spread. All situations are being actively monitored.

Stats as of 14 June 2021.

Sub-district TOTAL Active Recovered Deaths
Bitou 2868 43 2 724 101
George 12513 279 11 779 455
Hessequa 2037 40 1 889 108
Kannaland 917 8 863 46
Knysna 4948 55 4 735 158
Mossel Bay 7900 282 7 406 212
Oudtshoorn 4239 69 3 872 298
Sub-total 35422 776 33 268 1 378

Vaccine roll-out

A total of 20 653 vaccines have been administered since the start of the vaccine program. This includes healthcare workers, old age homes and public sites.

The Department received a lesser allocation of vaccines this week from the national government, which has impacted the number of people we will be able to vaccinate this week.

We are however still planning to open more sites after which more appointment slots will become available, and hence more system generated SMSs will be sent to assign registered people to specific sites with available appointment slots.

We have noted a lot of queries regarding the appointment system. Appointments for vaccinations are automatically scheduled by the National Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS). The system checks in a sequential manner who registered first in a specific area, and assigns appointments to them based on available slots at sites close to that area. If you would like to confirm your registration or make changes to your details please visit http://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za. You can also access this link on our website, www.westerncape.gov.za.

What to bring with you when going for your vaccination

Please remember to bring along your ID, passport, or asylum document when coming for your vaccine.

If you belong to a medical aid, please take your medical aid card or details with you.

At the vaccination site, there will be signage directing you where to go. You will be screened according to COVID-19 protocol.

Once inside, your details will be confirmed. The health workers at the vaccination station will ask you for consent, will explain what they are going to do, and will ask if you have any allergies or medical conditions. This is an important part of the process.

After your vaccination, you will be asked to wait in the observation room for 15 to 30 minutes so that staff can make sure you do not experience any severe allergic reactions. If you received the first jab of a 2-dose vaccine, you will get a follow-up appointment via SMS. You will also receive a proof of vaccination card.

The following sites in the Garden Route District will administer vaccinations on the following days for week 14 – 18 June.

Mossel Bay D’Almeida Community Hall PUBLIC 14, 15
Mossel Bay Alma CDC PUBLIC 14, 15, 17 ,18
Mossel Bay Wolwedans Community Hall PUBLIC 18
Mossel Bay Mossel Bay Town Hall PUBLIC 15
Bitou Plettenberg Bay Town Clinic PUBLIC 17
Bitou Kwanokuthula CDC PUBLIC 18
George Harry Comay TB Hospital PUBLIC 14,15, 17, 18
George Thembalethu CDC PUBLIC 14,15, 17, 18
George George Central Clinic PUBLIC 14,15, 17, 18
George Uniondale Hospital PUBLIC 15, 17, 18
George Pacaltsdorp Clinic PUBLIC 17,18
Hessequa Riversdale Civic Centre PUBLIC 15, 17 ,18
Hessequa Witsand de Duine Hall PUBLIC 15,
Hessequa Heidelberg Duivenhoks Hall PUBLIC 15, 18
Hessequa Albertinia Theronsville Hall PUBLIC 17,18
Hessequa Stilbaai Civic Centre PUBLIC 15, 17, 18
Hessequa Slangrivier Satellite Clinic PUBLIC 18
Kannaland Ladismith DRC Church Hall PUBLIC 15
Kannaland Calitzdorp DRC Church Hall PUBLIC 17
Knysna Knysna Town Hall PUBLIC 18
Knysna Sedgefield Clinic PUBLIC 17
Oudtshoorn Oudtshoorn Hospital PUBLIC 17, 18
Oudtshoorn Dysselsdorp Clinic PUBLIC 15
Oudtshoorn De Rust(Blommenek) Clinic PUBLIC 17

Please remember that we prioritise those who are registered and have received their appointment.  No active sites on the 16th which is a public holiday.

