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16 April 2020 Call for applications: COVID-19 Agricultural disaster support fund for smallholder and communal farmers

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development hereby calls for applications from small holder farmers/producers who are currently in production and preparing for winter crops.

The main objective of this support is to complete the current production cycle in an effort to ensure adequate food production and supplies. The targeted beneficiaries are smallholder and communal producers with a turnover between R20 000 and R1 million per annum. 50% women, 40% youth and 6% people with disability will be targeted.  The Funding is a grant and the voucher system will apply in partnership with distributors and manufactures of these inputs and the grant shall not exceed R50 000 per farming operation.

The specific targeted commodities to be supported are the following: (this is guided by the country’s self-sufficiency index)

Commodity Specific Support
Poultry Day old chicks, Point of lay chickens, feed, medication and sawdust;
Vegetables Seed, Seedlings, fertilizer, pesticides, herbicides and soil correction.
Fruits Final spraying programmes for fruits that are ready for harvest.
Livestock Feed and medication
Winter Crops Soil correction, fertilizer, seeds, herbicides and pesticides.

Application Form

Agricultural Support Application Form

 Closing Date for the application is 22 APRIL 2020 by 16h00. Late applications will not be considered.

 Disclaimer: due to limitation of funds not all qualifying farmers will be funded.

Minimum Requirements

  • Smallholder farmers/producers must have a minimum turnover of R20 000 per annum but not exceeding R1 million. (produce financial records or evidence if financial statement cannot be produced during this lockdown period )
  • South African Certified ID copy; not older than 3 months
  • Valid confirmation of land tenure/ownership (title deeds, Tribal Resolution, Permission to Occupy, minimum 5 years lease agreement)
  • Already farming
  • Application form completed
  • Farming operation able to create permanent and/or seasonal jobs
  • In cases where the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Certificate is necessary for the operations, evidence of such to be provided.
  • Proof of access to water for irrigation in case of fruits, vegetables and winter crops (i.e. water license/rights or proof that it had been applied for, borehole or other sources).
  • Non-Government Employees

More detail on the selection criteria please visit the respective provincial Department of Agriculture OR national department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development or visit www.dalrrd.gov.za

The applications will be evaluated in line with the agreed selection criteria.

Application forms are available at Both National and Provincial Departments of Agriculture offices as well as at the district and National offices of the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development. DALRRD website: www.dalrrd.gov.za.

Completed application forms with the supporting documents must be submitted to the nearest Local, District Municipality or DALRRD.

16 April 2020 Media Release: Garden Route district homeless are cared for during the COVID-19 pandemic

Media Release: Garden Route district homeless are cared for during the COVID-19 pandemic

For Immediate Release

16 April 2020

Since the first case of Coronavirus (COVID-19) was confirmed in the Garden Route district, homeless people were amongst many who were identified as the extremely vulnerable to the impact of the virus.

For this reason, the Department of Social Development (DSD), Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and local municipalities in the district, worked and planned together at the GRDM command centre to make arrangements to accommodate these vulnerable at temporary shelters for the homeless.

At a social cluster meeting held on 15 April, it was reported that approximately 250 homeless persons are housed at these shelters. However, according to Ms Una Petersen from DSD the number of homeless people fluctuate on a daily basis.

Mr Jason Rondganger from George Municipality, prepares meals for the residents at the Rosemoor Stadium. Photos: George Municipality

Some of the shelters that are currently utilised include: Itemba Shelter in Oudtshoorn, the Rosemoor Stadium inclusive of the clubhouse in George, Loerie Park stadium in Knysna, Native Roots in Bitou, Shack Shack, Bay Vista and the Haven in Mossel Bay.  Furthermore, in Hessequa tents are put up at premises of families to accommodate their homeless family members.

Apart from having a roof over their heads and beds to sleep on, these individuals are also provided with hot meals on a daily basis.

In order to fit the criteria and to be considered as temporary resident at these shelters, each person is screened at a local clinic where after the South African Police Service transports them to a shelter nearby.

For more information and to apply for temporary a shelter, please contact Ms Una Petersen at the DSD Regional Office at telephone number 044 814 1687 or per e-mail at Adriana.Petersen@westerncape.gov.za or Mia.Davids@westerncape.gov.za.

