Local Government News
9 April 2021 Obituary: ‘A servant of the people, a library containing a wealth of knowledge’ – GRDM Cllr Klaas Windvogel passes away
Obituary: ‘A servant of the people, a library containing a wealth of knowledge’ – GRDM Cllr Klaas Windvogel passes away
For Immediate Release
9 April 2021
It is with sadness that the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Council was recently informed about the passing of Cllr Klaas Windvogel on Wednesday, 7 April 2021. The late Cllr Windvogel was a Proportional Representative from Oudtshoorn at the GRDM Council since 2016 and passed on as having served Council till the age of 60. Also read the statement issued by Oudtshoorn Municipality on Thursday, 8 April 2021.
After his passing became public, various tributes and messages of comfort poured in from different groups, communities and individuals who were known to him, including the political and church communities, family and friends. Many used social media platforms to share their fond memories of him, and his colleagues at GRDM shared tributes and condolences at a special prayer session hosted from the Municipality’s head-office in George on Thursday, 8 April 2021.
Cllr Windvogel is described as a servant of the people, who was also a member of the Community Services Portfolio Committee, one of the service delivery departments of GRDM.
Saddened and devastated by the loss of a great leader – “one of us,” ANC Chief Whip at the GRDM, Cllr Piet Van der Hoven, described the late councillor as a servant of the people. Van der Hoven said: “We met almost 30 years ago, but even far beyond that, we both were involved in the struggle for democracy. He was a true cadre of his political party and served as regional chairperson of the South Cape region from 2015 to 2018”. Van der Hoven further recalled how Cllr Windvogel was one of the most reliable and humble souls. He further said: “He was also a conceivable person, but extremely scarce in words, although extravagant in wisdom. He deliberated on issues in a well-thought through manner”. Van der Hoven further emphasised that Cllr Windvogel added immeasurable value to the caucus and that he served his constitution to the best of his ability with distinction. “He will be remembered as a real and committed cadre. Our deepest condolences to his wife, children, family and loved “many(ies),” – instead of loved ones, because he was dearly loved by many”.
Speaker of the GRDM Council, Ald Barnie Groenewald, extended a special message of comfort to the family and said: ”Our sincerest condolences to the family, friends and the African National Congress (ANC) on the loss of a soft, loving person who was a true comrade and colleague. He will be sorely missed”. Ald Virgill Gericke from the Plaaslike Besorgde Inwoners (PBI) shared the following words with the family: “Our deepest sympathy and condolences to his wife, children and broader family. Also heartfelt condolences to the ANC on the loss of a dear and committed cadre. May God comfort us all in this bereavement – Amen,” he said.
During the prayer session, GRDM Executive Mayor, Ald Memory Booysen, said: “Once again we are hit by a tragedy, hit by an incident that we are never getting used to. Cllr Windvogel was not a man of many words, but every time he engaged us, he was constructive. Things will never be the same, especially from a political perspective, as it is not the first time since 2016 that the ANC has lost a member,” Mayor Booysen added. He concluded by saying: “Our prayers are with the family and with the caucus. We are all affected by the passing of Cllr Windvogel and we must hold hands under these difficult circumstances. He encouraged his colleagues at GRDM by saying: “words will never be enough, the pain will always be there, but fortunately if we work together we can comfort each other to a certain extent. We hope and pray that God will give us comfort and strength during these difficult times”.
After delivering a prayer at the session, GRDM Councillor, Cllr Ivan Mangaliso, also extended a heart-warming message with the family, friends and colleagues of the late Cllr Windvogel. He said: “Today is a sad day, because we have lost a library, a wealth of knowledge and experience that could have impacted so many lives in the future to come. Our loss is difficult, because we saw and regarded Cllr Windvogel as a chairperson, a friend, comrade, as confidant – we have seen him as someone who we could depend on when we needed advice and guidance. We could communicate with him in very challenging times”. To these words, he added: “I thank God that we had the opportunity to engage with him and that he had formed part of our lives”. ICOSA’s GRDM Councillor, Cllr Wilbur Harris also shared a encouraging message with the family, stating that, “we want to encourage the family of our dear colleague, to have faith and trust in God that he departed to his eternal home with Jesus. What Cllr Windvogel did for the community of Oudtshoorn will not go unnoticed – rest in peace,” he said.
The prayer session was concluded by GRDM Portfolio Chairperson for Roads and Public Transport, Cllr Rowan Spies, who delivered a vote of thanks. During his speech, he also shared some of his memories of Cllr Windvogel. To the Oudtshoorn community he said: “The capacity that ‘Oom Klaas’ brought to your community was outstanding and what he did for Oudtshoorn will never be forgotten. Also, what he did for the youth and to those who will continue in his footsteps from now onwards, is highly appreciated”.
To the Windvogel family Cllr Spies said: “Our appreciation to you is enormous. Cllr Windvogel’s footprints are deep and will last long and therefore we thank you for what he sacrificed for our communities. We wish you strength for the next few days, weeks and grieving months ahead,” he concluded.
Details of a memorial services which will be hosted by GRDM will be made available on various platforms in due course.
