Media Release: GRDM and LGSETA New Venture Creation Learnership classes conclude
For immediate release 19 August 2022
Today, 19 August 2022, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) in collaboration with the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA), facilitated their last training class to students who enrolled for the New Venture Creation Learnership early this year.
LGSETA through a discretionary grant, sponsored the training programme to unemployed ten (10) unemployed learners who reside in the Garden Route district. The training was facilitated by African Global Skills Academy, a training company that delivers training and other related services to adult learners and supplies training related services nationally. Their main focus areas are Hospitality, Tourism, Guiding, Event Management, Conservation, Sport and Craft production training.
Now that the theoretical classes came to a close, the students will have the opportunity to undergo practical training for a nine (9) month period. Through this phase they will be placed at (various workplaces within Garden Route) where they will apply the knowledge gained for the last three (3) months.
Feature Photo:
From left (front row): Olwethu Skippers, Siphosethu Mali and Busisiwe Xhanywe (students), Mrs Aneeka Jacobs (Western Cape Provincial Manager – LGSETA), Khomotso Ngoetsana (Facilitator – African Global Skills Academy) and Angeline Naidoo (Human Resources Practitioner: Training – GRDM).
From left (back row): Cheslyn Robertson and Moustapha Esau (students), Trix Holtzhausen (Executive Manager: Corporate Services – GRDM), as well as Graham Redelinghuys, Winnefred Seenzele and Asemahle Jonas (students).
Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality launches electronic job application platform
For immediate release 01 July 2022
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is pleased to announce that, as of 1 July 2022, it will introduce its own E-recruitment system. The aim of the system is to make it convenient for applicants to apply for a vacant position at the municipality.
This paperless online job application system will allow applicants to apply for a vacancy without having to complete an application form, make copies of their Curriculum Vitaes (CV) and relevant qualifications every time they apply for a vacancy. GRDM’s vision is to be a leading, enabling, and inclusive district. With this in mind, this system will provide a platform where job vacancies can be advertised, viewed, and applied for online, enhancing the recruitment and selection process by increasing responses.
When a candidate registers and creates a profile on the E-recruitment system, it is mandatory to upload their CV and qualifications, which is stored on the system and can be updated at any time. This makes the application process for a vacancy flow more efficiently.
Why an E-recruitment system?
E-recruitment will improve the efficiency of filling vacancies because of semi-automated digitisation processes;
The system stores a backup file of all the applicant information; and
A move from paper to an electronic system improves auditing processes.
What does this system mean for the public?
To apply for a vacancy, a person can use any computer or visit a Thusong centre or library in his area;
No more traveling to the post office or the GRDM offices to submit a completed application;
No more emailed applications because, once applying for a position, the system will automatically send an email informing an applicant that they’ve applied and successfully uploaded their application; and
Candidates will be able to track how far along the vacancy process is on the e-recruitment system.
How does the application process work?
The vacancy will be advertised on several platforms, clearly marked that only online applications will be accepted;
Applicants will be reminded to register and create their profiles on the system;
Others who are already registered are welcome to apply for a vacancy;
Once registered, one can apply for any vacancy by selecting the vacancy and filling out the mandatory fields; and
The recruitment process will be fast and accurate since there will be no manual capturing of information.
When will the system be officially active?
The system will be live from Friday, 01 July 2022.
One vacancy will be advertised on the E-recruitment system as a trial run to monitor and evaluate public response.
In the beginning, only vacancies on T10 and above will be advertised on the system.
After two months an evaluation will be done to see how effective the system was.
After that, the system will be fully implemented for vacancies below T9.
Please note, currently the system is not mobile-friendly; it is only functional on a computer for now, but it will be compatible with a cell phone during the next phase or the system enhancement.
How to access the system?
Brows to https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/apply-for-work/ and it will take applicants to the landing page to start their registration process. This page also gives applications the option to update their profiles or to apply for a vacancy.