14 April 2020 Media Release: Licences and certificates of acceptability for informal food trading (uncooked) during COVID-19 lockdown

Media Release: Licences and certificates of acceptability for informal food trading (uncooked) during COVID-19 lockdown

For Immediate Release
14 April 2020

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) municipal health officials continue to issue Certificates of Acceptability (COA) to informal food traders where municipalities allow them to trade. It is however important to note that not all local municipalities are issuing licences. Knysna, Bitou, Hessequa and Kannaland municipalities continue to issue new licences while George, Mossel Bay and Greater Oudtshoorn municipalities do not. COAs issued prior to the lockdown will continue to be renewed where applicable.

The trading conditions for licenced informal food traders are:

  • trading hours from 08:00 to 18:00;
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the trader (mask, sanitisers and gloves), and the availability of water;
  • no selling of unpermitted goods e.g. cigarettes;
  • a distance of at least one metre apart should be maintained between trading stalls;
  • customers to be at least one metre apart and the trader is responsible for ensuring that these distances are maintained; and
  • traders must have the permit available for inspection at all times.

The following documents must accompany the applications:

  • Identity document or refugee permit;
  • existing trading permit; and
  • concession letter.

Contact details of chief municipal health officials responsible for issuing a COA are:

GRDM pleads with all informal food traders to co-operate with us and local municipalities in fighting this pandemic. Informal traders are reminded to please take the necessary precautionary measures to improve hygiene conditions in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Also related to this: https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/2020/04/08/press-release-role-of-various-agencies-in-relation-to-permits-certificates-and-other-approvals/

ENDS

Media Queries
Herman Pieters | Senior Communicator
Garden Route District Municipality
E-mail: communications@gardenroute.gov.za

14 April 2020 Media Release: Statement by the Garden Route District Executive Mayor – Cllr Memory Booysen

Media Release: Statement by the Garden Route District Executive Mayor – Cllr Memory Booysen

For Immediate Release
14 April 2020

As the Executive Mayor of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), I want to assure residents of the Garden Route district that even though the world has temporarily turned upside down because of the current COVID-19 pandemic, we are hard at work to ensure that our economy thrives again.

As a district, we know that the nation-wide lockdown of 35 days has hit several industries and businesses very hard; hence we want to reassure businesses in our District that we are working closely with other key collaborative partners, to provide clarity and credible information to them.

These collaborative partners include:

  • The Western Cape Departments of Economic Development and Tourism
  • Department of Agriculture
  • WESGRO
  • Department of Unemployment and Labour
  • local municipalities
  • South Cape Economic Partnership (SCEP)
  • Business Chambers and -forums
  • Afrikaanse Handels Instituut Wes-kaap (AHI WC)
  • Small Business Forum
  • SEDA
  • business partners

We have established a Garden Route COVID-19 Economy Cluster which aims to assist businesses to navigate through opportunities for business assistance, funding, payment relief, etc.  Three (3) workstreams feed into this cluster namely, Business Continuity, Municipal Local Economic Development and Tourism.

To ensure that we fully understand what issues businesses face during these trying times, we and many others (SEDA, Business Partners, Sake Liga and the George Business Chamber) have initiated surveys to gain a clear picture of how COVID-19 has impacted them. All the data will be used to gain insights that will assist planning for the immediate, and medium to long term takes place, which include:

  • Business Continuity – through this period for the next year while the effects of the virus still have an influence (more so for the Tourism and Hospitality industry);
  • Business Revival / Rebuild – how to look internally at new business ideas to rebuild the local economies as we knew it; and
  • Business Innovation – what is the new normal and what can be done to implement totally new ideas that weren’t there before.

These are only a few of the aspects of our crisis response.

Last week, the Western Cape Government have launched an online tool which businesses can use to find and access appropriate government assistance. This tool can be accessed at https://www.supportbusiness.co.za/covid-19-support-finder/. Businesses can now access the Fund Finder facility through this website, to assess and determine exactly which financial or other assistance their businesses qualify for, be it government or private sector assistance.

We are hopeful that these efforts, structures and processes will help ensure the continuity and resilience of business operations during these turbulent economic times and post the national lockdown period, and in  doing so, minimize the number of job losses resulting from this pandemic.

We want to encourage residents in the district to stay calm, adhere to the lockdown regulations, practice personal hygiene and maintain social distance.  Together we can stop the spread.