Rest in Peace Servant of the People, Cllr Klaas Windvogel.
GRDM Council, Management and Staff
9 April 2021 Media Release: Sudden passing of another beloved Roads Services colleague and friend mourned
Media Release: Sudden passing of another beloved Roads Services colleague and friend mourned
For immediate release
09 April 2021
Officials at the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Roads Services in George were left ‘speechless and sad’ when they were informed on the morning of 6 April 2021 about the passing of their co-worker Mzwabantu Mbem. He tragically succumbed together with his partner, sister and child, during a fire at his household over the Easter weekend at the age of thirty-one (31).
According to Andre Mouton, a former supervisor of the late Mbem, he will always be remembered as the “giant with the gentle nature”. Mouton described Mzwabantu as an exceptionally quiet and introverted person, kind and respectful and much loved among his colleagues. “The characteristics of Mzwabantu that will always remain with me is his positive attitude; always ready to assist his peers to solve problems with workable solutions,” he said.
Mzwabantu Mbem commenced his career on 1 May 2017 as Senior Worker at the GRDM Roads Services in Herbertsdale. He was later transferred to the George Maintenance Team. Prior to his appointment at the GRDM, Mzwabantu obtained a NQF Level 4 qualification in Roads Construction and during the last two years of his employment, he equipped himself by attending different training courses as well as attaining his Code 10 driver’s license. He was also busy with a mentorship course that would enable him to fulfill his aspiration to become a foreman in the future.
Marius Mqhokrwana, colleague and friend of the late Mzwabantu described him as a man of few words, a person who merely did what he was tasked to do.’ He further described “Mbem” as a people’s person and a person who loved being around others, in particular his family.
“Mbem was known to be the ‘leader of the pack’ in terms of work performance. He was an intelligent young man, hard-working and committed, we all foresaw a promising future for him. As quiet as he was, he leaves a big gap and is going to be greatly missed.”
A memorial service to honour and celebrate the life of Mzwabantu Mbem will be held on Friday, 09 April 2021, to grant his colleagues and friends the opportunity to bid their final farewells. The Memorial Service will be broadcasted from the GRDM Council Chambers and will be available on Youtube at: https://youtu.be/cjqm59uY4ng
08 April 2021 Public Reminder: Memorial Service of the late Mzwabantu Mbem takes place today, 9 April 2021 at 10:00 am
Public Reminder: Memorial Service of the late Mzwabantu Mbem takes place today, 9 April 2021 at 10:00 am
This Memorial Service will also be broadcasted via Youtube and open for
attendance via Zoom: https ://gardenroute.zoom.us/j/93880227849?pwd=YTdMcU92b2R2NWh6
RG9yMHVhQ1ptQT09
ID: 938 8022 7849 | Passcode: 134109
Youtube live: https://youtu.be/cjqm59uY4ng
Click on the link to download the Programme
8 April 2021 Public Notice: Draft Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plan for the 2021/2022 Financial Year is accessible
Public Notice: Draft Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plan for the 2021/2022 Financial Year is accessible
Click to download or access the document.
For any enquiries contact: GRDM Performance Manager, Ms Ilse Saaiman at:
E-mail: performance@gardenroute.gov.za and info@gardenroute.gov.za
Reception: 044 803 1300
7 April 2021 Media Release: Bitou Municipality initiates Kranshoek Pilot Project on Covid-19 Awareness
Media Release: Bitou Municipality initiates Kranshoek Pilot Project on Covid-19 Awareness
For Immediate Release
7 April 2020
![](https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/IMG-20210405-WA0009-300x225.jpg)
The Multi-Disciplinary Team in the Bitou Local Municipal area, recently arranged a Pilot Project for the Kranshoek community. The Project aims to raise Covid-19 awareness by utilising the structures in place to reach residents within the local community and considers all Covid-19 Alert Level 1 Regulations, adjusted from 1 March 2021.
Disaster Management Officer at Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), Lee-Ann Joubert, in conjunction with Sergeant Jansen from Kwano-South African Police Services (SAPS), steers this Pilot Project. The Plettenberg Bay, Kranshoek Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) teams represent the teams on the ground who will ensure that the intended audiences are informed. Kranshoek NHW team members were provided with training on the awareness of Covid-19. Following this, they were tasked to do door-to-door awareness, educating the community on the virus and how to stay safe. This project was put in place to stretch over a period of 31 days, with ongoing monitoring and weekly feedback from the NHW. After completion of the 31 days, the success of the project will be evaluated through another multi-disciplinary awareness campaign in the area. The statistics of the new Covid-19 cases within the community, from the beginning to the end of the project, will also be collated and compared to assist with determining its impacts.
All door-to-door visits will highlight the importance of sanitising hands, wearing face masks, reporting any symptoms to a clinic, what to do when someone tests positive for Covid-19, and the contact details of information centres, as well as all relevant stakeholders.
Role players including representatives from the SAPS, Garden Route District Disaster Management, Bitou Communications, the Western Cape Department of Health, Kranshoek NHW, Community in Blue, Plett-Hospice, the Ward Councillor and Ward Committee, Law Enforcement and Environmental Health Practitioners, all play an important role in the success of the project.