 

ENDS

 

Nadia Ferreira

Principal Communications Officer

Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts

Western Cape Government Health

Town Clinic,Plettenberg Bay

Tel: 044 813 1831

Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za

Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

 

4 June 2021 Media Release: Garden Route Climate Change Indaba to coincide with the United Nations World Oceans Day

Media Release: Garden Route Climate Change Indaba to coincide with the United Nations World Oceans Day

For Immediate Release
4 June 2021

The Garden Route Fire Commemoration Event and Climate Change Indaba will this year coincide with World Oceans Day, taking place on Tuesday 8 June 2021. The Indaba is hosted by the Garden Route District Municipality and the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

The theme for the 2021 United Nations World Oceans Day is Life and Livelihoods. It is a day for humanity to celebrate and support the life and the livelihood that the ocean sustains and puts the spotlight on biodiversity and the interconnectivity between the ocean and its ecosystems.

According to Cobus Meiring, chairperson of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF), entities tasked with environmental management in the Garden Route are increasingly emphasising the importance of restoration and rewilding of natural ecosystems and habitat in the region, which serves to highlight the interconnectivity between a healthy ocean and terrestrial environment.

“A point in case is the drive to reconnect the Indian Ocean with the Outeniqua mountains and the creation of biodiversity conservation and migration routes through the restoration of Garden Route forests, streams, wetlands, rivers and catchments in collaboration with private landowners.”

Stretching from Mossel Bay to the Storms River mouth, the Garden Route is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world.

Says Meiring: “The scenic splendour of the Garden Route is a precious resource. Celebrating a healthy and vibrant ocean and dependent ecosystems is an opportunity to boost the conservation of the region’s very special natural environment.”

“Climate change, and the challenges and opportunities it offers, is no doubt worth reflecting upon.  We dare not wipe out the memories of events like the 2017 and 2018 wildfire disasters which wreaked havoc in the Garden Route, nor the perpetual drought which decimated much of the agricultural capacity of the regional interior – much of which can be ascribed to slight climate changes with significant effects.”

“As the world celebrates World Oceans Day, South Africa in general, and the Garden Route in particular, will do well to use the opportunity to show respect for what remains of what nature blessed the country with, and even as we focus all our energy and resources to survive Covid-19 and its socio-economic impact, we have to plan to conserve our oceans and natural environment, as therein lies our ultimate survival as a species,” says Meiring.

Climate Change Indaba, Wilderness

The theme for this year’s Garden Route Fire Commemoration Event and Climate Change Indaba is “Adapt to a Sustainable Future”. The keynote address will be delivered by the Deputy Minister of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE), Ms Makhotso Magdaline Sotyu.

Professors Christo Fabricius and Hervé Fritz will present the latest findings on global change research in the Garden Route. Professor Fabricius is Lead, CARMa-Afrika: Capacity for African Resource Management at Nelson Mandela University (NMU) and Professor Hervé Fritz is Director of the ECO REHABS International Research Lab, CNRS France, together with the Nelson Mandela University.

The challenges of climate change and invasive alien species in Africa will also come under the spotlight in a presentation by Dr Arné Witt, Invasive Alien Plant Specialist and Regional (Africa, Asia and the Caribbean) Invasive Alien Species Coordinator for the international science-based development organisation, CABI.

Other presentation topics include disaster management, water resource management, freshwater ecology, and sea-level rise and its impact on coastal infrastructure along the Mossel Bay coastline.

A field visit, hosted by Knysna Municipality, the Garden Route Trail Park and the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) will also be taking place on Wednesday 9 June 2021. The focus of the field visit will be on methods for killing blackwood including herbicide mixing and application, as this remains one of the most difficult weeds to control.

Interested organisations or individuals who would like to attend the indaba and/field visit can send an email to Louise Maré, louisamare@gmail.com for more information. Due to Covid-19 regulations, is it essential to register in advance for the Indaba.

Coastline as the world celebrates World Oceans Day 2021, the Garden Route reflects upon the way we manage our coastline in the face of the severe impact of development and coastal vulnerability. (Photo: SCLI)

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a regional forum and public platform for collaboration in conservation, environmental adaptation and community interaction.  It is a think tank for national, regional and local government, conservation bodies, academics, the media, landowners and land managers, active in the full spectrum of environmental matters in the region. Website: https://www.scli.org.za/gref/

 

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

Cobus Meiring: Chairperson of Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF)

Cell: 083 626 7619

Email: cobus@naturalbridge.co.za

21 May 2021 Media Release: Fencing subsidies available – call for applications

Media Release: Fencing subsidies available – call for applications

For Immediate Release
21 May 2021

On an annual basis, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) provides fencing subsidies for a selected number of landowners on neighbouring provincial rural roads with fencing of their properties.