9 April 2020 Media Release: Garden Route DM purchases half a million rand worth of essential goods for the vulnerable

Media Release: Garden Route DM purchases half a million rand worth of essential goods for the vulnerable

For Immediate Release
9 April 2020

On 9 April 2020, Executive Mayor of GRDM Cllr Memory Booysen, informed local municipalities that R500 000.00 worth of essential goods are ready for collection at its Fire Station in George.  These goods were purchased to aid local municipalities in assisting the most vulnerable communities in their areas. The delivery of items is expected to take place by tomorrow. “This R500 000.00 provides up to a week of essentials to 800 households of five members or less,” said Cllr Booysen.

Local Municipalities have been requested to identify the most vulnerable and in need of support that would not be addressed in terms of the Department Social Development (DSD) Social Relief of Distress (SDR) program. Strict measures will be in place to ensure that no duplication of distribution takes place, known as “double-dipping”. For this reason DSD officials and the municipalities will ensure that a centralised database is used. The South African Police Service will ensure that areas, where food parcels will be delivered, are secure and safe for those doing deliveries.

Last week DSD announced that the Department made R18 million available to distribute food parcels in the Western Cape of which 9 000 food parcels will be distributed to households in the Garden Route district from next week Thursday.

Manager of Disaster Manager at GRDM,  Mr Gerhard Otto, highlighted:  “To ensure that food is provided to all vulnerable residents for the period ahead, all municipalities are in the process to pledge their financial support to fill the gaps of the DSD funded programmes”.

Food items, toiletries and other necessities, donated by the public throughout the district will also contribute to the programme to ensure that no one is left unfed.

Also read:

https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/2020/04/06/additional-r53-million-allocated-to-food-relief-programmes-in-the-western-cape/

https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/2020/04/03/your-donation-is-needed-coronavirus-covid19-pandemic/

8 April 2020 Media Release: Role of various institutions in relation to permits, certificates and other approvals

Media Release: Role of various institutions in relation to permits, certificates and other approvals

For Immediate Release
8 April 2020

The COVID-19 response requires a practical multi-agency approach to address a myriad of issues facing South Africa during the lockdown. One solution is the appointment of essential workers from the public and private sectors. These workers risk their lives to keep the economy going and curb the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus by working in the frontline to assist those infected by the COVID-19 virus. It is also necessary for all essential workers to keep the relevant documentation issued by an authority with them while performing their duties.

“It should be noted and stressed that if anyone forges applications, certificates or permits, they will be liable to criminal prosecution and sanction,” said Gerhard Otto, Manager Municipal Disaster Management for the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM).

The role(s) of institutions who issue permits/certificates, etc.:

1. South African Police Services (SAPS)

SAPS only issue permits to people who plan to attend a funeral in a metropolitan area outside the district they reside in or a funeral in another province. SAPS issues no other permits.  The contact details of SAPS offices in the Garden Route district, include:

  • Albertinia: 028 735 8050
  • Calitzdorp: 044 213 8803
  • Conville: 044 803 3325
  • Da Gamaskop: 044 606 2229
  • De Rust: 044 241 2050
  • Dysselsdorp: 044 251 8403
  • George: 044 803 4705
  • Groot Brakrivier: 044 620 8300
  • Heidelberg: 028 722 1910
  • Knysna: 044 302 6600
  • KwaNokuthula: 044 501 4217
  • Kwanonqaba: 044 606 5600
  • Ladismith: 028 551 8106
  • Mossel Bay: 044 606 2800
  • Oudtshoorn: 044 203 9002
  • Pacaltsdorp: 044 803 9110
  • Plettenberg Bay: 044 501 1913
  • Riversdale: 028 713 8500
  • Stilbaai: 027 754 6100
  • Thembalethu: 044 802 8906
  • Uniondale: 044 752 6610

2. Local Municipalities (Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Bitou, Greater Oudtshoorn and Kannaland)

    • Issue permits to their own municipal staff who perform essential work.
    • Issue permits to companies that provide services to them.
    • Local municipalities issue business licences (except for George, Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn Municipalities), including licences to informal food traders (spaza shops, food vendors and hawkers). Business owners must contact local municipalities for details pertaining to licensing procedures and various health and safety regulations. Categories that require strict compliance in this instance include zoning, health (the district municipality issues a Certificate of Acceptability) and safety (particularly fire). Spaza shop owners and informal food traders must hold permits issued by their respective local municipalities allowing them to trade. Spaza shop owners and informal food traders currently trading without permits may apply for temporary permits. In case of non-South African citizens, the business owner must have lawfully admitted into the Republic and must hold a valid passport with a visa issued by the Department of Home Affairs or must alternatively hold an asylum seeker’s permit issued in terms of section 22 of the Refugees Act, 1998 (Act No. 130 of 1998).