GRDM calls upon the public to start registering and creating their profiles on the e-recruitment system. If anyone doesn’t have access to a computer, the GRDM encourages those to visit any of the Thusong centres or libraries in their respective areas where they can register and create their profiles.
Who should I contact if I need assistance with the system?
Ms Amanda Booysen – GRDM Human Resources Representative – 044-803 1389 / 078 450 7950
Ms Margaret Powell – GRDM IT Representative – 044 803 1409
Click on the link below to view a short training video that will help you to understand how the Garden Route District Municipality E-recruitment system works and how to apply for vacancies.
Media Release: GRDM acknowledges Safety Representatives for their dedicated and loyal service
For immediate release 29 June 2022
Last week Friday, 24 June 2022, the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Section was in the spotlight when recognising OHS representatives for their outstanding service rendered to the employer (GRDM). OHS representatives have maintained a consistent, dedicated and compliant-centric approach in the workplace.
The recognition event took place at the George Civic Hall. Approximately 200 employees braved the chilly weather conditions to receive their certificates and witness the proceedings of the event. These representatives are stationed at the head office of GRDM and all satellite offices situated across the Garden Route district.
According to Loyiso Shoto, Human Resources Practitioner for Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) at GRDM, an employer must appoint competent employees to undertake certain work assignments in the organisation as per OHS Act. It was for this reason that the OHS section nominated employees from various departments within the organisation to be appointed as OHS representatives.
Representatives include: Health and Safety Representatives, First Aiders and Fire Wardens.
Health & Safety Representatives:
OHS Act, Section 17 (2) – Every employer who has more than 20 employees in his employment at any workplace shall, within four months after the commencement of this Act or after commencing business, or from such time the number of employees exceeds 20, as the case may be, designate in writing for a specified period health and safety representatives of such workplace, or for different sections thereof.
First Aider:
General Safety Regulations 3 (2) – Where more than 10 employees are employed at a workplace, the employer of such employees shall take steps to ensure that for every group of up to 50 employees at the workplace or in case of a shop or office as contemplated in the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, 1993 for every group of up to 100 employees, at least one person is readily available during normal working hours, who is in possession of a valid certificate of competence in first aid.
Fire Wardens:
Construction Regulations 29 (h) – A contractor must in addition to compliance with the Environmental Regulations for Workplaces, 1987, ensure that –
(h) the fire equipment contemplated in paragraph (g) is inspected by a competent person, who has been appointed in writing for that purpose, in the manner indicated by the manufacturer thereof;
(i) a sufficient number of workers are trained in the use of fire-extinguishing equipment;
Portfolio Chairperson for Corporate Services, Ald. Iona Kritzinger, during her welcoming address to the representatives, councillors and officials who attended the event, praised the Corporate Services Department, under the leadership of Trix Holtzhausen, for their dedication to ensure the respective disciplines are represented across the organisation. To the representatives she highlighted:
“You fulfil this role because you care about your colleagues, you care about the organisation and the health and safety of all of us – we are thankful and appreciate your services to the organisation”.
Executive Mayor, Ald. Memory Booysen,during his keynote address before handing the first certificate over to a Health and Safety Representative.
GRDM Chairperson for Occupational Health and Safety, Cllr Virgill Gericke, shared a message of support to all safety representatives.
The GRDM Chairperson for Occupational Health and Safety, Cllr Virgill Gericke, shared words of appreciation to all safety representatives at the event and provided a backround about the OHS function within the municipality and the operations of the OHS Committee. “The committee originates from legislation and was instituted exclusively to ensure that people are safe in the workplace and that they enjoy the privileges and rights of safety and security in the workplace.”