This is subject to a budget as received from the Western Cape Government.

The funding will only be applicable on a subsidy basis. It effectively means that 60% subsidy will be contributed towards the cost of the fencing. The subsidy is determined by an average price for the material. The material is deemed as 60% of the total cost. Labour cost is deemed as 40% of the total cost and must be carried by the applicant. All initial costs must be carried by the applicant and a subsidy will be paid out after the successful completion of the fence. For more information refer to the Fencing Subsidy Policy of Garden Route District Municipality.

The new fences must adhere to the specifications of the Provincial Government of the Western Cape: Roads Infrastructure Department. Minimum specifications will be made available to successful applicants.

Application process

  1. Application forms can be obtained from Mr Qamani Nkebana at the Roads Transport & Planning Department. Contact numbers at the office are 044 803 1506 or email Qamani@gardenroute.gov.za. Alternatively, download from www.gardenroute.gov.za.
  2. Application period: 21 May 2021 to 18 June 2021.
  3. Applications will be audited and evaluated according to risk analysis by a panel. Risk factors include: Status of road, traffic count, operating speed of vehicles, type of farming, condition of current fence, etc.
  4. The panel outcome will be decided by 19 July 2021. All applicants will be informed. A fencing subsidy contract will be signed with successful applicants. Unsuccessful applicants can apply again in the next financial year.
  5. All fences must be fully completed by 10 December 2021 for payment before 28 February 2022.
  6. Payment will be done after an inspection and approval for the fence has been made.

Closing date: 18 June 2021

Notice number: 43/2021

Relevant Documents 

Application-and-Annexures

Fencing-subsidy-letter-for-applying-applicants-2021

Guidelines for the fencing of roads by adjacent landowners

MBD4-Declaration-of-Interest

7 May 2021 Weather Alert: Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua

7 May 2021 Weather Alert: Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua

Please find included the Impact Based Warning for the Western Cape and Namaqua Region of Northern Cape

Legal notice:
“This warning from SA Weather Service must be communicated as received and may not be altered under any circumstance.
It must be forwarded or communicated in its entirety and no portion hereof may be replicated or copied and distributed.”

 Hazard Alert Level Affected Municipalities Valid From (SAST) Valid To (SAST)
 Disruptive Rain Yellow(L2) Bitou, Breede Valley, Cape Agulhas, George, Hessequa, Kannaland, Knysna, Langeberg, Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn, Swellendam, Theewaterskloof 07/05/2021 – 00h00 08/05/2021 – 00h00

Discussion: Showers and thundershowers to develop over the south-western parts of the Western Cape. Significant rainfall amounts have been accumulated in the past few days, and more rainfall can be expected over the Overberg, southern Cape Winelands as well as the Garden Route Districts throughout Friday into Saturday morning. Rainfall accumulations between 20-30mm in addition to the accumulated rainfall amounts can be expected. With the thunderstorms, strong winds (downburst) over short periods may also occur as well as a small chance of hail.

Impact: Flooding of roads and settlements in both formal and informal settlements is likely which could result in damage to property and infrastructure. Low-lying bridges and pooling of potholes may also occur. Disruption of traffic flow is likely, along with increased motor vehicle accidents, especially in peak hour traffic on Friday and Saturday morning. Essential services such as water and electricity may be affected. There is a chance for mudslides and rockfalls in susceptible areas.

Instruction: Be cautious on the roads and avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles. If trapped in a vehicle during a flood, abandon it and climb to higher ground. In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level. Switch off electricity at the supply point to the building. Be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to recognize flood dangers. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

7 May 2021 Media Release: Private healthcare workers to register for COVID-19 vaccine

Media Release: Private healthcare workers to register for COVID-19 vaccine

For Immediate Release
6 May 2021

Phase 1 of the Sisonke Vaccination programme will conclude on 15 May 2021. All healthcare workers both private and public have the opportunity to get their vaccination. Remember to register on the EVDS system. https://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za/#/

Not sure if you qualify? Please see the following categories below.