2.1 Issuing of permits for companies providing essential services to municipality

2.2 Issuing of licences to informal food traders

 3. Garden Route District Municipality

Garden Route District municipality issues a Certificate of Acceptability (COA) to those who are planning to approach a local municipality for a business licence. Permits are also issued by GRDM to companies who provide services to it, as well as to all essential workers at a district level.

3.1 Certificate of Acceptability

3.2 Essential Services to Garden Route District Municipality

Tippie Bouwer / tippie@gardenroute.gov.za / 083 941 0885

4. National Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC)

Businesses providing essential services to the general public are required to seek approval via the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission’s online portal (www.bizportal.gov.za) to trade during the lockdown period. Approval is granted by the DTIC, who emails a certificate to each applicant stating that they can continue trading. This certificate is proof to authorities that the applicant has been given permission by Government to trade and that its employees are able to have unrestricted movement ONLY for work purposes during the lockdown.

Contact 086 184 3384 for more information.

5. Private sector companies providing transport

Permits for public transport services are issued by the Chief Executive Officers of the public transport service providers. It must include the operating shifts or work schedules of employees. This means that the permits issued by employers to their employees may have to be amended either by adding the timetable as an addendum, or by issuing a new permit.

6. Sector Departments

Various sector departments also issue permits to their workers. These include, but are not limited to national and provincial sector departments.

Those not required to apply for new permits

Healthcare professionals registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa, sole proprietors who provide essential goods and services (including those who were registered before the COVID-19 pandemic, i.e. spaza shops, food vendors and hawkers), and all farmers. The above mentioned healthcare professionals, business owners and small-scale farmers must carry a copy of their original permit by them.

ENDS

Media Queries
Herman Pieters | Senior Communicator
Garden Route District Municipality
E-mail: communications@gardenroute.gov.za

8 April 2020 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality continues with disinfection of public areas

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality continues with disinfection of public areas

For Immediate Release
8 April 2020

While the number of Covid-19 positive cases are still increasing worldwide, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) recently started with a disinfection programme to disinfect various informal settlements and public areas in the district.  Prior to this initiative thorough training was provided to the teams to ensure that the correct processes are followed and also that each person is using suitable personal protective equipment during these operations. During this initiative special focus is placed on waiting rooms, meeting/committee rooms, facilities of the South African Police Service (SAPS) e.g. police cells, to name a few.

Firefighers disinfection public areas in Thembalethu. Photos & feature photo: George Herald

Disinfection operations at Courts and SAPS facilities in the Garden Route.

This morning the GRDM team continued with this initiative in George where they started off at Conville Police Station. Thereafter they disinfected the George Police Station and court, where after the Thembalethu Police Station and court followed suit. The next area of focus will be Pacaltsdorp.  On 9 April the team also plans to address the Uniondale, Haarlem and Noll areas etc. which are situated next to the N9.

For the past week, since the initiative commenced, all efforts have been well-received.  This is an indication that residents are fully aware of the seriousness of the pandemic. These efforts will keep the firefighters busy for a while, although they simultaneously have to deal with their first responsibility to ensure that reported fires in the district are contained, should the need arise.

The GRDM Management and Council at this stage would like to extend a word gratitude to all members of community and government departments for their cooperation throughout the process to ensure that the pandemic does not continue to spread. They also commended the GRDM firefighters (on-duty and standby crews, as well as volunteers) and Municipal Health officials for all their continued efforts during this initiative.

Firefighters disinfect courts in the Garden Route district.

For more information or requests, please contact:

  • Johan Compion – jcompion@gardenroute.gov.za
  • Emmy Douglas – emmy@gardenroute.gov.za

Also view: https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/2020/04/04/district-municipality-rolls-out-district-wide-decontamination-plan/

6 April 2020 Media Statement: Up to six months imprisonment, a fine, or both for those spreading fake news

Media Statement

For Immediate Release

6 April 2020

Up to six months imprisonment, a fine, or both for those spreading fake news

The National Department of Communication and Digital Technologies has published regulations to address the spread of fake news. These regulations have significant implications for the exercise of information rights. However, during the national lockdown all legislation remain subject to the Constitution and the rights entrenched in it.