After raising his concerns about other organisations that do not have OHS structures and safety representatives in place, he praised the GRDM for being organised and for having and keeping the OHS function under control. “When you walk into the buildings of the GRDM, it is evident that from the entrance to the exit, that all aspects of OHS are under control and organised when it comes to the safety and security of our personnel”. Adding to this he highlighted: “This is only possible, because we have committed and dedicated personnel who make sure that these functions are performed”. Recalling one day when one of the areas of Pacaltsdorp had no water, he said:
“The moment the Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu was informed about the water issue, he activated trucks within five (5) minutes and soon water was delivered to the area”.
Portfolio Chairperson for Corporate Services, Ald. Iona Kritzinger, delivered the welcoming address at the event.
Wouter Jacobs, Coordinator of Disaster Management, gave an overview of the Covid-19 cases in the district.
Emile Conrad, Senior Firefighter at GRDM, added harmonious sounds to the event with his saxophone.
Executive Mayor, Memory Booysen, who handed the certificates over to the top achievers, said: “There are certain sectors within the municipal environment that you hear and see and they are just there having a presence”. He assured them that they have not been forgotten. “The only time you come to mind is when an incident occurs or when a disaster strikes. This is an indication of how important you are to this organisation and to the communities”. Mayor Booysen further made mention of a few examples of incidents that happened in South Africa that furthermore reminded him of the importance of OHS representatives. One such example was the fire that broke out at the Parliament building. When he referred to these incidents he said: “When people in power remember you, they want to through you under the bus, because somebody needs to be blamed”. He continued by saying that when there is a fire, there are numerous questions on what the cause of the fire was and whether safety measures were in place, “only then you are remembered – and that needs to stop!” he said.
Francois Vryburg, Operations Director at SD Recruitment, thanked the GRDM for their partnership for the next three (3) years.
Nontobeko Klaas, Manager for Human Resources delivered the vote of thanks to particularly the health and safety representatives.
Ms Trix Holtshauzen, Executive Manager for Corporate Services at GRDM directed the programme.
The event was organised by Occupational Health & Safety Practitioner, Mr Loyiso Shoto, and the Human Resources team at GRDM.
Reflecting on these incidents and the OHS representative’s role, Mayor Booysen highlighted and said: “I look at you with different eyes. You might at times feel neglected and feel that you are not noticed, but indeed we do see you and we hear you. Our challenge from today onwards is the question on what we can do better to make sure that you are not just seen and heard of, but that you are also respected”. When he reminded all about one of the worst pandemics the world faced, he said:
“We had a choice to get up or not to get up in the morning, but when the pawpaw hit the fan, you were sent into the high-risk areas. You had to confront Covid-19 face-to-face. You were exposed to the areas that posed a risk, you had to sanitise the buildings – you had to respond. And today, we are here; we sadly lost some of our friends and colleagues, you were not in despair. And for that, we do see you, we hear you, we respect you and we are going to walk the walk with you”.
Wouter Jacobs, Coordinator of Disaster Management, gave an overview of the Covid-19 cases in the district with only two (2) cases of patients that were reported to be in hospital.
Francois Vryburg, Operations Director at SD Recruitment, thanked the GRDM for their partnership for the next three (3) years. He said: “We will assist the GRDM to achieve their vision by ensuring that all employees are healthy and the working environments is safe”.
Nontobeko Klaas, Manager for Human Resources delivered the vote of thanks to particularly the health and safety representatives and said: “It might look as we recognising you only once in a while, but today it is proof or confirmation of our appreciation to you for the excellent job that you have done so far”.
The event was organised by OHS Practitioner, Mr Loyiso Shoto and the programme was directed by Ms Trix Holtshauzen, Executive Manager for Corporate Services responsible for Occupational Health and Safety at GRDM.
ENDS
The Occupational Health and Safety Representatives at Garden Route District Municipality with the certificates issued to them.
Media Release: Officials from Garden Route District Municipality celebrate Employee Wellness Day – 30 employees donated blood!
For immediate release 3 June 2022
Every year, National Employee Wellness Month is celebrated during the month of June. In view of this, the Garden Route District Municipality’s Employee Assistance Section organised a full-day programme filled with wellness activities to encourage employees to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being at work and overall.