ENDS
7 April 2021 Public Notice: Draft Reviewed 2021/2022 IDP, Draft 2021/2022 Medium Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework and Multi-Year Budget
Public Notice: Draft Reviewed 2021/2022 IDP, Draft 2021/2022 Medium Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework and Multi-Year Budget
Notice 18/2021
FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
Notice is hereby given that the Garden Route District Municipal Council’s Draft Reviewed Integrated Development Plan for the period 2021/2022, the Medium Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework as well as the Multi-Year Budget for the period 2021/2022-2023/2024, were compiled in accordance with the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 2000 (Act 32 of 2000) and Municipal Finance Management Act 2003 (Act 56 of 2003).
These documents were considered by the Garden Route District Council at a District Council meeting held on Tuesday, 30 March 2021.
These documents will be available for public inspection and comments at all main local libraries, satellite offices and the Garden Route District Municipality’s IDP Unit, 54 York Street George and on the GRDM municipal website www.gardenroute.gov.za from 12 April 2021.
All comments and inputs must be directed to:
The Municipal Manager
Garden Route District Municipality
54 York Street
George
6530
Persons who are unable to read or write are encouraged to contact the Garden Route District Municipality during ordinary office hours, where they will be assisted to formulate their written comments or objection.
The public has 21 days to comment on the aforementioned documents from the publication date of this notice.
Please contact the District IDP Manager (Ms Mercy James) or Budget Manager (Ms Louise Hoek) at 044 803 1300 with any enquiries.
Click to download the following documents:
- Official Notice
- Draft Reviewed Integrated Development Plan for the period 2021/2022
- Medium Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework & Multi-Year Budget for the period 2021/2022-2023/2024
M G STRATU
MUNICIPAL MANAGER
GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY
7 April 2021 Public Notice: 2019/2020 Annual Report & 2019/2020 Oversight Report
Public Notice: : 2019/2020 Annual Report & 2019/2020 Oversight Report
Notice No. 24/2021
Notice is hereby given in terms of Section 129(3) of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (Act 56 of 2003) that the Garden Route District Municipal Council hereby makes public the Oversight report on the Annual Report of Council for the 2019/2020 financial year.
The Oversight Report and 2019/2020 Annual Report were approved by Council on 30 March 2021.
The Oversight Report and 2019/2020 Annual Report are available at the Integrated Development Planning (IDP) unit of the Garden Route District Municipality and can also be viewed on the Garden Route Municipality’s website www.gardenroute.gov.za.
For further enquiries, please contact:
Mrs M James (IDP Unit)
Tel no: 044 803 1431
M STRATU
MUNICPAL MANAGER
GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY
1 April 2021 Public Awareness: Easter is upon us…stay safe, move forward!
Public Awareness: Easter is upon us…stay safe, move forward!
A message from our Head of Disaster Management, mr Gerhard Otto about the upcoming Easter weekend.
Please stay safe in order for all of us to move forward.
31 March 2021 Request for Assistance: Urgent appeal for breast milk donations
Request for Assistance: Urgent appeal for breast milk donations
For Immediate Release
31 March 2021
A little breast milk can go a long way in improving the overall health of an infant whose mother may be unable to produce enough milk or is in isolation. The George Hospital’s milk bank has run out of donor milk and calls on breastfeeding mothers for their kind donations.
According to George Hospital Operational Manager at Ward B3 and B3 Neonatal Unit, Sr Allida Portland there is a constant need for breast milk donations as there is a possibility that a mother may need to go into isolation and her baby will have to be dependent on donor milk.
![](https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Breastmilk-GH-2021-1-678x1024.jpg)
What is needed to become a donor?
You can become a breast milk donor if you are a healthy breastfeeding mother who are able to express enough milk. You will have to fill out the necessary paperwork and be willing to undergo a rapid HIV blood test.
Who will benefit from donor milk?
Babies weighing less than 1,5kg at birth; babies of mothers with limited breast milk as well as premature twins and triplets of mothers who are unable to meet their infants’ nutritional requirements.
Why is breast milk preferred over formula milk?
Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for infants as it improves their health; helps them to recover faster when ill; it ensures good growth and development; protects them against infections and prevents other health problems.
If you are interested in becoming a donor, please contact the hospital’s Neonatal Unit on 044 802 4577/ 4578.
Containers will be made available for mothers to express milk either at the hospital or in the comfort of their homes. Milk can be dropped off at the hospital or alternatively, contact the hospital’s Neonatal Unit for a driver to collect the milk.
Photo caption:
Young mother, Tamlin Scheepers seen with her son Luciano, who is currently in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Luciano was born last month at 24 weeks old. He is one of the many babies who will benefit from donor milk as his mother struggles to produce enough milk.
END
Nadia Ferreira
Principal Communications Officer
Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts
Western Cape Government Health
Town Clinic,Plettenberg Bay
Tel: 076 379 5423
Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za
Website: www.westerncape.gov.za
Issued: Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts, Western Cape Government Health