It is a criminal offence for any person to publish any statement with the intention to deceive others about Covid-19, the infection status of any person or any measure taken by the government to address Covid-19. Spreading fake news about coronavirus is an offence punishable by a fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both.

Report fake news

If you receive information you suspect to be fake news, report it to fakenewsalert@dtps.gov.za or WhatsApp 067 966 4015.

Be sure to include a link or screenshot of the social media post, article or document.

ENDS

Media Queries
Herman Pieters | Senior Communicator
Garden Route District Municipality
E-mail: communications@gardenroute.gov.za

iStock.com/andreypopov

6 April 2020 Media Release: Community screening and testing for COVID-19 starts today

Media Release: Community screening and testing for COVID-19 starts today, 6 April 2020

For Immediate Release
6 April 2020

Western Cape Government Health will commence community screening and testing for COVID-19 from today, 6 April 2020. This is in line with the President and Minister Mkhize’s announcement that fieldworkers will commence with an active community screening and testing programme. With the number of positive COVID-19 cases spreading in communities, the risk to vulnerable communities is increasing. Government health services are actively trying to find people who might need help through talking to people (screening) and thus to determine whether they need to go for testing so we can refer them for treatment.

“We must ensure that our vulnerable communities are screened and tested in greater numbers to ensure our people are protected against the spread of the COVID-19 disease,” says Dr. Nomafrench Mbombo, MEC for Health in Western Cape. “I myself will be visiting Mbekweni in Paarl tomorrow to give support to our community teams.”

Fake news alert

Western Cape Government Health is aware of the video circulating on social media relating to community based testing of COVID-19

COVID-19 tests are performed with a nose and mouth swab, which is clinically safe and not contaminated

The video is not true. No blood or DNA tests will be done

 

Various initiatives will be rolled out this week, but we will start with the following areas:

Community screening and testing will start in the following areas:

Cape Town Metro sub-districts

  • Khayelitsha: Town2 and Ilitha Park (Monday)
  • Eastern: Happy Valley (Monday)
  • Western: Bo-Kaap (Tuesday)
  • Tygerberg: Bishop Lavis (Monday)
  • Klipfontein: Philippi (Tuesday)

Rural districts

  • Kwanonqaba, Mossel Bay (Monday)
  • Mbekweni, Cape Winelands (Monday)

Screening and testing will be expanded to other vulnerable communities at high risk of Coronavirus spreading from person to person. Screening will be conducted door-to-door by trained field workers in these areas using simple verbal questions to identify people who may require testing. Health workers will ask health questions aimed at screening for symptom (a sore throat, a cough or fever screening will either be done via community health workers visiting your home, or mobile units in your area (e.g. gazebos). Our fieldworkers will have ID tags and identifiable clothing. We ask the public to please allow our workers to screen them.

Testing will be done if the questions indicate that you require a further test. The health worker will refer you to the closest testing centre. The test will be done by taking a swab from your nose and throat. This will either be done in a clinic, or in a mobile parked in your area. Test results will not be immediately available but patients will be followed up and advised of their status.

What individuals must do

  • Please welcome health workers when screening
  • Answer the questions honestly.
  • Remember the 5 Golden rules: Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, keep surfaces clean, do not touch your face, cough and sneeze in your elbow fold, keep 1,5m away from people, and stay at home
  • Please co-operate fully and support family for testing

What communities should do

  • Please encourage people to be screened and tested
  • Look out for health workers who have official identification and branded clothing
  • Please support our health workers and keep them safe
  • Please help to keep communities clean and encourage good behaviour
  • Don’t be afraid of testing or potential sick people.
  • Please support the elderly and children

Where can I get help

  • Your local NGO or health worker
  • Call numbers: National Hotline: 0800 029 999
    Provincial hotline: 021 928 4102
    WhatsApp “hi” to 0600 123 456
  • All lines are operational 24/7
  • Your closest clinic (City and Province)Together, let’s stop the spread of Coronavirus

ENDS

Media Queries

Nadia Ferreira | Principal Communications Officer
Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts, Western Cape Government
E-mail: nadia.ferreira@westerncape.gov.za

Garden Route District Multi-Agency Command Centre