Research indicates that work is closely linked to an individual’s health and well-being. And, as a result, several service providers were invited to interact with employees and advise them on how to improve and adopt a healthier workplace wellness culture since they spend most of their time at work.
Nedbank, Virgin Active, Bonitas- and LA Health Medical Scheme, the Western Cape Department of Health, the Western Cape Blood Services, and CANSA Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) representatives were among the service providers.
The GRDM Blood Donation Drive was one of the highlights of the day as the Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) also urges all eligible donors to donate blood as blood stocks are critically low.
According to the South African National Blood Service (SANBS), ‘Donating a unit of this “precious gift of life” saves lives of those in dire need of blood. One must develop a habit of donating blood in order for SANBS to collect sufficient blood that will ensure that in cases of emergency quality blood is always available. Thousands of patients can die daily if there is insufficient quality blood in stock. When one donates blood, they give patients the gift money cannot buy or science cannot create. A unit of blood can save up to three lives as blood is separated into red blood cells, plasma and platelets.’
Thirty (30) employees from GRDM donated blood today.
Benefits of donating blood:
Improves overall cardiovascular health.
Enhances the production of new blood cells to produce new blood cells to maintain good health.
Lower the risk of strokes.
Reduces the chance of heart attacks.
Lower the risk of cancer.
Free health screening – vital signs, blood type, and other screening tests.
It saves lives – many lives are saved and hope is given to many whose situation may otherwise be hopeless.
Blood donors give such patients a second lease of life.
As part of the day’s activities, Virgin Active also hosted a Grid Class for employees to participate in.
Garden Route District Municipality in partnership with the Western Cape Provincial Treasury hereby invite students currently registered at Tertiary institutions, to apply for financial assistance towards furthering their studies during the 2022 academic year. The financial contribution by GRDM and Western Cape Provincial Treasury, is restricted to full-time study and attendance at SAQA accredited tertiary institution. This is ONLY applicable to students whose parents permanently reside within the Garden Route municipal area.
Requirements: Must currently study towards a formal qualification in Finance/Auditing.
Application forms are available at the GRDM Head-office and satellite offices during normal office hours (Monday – Thursday 07:30 – 16:30; Friday 07:30 – 13:30). Application forms are also available on the GRDM’s website here: Application Form
THE GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY WILL ONLY CONSIDER COMPLETED APPLICATIONS IF THE DOCUMENTS MENTIONED BELOW HAVE BEEN INCLUDED.
A detailed Curriculum Vitae and cover letter, application form, and certified copies of the following documentation must be attached: Latest or Grade 12 results or equal qualification; proof of registration; proof of statement of account from Institution; latest examination results of students currently enrolled at tertiary institutions; certified copy of I.D.; affidavit of parents’ combined income and proof of residential address (municipal account).
Please forward the application form and all documents to: Records, Garden Route District Municipality, 54 York Street, P.O. Box 12, George 6530, for attention: Training and Development Section. For any enquiries, do not hesitate to contact Mr Reginald Salmons at 044 803 1363, Ms Angeline Naidoo at 044 803 1420 or Mrs Angela-Ziva Coetzee at 044 803 1344 during office hours. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Should candidates not be contacted within two-months of the closing date, they must consider their application as unsuccessful.
Closing date: 23 May 2022
Notice number: 57/2022
FINANSIËLE HULP VIR VERDERE STUDIES 2022
Garden Route Distriksmunisipaliteit in vennootskap met die Wes-Kaapse Provinsiale Tesourie nooi hiermee studente uit wat tans by Tersiêre instellings geregistreer is, om aansoek te doen vir finansiële bystand om hul studies gedurende die 2022 akademiese jaar te bevorder. Die finansiële bydrae deur GRDM en Wes-Kaapse Provinsiale Tesourie is beperk tot voltydse studies en bywoning van SAQA geakkrediteerde tersiêre instellings. Dit is SLEGS van toepassing op studente wie se ouers permanent in die Gardenroute munisipale area woon.