Beneficiaries: Nurses (all categories), Medical doctors (all categories and specialisations), Dentists, dental therapists and oral hygienists, Clinical associates, Community health workers / liaison and development officers employed by provincial Departments of Health, Environmental Health practitioners (working for municipalities and provincial Departments of Health), Pharmacists and Pharmacist Assistants (fully registered/post-basic /basic), Radiographers, Emergency Medical Practitioners, Allied health staff (physiotherapists/occupational therapists /psychologists /optometrists /speech therapists /audiologists /biokinetics /nutritionists /dieticians), Registered occupational health staff, Clinical and medical technologists at clinical laboratory services, Clinical and medical technologists at forensic medical laboratory services, Blood Transfusion Services laboratory technicians, Staff working in forensic mortuaries, Orthotists /prosthetists/podiatrists, Alternative medicine practitioners (homeopaths/osteopaths/chiropractors), Medical/dental /nursing /pharmacy students that are on the clinical training platform, Staff working at national and provincial health departments and district health offices, Officials employed by National Port Health Authorities, Health staff at Department of Correctional Services, South African Military Health Services (SAMHS), Cleaners/housekeeping staff at health establishments and care facilities, Security services at health establishments and care facilities, Administrative staff at health establishments and care facilities, Staff working in student health services at TVETs and HEIs, Funeral workers (formal funeral homes and volunteers from registered burial societies), Registered traditional healers.

Please take note of the sites, dates and contact person for vaccinations.

The contacts below are available on weekdays between 08:00 and 16:00.

Vaccination site and dates: OUDTSHOORN HOSPITAL: 5 May

Contact person: Oudtshoorn

Sanet van Meersbergen; (044) 803 2464

Contact person: Kannaland

Maryna September: (028) 551 1010/1667/1342

Vaccination site and dates: ALMA CDC(MOSSEL BAY) 6, 7, 11,12 May

Contact person: Hessequa

Ilze Charles: (028) 713 8640

Contact person: Mossel Bay

Lida Swart: (044) 601 1915

Vaccination site and dates: PLETT TOWN CLINIC 10, 11 May

Contact person: Knysna

Carmen Grobler: (044) 302 5201

Contact person: Bitou

Girlie Lubbe: (044) 501 5100

Vaccination site and dates: GEORGE HOSPITAL 10 May

Contact person: George

Bernicois Konig: (044) 803 2079

Private healthcare workers: If you have not yet, please request your appointment through your manager or one central person from a facility in order not to have multiple people engaging from the same facility. See above contact details for persons to contact.

On the day of vaccination, you need to bring along your ID, Proof that you are a healthcare worker and Sisonke Vaccination Voucher

END

Nadia Ferreira

Principal Communications Officer

Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts

Western Cape Government Health

6 May 2021 Weather Alert: Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua

Weather Alert: Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua – 6 May 2021

Please find included the Impact Based Warning for the Western Cape and Namaqua Region of Northern Cape.

Please note: The Impact Based Warning w.r.t Disruptive Rain has not been revised by SAWS meaning that the previous warning send yesterday is still valid.

Legal notice:
“This warning from SA Weather Service must be communicated as received and may not be altered under any circumstance.
It must be forwarded or communicated in its entirety and no portion hereof may be replicated or copied and distributed.”

Hazard Alert Level Affected Municipalities Valid from (SAST) Valid to (SAST)
Damaging Winds Yellow(L4) Cape Agulhas, Cape Agulhas, City of Cape town, Hessequa, Overstrand 06/05/21 –  01h00 06/05/21 –  23h00

Discussion: Strong to gale force south-easterly winds (50-70km/h) and gusts up to 80-90km/h is expected from Wednesday afternoon offshore between Table Bay and Stilbaai.

Impact: Strong winds will cause danger to navigation out at sea and result in small vessel at risk of taking on water and capsizing in totality.

Instruction: Small boats must stay away from the open sea and seek the shelter of a harbour, river estuary or protected bay Parked aircraft should be pointed into the direction of the wind and secured. Ensure that all temporary structures are well anchored.

 Hazard Alert Level Affected Municipalities Valid From (SAST) Valid To (SAST)
Damaging Waves Yellow(L1) Cape Agulhas, Cape Agulhas, City of Cape town, Hessequa, Overstrand, Table Bay 06/05/21 – 01h00 06/05/21 – 23h00

Discussion: Wave heights between 4.0-5.5m is expected between Table Bay and Plettenberg Bay throughout Thursday. Along with these higher wave heights, predominant southerly to south-easterly swells are also expected. Strong southerly winds (50-70km/h) is expected along the between Table Bay and Stillbaai on Thursday.