Vereistes: Moet tans studeer vir ‘n formele kwalifikasie binne Finansies/ Ouditkunde.
Aansoekvorms is beskikbaar by die Garden Route Distriksmunisipaliteit, asook die satelliet kantore gedurende normale kantoorure (Maandag – Donderdag 07:30 – 16:30 en Vrydag 07:30 – 13:30). Aansoekvorms is ook beskikbaar op die Garden Route Distriksmunisipaliteit se webtuiste: : Aansoekvorm
DIE GARDEN ROUTE DISTRIKSMUNISIPALITEIT SAL SLEGS AANSOEKE OORWEEG WAT VOLLEDIG VOLTOOI IS, EN WAAR AL DIE DOKUMENTE SOOS HIERONDER VEREIS, INGESLUIT IS.
‘n Gedetailleerde: “Curriculum Vitae” tesame met ‘n dekbrief; volledig voltooide aansoekvorm en gesertifiseerde afskrifte van die volgende vereiste dokumentasie moet aangeheg word: Onlangse uitslae van Graad 12 of uitslae ‘n gelykwaardige kwalifikasie; bewys van registrasie; bewys van rekeningstaat van tersiêre instellings;onlangse uitslae (studente wat tans ingeskryf is by tersiêre instellings); gesertifiseerde afskrif van ID; beëdigde verklaring van ouers se gesamentlike inkomste en bewys van woonadres (munisipale rekening).
Vir enige navrae skakel mnr. Reginald Salmons by 044 803 1363, me. Angeline Naidoo by 044 803 1420 of me. Angela-Ziva Coetzee by 044 803 1328 gedurende kantoor-ure.
Rig ‘n volledige curriculum vitae en dekbrief, vergesel met vereiste dokumente en aansoekvorm aan: Rekords, Garden Route Distriksmunisipaliteit, Yorkstraat 54, Posbus 12, George, 6530 vir aandag: Opleiding en Ontwikkelingsafdeling. Slegs kandidate op die kortlys sal gekontak word. Indien u nie binne twee maande na die sluitingsdatum gekontak word nie, kan aanvaar word dat u aansoek onsuksesvol was.
Sluitingsdatum: 23 Mei 2022
Kennisgewingnommer: 57/2022
UNCEDO NGEZEMALI NGOKUQHUBEKEKA NGEZEMFUNDO KU 2022
WEBINAR: GARDEN ROUTE SKILLS MECCA – 5 OCTOBER 2021
Capacity Building for Skills Development Providers
You are invited to attend our upcoming Garden Route Skills Mecca Capacity Building Session. Through this engagement, we wish to bring all skills development providers, both public and private, interested in becoming part of the Garden Route Skills Mecca process on board.
This session will allow stakeholders to gain insights into our programme offerings and build their capacity when applying to become accredited providers in South Africa.
Media Release: Roads employees bid farewell to a dedicated colleague – Luleka Yoli passes away
For Immediate Release
16 September 2021
Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), particularly the Roads Department, learned about the passing of a colleague, Luleka Yoli, on 9 September 2021.
The late Yoli was a mother of two and passed away in Riversdale at the age of 39.
Her colleagues at GRDM mourn her death as she was, as many describe her, “a loyal and friendly team member – a family member”. She served the Roads Department for 13 years since her appointment on 05 March 2009. Before her departure, she was a member of the Regravel team based in the Riversdale area.
During this period, her colleagues had the opportunity to work with her, and they all shared a common field of specialisation in road works – the re-gravelling of roads in Riversdale. Fulfilling her role to the best of her ability confirms her sterling work ethic and dedication as employee.
Jacques Joseph, Superintendent of the GRDM Riversdale Roads Maintenance, said: “It was a privilege to work with Ms Yoli; as much as she was a friendly person at work, she remained a hardworking and reliable individual”. He added: “It almost feels as if we have lost a family member; she was our sister, and we are going to miss her tremendously, but we know how she battled with her health and for that we grant her eternal rest. She will always live on in our hearts,” he added.
Senior Supervisor of the late Luleka, John Hartnick, remembers Luleka as a well-mannered and respected employee. “She was always ready to do and give her best in the workplace. We also could easily share personal information with her, given her empathy for others and how she carried the best interest of her colleagues at heart”.
GRDM will host an official memorial service to celebrate her life at the municipality’s Council Chambers on Friday, 17 September 2021 at 10:00. Family members, friends, colleagues and members of the public, who will not be in attendance, are invited to follow the proceedings through the municipality’s YouTube channel at: https://youtu.be/QljDWhilyTQ or join the webinar at: https://gardenroute.zoom.us/j/96429186478.
Luleka Yoli, may your precious soul rest in peace.
Media Release: GRDM Council, Management and Staff bid their final farewell to Fire Chief Freddy Thaver
08 July 2021 For immediate release
This morning, Council, Management and Staff of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) bid their colleague, the late Fire Chief, Mr Freddy Thaver, farewell during a touching memorial services held by the Municipality at its Council Chambers in George. Mr Thaver passed away in George on Thursday, 1 July 2021 at the age of 53 after experiencing Covid-related complications.
Ms Louise Hoek, with her daughter (back), receiving the helmet of the departed Fire Chief, Mr Thaver, as token of appreciation for his selfless service rendered to the Garden Route district. With them in the back are: Municipal Manager, Mr Monde Stratu (left) and Mayor Memory Booysen (right).
Mr Thaver joined the GRDM on 1 April 2016, to lead the Fire Services Unit as Chief Fire Officer. He owned diverse characteristics, from being a firm, decisive and strict leader and person, to being a father figure for many and always joyous and full of laughter.
During his eulogy at the event, Executive Mayor of GRDM, Alderman Memory Booysen, referred to Mr Thaver as an expert in his field. He recalled an incident at one of the wildfires in Hessequa. He explained that the wildfire was of such a nature that it almost burned down the Joint Operating Centre (JOC). “In a state of panic, farmers arrived at the JOC with ideas to contain the wildfires. However, Freddy was determined and took a stance that the idea would not work”. He said that it was due to these firm attributes that Freddy was a unique and admirable Fire Chief.
Municipal Manager, Mr Monde Stratu, said that Thaver was no push-over. “He had principles and stood for what he believed in”. He also recalled many experiences with him and fellow firefighters, but up to this far he was not aware of anything that Mr Thaver said behind his back which he did not tell in his face. Adding to this Mr Stratu said: “It was always a marvel to watch him fight his battles. Through this, Mr Stratu highlighted: “He was passionate about his work, very strong-willed and very decisive about his positions”.
Ms Louise Hoek, fiancée of the late Mr Thaver, mentioned that he was a proud family man and that he was passionate about firefighting and saving lives. She also remembered how he fought for those who he dearly loved. “I will never forget the example he set. When I met him the first time, he was clearly presented as a proud man in uniform”. Adding to this, she said: “I never thought that today I would be paying tribute to his life at a memorial service, instead I thought we would have done our wedding vows around now”. She concluded: “Despite of the heartbreak I am grateful for the opportunity to have met him and that we could be part of the life of this special human being”.
Mr Deon Stoffels, GRDM Station Commander, on behalf of the team members at the various GRDM fire stations, described Mr Thaver not only as a fire chief, but a father to the firefighters, a mentor and motivator. “He was also a man with great respect for his career and others, disciplined and a person of integrity. He furthermore had a high level of intellect relating to his profession. He had good interpersonal skills and was a hard-working fire chief, determined, but also funny with a unique sense of humour”. The GRDM Riversdale team remembered Mr Thaver as a highly valued and respected member of the Fire Services Department, as well as GRDM. “The effects of his passing are already felt”. Further to this, they said, “Mr Freddy Thaver was a wonderful Chief who understood the meaning of the word ‘leader’. He was always focused on the good of this Fire Services Unit, rather than of his own benefit”.