Impact: Small vessels will experience difficulty in navigation at sea as a result of rough and choppy seas (quick successive, steep waves) and may be at risk of taking on water and capsizing in a locality. Localized disruptions to beachfront activities.

Instruction: Be aware of large waves along the coastline. Small vessels are advised to seek shelter in harbours, bays or inlets. Refrain from any beachfront activity.

5 May 2021 Weather Alert: Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua

Weather Alert: Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua – 5 May 2021

Please find included several Impact Based Warnings for the Western Cape and Namaqua Region of Northern Cape

Legal notice:
“This warning from SA Weather Service must be communicated as received and may not be altered under any circumstance.
It must be forwarded or communicated in its entirety and no portion hereof may be replicated or copied and distributed.”

Hazard Alert Level Affected Municipalities Valid from (SAST) Valid to (SAST)
Disruptive Rain Yellow(L4) Breede Valley, City of Cape Town, Drakenstein, Hessequa, Langeberg, Stellenbosch 05/05/21 –  20h00 06/05/21 –  23h00

Discussion: An upper air driven system is causing showers and thundershowers to develop over the south-western parts of the Western Cape on Wednesday morning spreading eastwards to the rest of the province during the afternoon and evening. Significant rainfall can be expected over the City of Cape Town, Cape Winelands (mainly central and southern) as well as Hessequa municipality from Wednesday evening and intermittently throughout Thursday, where rainfall accumulations between 40-60mm reaching up to 80-100mm in the mountainous areas can be expected. With the thunderstorms, there is a small chance of hail. Lightning will occur as well as strong winds over short periods as a result of thunderstorm downburst.

Impact: Flooding of roads and settlements in both formal and informal settlements is likely which could result in damage to property and infrastructure. Disruption of traffic flow is likely, along with increased motor vehicle accidents, especially in peak hour traffic on Thursday. Essential services such as water and electricity may be affected. There is a chance for mudslides and rockfalls in susceptible areas.

Instruction: Be cautious on the roads and avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles. If trapped in a vehicle during a flood, abandon it and climb to higher ground. In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level. Switch off electricity at the supply point to the building. Be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to recognize flood dangers. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

Hazard Alert Level Affected Municipalities Valid from (SAST) Valid to (SAST)
Damaging Winds Yellow(L4) Cape Agulhas, Cape Agulhas, City of Cape town, Hessequa, Overstrand 05/05/21 –  18h00 06/05/21 – 23h00

Discussion: Strong to gale force south-easterly winds (50-70km/h) and gusts up to 80-90km/h is expected from Wednesday afternoon offshore between Hout Bay and Stilbaai. The wind will be at its full force from Wednesday night into Thursday morning, this is the same period when the upper air weather system will be intensifying.

Impact: Strong winds will cause danger to navigation out at sea and result in small vessel at risk of taking on water and capsizing in totality.

Instruction: Small boats must stay away from the open sea and seek the shelter of a harbour, river estuary or protected bay Parked aircraft should be pointed into the direction of the wind and secured. Ensure that all temporary structures are well anchored.

Hazard Alert Level Affected Municipalities Valid from (SAST) Valid to (SAST)
Damaging Winds Yellow(L4) Cape Agulhas, Cape Agulhas, City of Cape town, Hessequa, Overstrand 05/05/21 –  18h00 06/05/21 – 23h00

Discussion: Wave heights between 4.0-5.5m is expected between Hout Bay and Stilbaai from Wednesday late morning continuing into Thursday. Along with these higher wave heights, predominant southerly to south-easterly swells are also expected. Strong southerly winds (50-70km/h) is expected along the between Hout Bay and Stillbaai from Wednesday afternoon and throughout Thursday.

Impact: Small vessels will experience difficulty in navigation at sea as a result of rough and choppy seas (quick successive, steep waves) and may be at risk of taking on water and capsizing in a locality. Localized disruptions to beachfront activities.

Instruction: Be aware of large waves along the coastline. Small vessels are advised to seek shelter in harbours, bays or inlets. Refrain from any beachfront activity.