Apart from only focusing on managing the firefighting team, Mr Thaver made many contributions to this department. The female firefighters recalled the efforts of Mr Thaver in relation to their needs in the service. “We could do anything that we put our minds to, because we had our Chief’s full support – we will miss him for all his efforts in ensuring that we live our full potential in our profession”.
The service was directed by Mr Clive Africa, Executive Manager for Community Services, responsible for fire services at GRDM.
Mr Thaver was laid to rest in at his home town in Durban, on Sunday, 4 July 2021.
“Rest in Peace Freddy Thaver.
We as Council and Staff, most of all the Firefighters, will sorely miss you”.
It was a heavy and sad atmosphere at the offices of Garden Route District Municipality this morning during a pray session, after councillors and staff were informed about the sudden passing of their dear colleague, Fire Chief, Mr Freddy Thaver.
Mr Thaver passed away on Thursday, 1 July 2021 in George after a short illness.
During the prayer session the Municipal Manager, Mr Monde Stratu, conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and all his colleagues. During the session he also urged staff to continue to be extra cautious during this 3rd wave of the pandemic and to take extra care of themselves and their families in the fight against the pandemic.
A virtual memorial service will be hosted by the municipality during next week – date yet to be confirmed. The late Mr Thaver will be laid to rest at his home town in Durban on Sunday, 4 July 2021.
A full statement will be shared with the public in due course.
Media Release: Skills Mecca to become central to job and skills alignment in the Garden Route
For Immediate Release 15 June 2021
South Africans have almost become immune to bad news as day to day survival remains for many the single most important priority, especially with the arrival of COVID 19 and the world of Lockdown. Many of us would probably not even realised that on 1 June 2021, Statistics South Africa (STATS SA) released the first quarter of 2021 Labour Force survey that shows the official national unemployment stands at 32,6%. This is the highest unemployment rate since the start of the Labour Force survey in 2008. Although the Western Cape is somewhat better off at 23,7%, the smaller percentage makes no difference to those still unemployed and without a job.
Turning such a catastrophic scenario around in a long term sustainable manner is only possible through targeted economic growth and development. This is why the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) developed 20-year Growth and Development Strategy. A well-designed strategy requires a solid foundation with many cross-cutting enablers, one of which is skills development.
A critical question then arises: “What are the skills requirements and challenges that constrain this priority area?”
The GRDM and its relevant stakeholders have ramped up efforts to roll out the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM). A dedicated GRSM Coordinator, Dr Florus Prinsloo, has subsequently been appointed by the GRDM. Dr Prinsloo has already established an internal task team, as well as an external stakeholder forum. An implementation plan for the Skills Mecca have been finalised and submitted to the Management of GRDM, the Municipal Managers Forum of the District (MMF) and a Council workshop today for further deliberations and input in the month of June. The next step is to develop a website where residents of the Garden Route can access up to date information on the GRSM.
Another essential part of the GRSM concept is establishing a clear link between skills development and jobs, which will only be possible by the GRSM team working closely with Local Economic Development (LED) Units at each municipality in the Garden Route. This approach will help to inform decisions by utilising demand-based methods toward skills development. This means that economic demand would need to be linked to skills development projects and programmes. This will result in people studying towards careers where there are jobs vacant.
A partnership-based approach is the only way that such an ambitious process will succeed. At the moment, a pressing and challenging risk faced is the lack of funding available for skills development. Creating partnerships between all the relevant public and private sector is vital to the success of this programme. However, the GRDM is engaging all economic levels to try and source funding for this innovative approach to skills development and job creation.
