Roads Services

15 March 2021 Media Release: 90 People benefit from a Garden Route District Municipality Road Construction Leadernship

Media Release: 90 People benefit from a Garden Route District Municipality Road Construction Learnership

For Immediate Release
15 March 2021

This month the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) officially launched the Supervision of Construction Process Learnership in Calitzdorp. GRDM first initiated the Road Construction NQF Level 2 program in 2016; a program that aims to equip all GRDM Road Construction officials with added competencies to ensure safer roads within the district. The outcome of the initial program was extremely successful with a pass rate of 97%. Later in 2017, a NQF Level 3 program was launched and targeted 60 officials to participate 100% of students passed this program.

The newly launched National Certificate in Supervision of Construction NQF Level 4 program includes 75 officials of the GRDM and 15 unemployed youth from the Garden Route. The one year program will be divided into 30% theory focused classes and 70% on the job training.

GRDM Portfolio Chairperson for the Roads Department, Councillor Rowan Spies, during the launch of the programme alluded to the fact that this is the first programme where 25 participants were attending theoretical training from various locations throughout the district. “Covid-19 has robbed us from having huge gatherings. However, at GRDM we have to adapt to a new approach to training,” said Cllr Spies. He wished all the learners on the program the best of luck and said that he was extremely excited and filled with pride that everyone would benefit from the program.

The Executive Manager of Roads Services, Mr John Daniels encouraged participants to grab the opportunity with both hands. He explained that his department follows the concept, “from sweeper to engineer”, where all staff members are presented with equal opportunities to be able to achieve the peak of their careers, regardless of where they started. Mr Daniels boasted that his Department invested a further substantial amount of funding towards bursaries. “This is all done to improve the department’s vision of providing quality services to the public,” he said.

Ms Nokuthula Dube, Chief Executive Officer of Nokuthula Dube and Associates, the service provider for the training, shared a broad overview of the programme. She explained to participants that the programme wasn’t easy as it includes a wide variety of supervisory skills and project planning. However, she wished the learners well and encouraged them to be committed to their studies and concluded that only hard work will pay off at the end of the day.

Two employees of GRDM who are also participants in the programme, Ms Valentyn and Mr Mona, thanked the GRDM Management on behalf of all participants for providing them the opportunity and investing in their future. The chairpersons from both trade unions IMATU and SAMWU pledged their support towards the programme and encouraged learners to make use of the opportunity presented to them with energy and optimism.

During his keynote address, the Executive Mayor of GRDM, Alderman Memory Booysen, motivated learners by sharing his own life story and challenges faced during his upbringing and career path. Alderman Booysen explained: “My goal while at school was to become a truck driver. My primary and tertiary school years were not all plain sailing and I started believing that I wasn’t going to pass matric. The only hope I had was to follow in my family’s footsteps to become a truck driver. To my surprise, I passed matric and at that time I did not have any plans to continue studying; I took a leap year and ended up being an “agter-ryer” – an assistant to a truck driver,” Booysen said.

Alderman Booysen promised participants that he will share with them how he managed to become the Executive Mayor of the GRDM, but only on the day they graduate. However, he encouraged learners to take the opportunity seriously and meet GRDM’s same intent – to take the development of everyone serious. To conclude, Alderman Booysen encouraged the GRDM Training and Development Section to make sure that no participant drops out of the program and to provide management with monthly reports to ensure that the participants stay in the program and complete the program.

During the closing remarks, Cllr Spies thanked the Executive Mayor for his leadership role, the Management Team for their commitment to Skills Development and all the participants for their courage to enrol for further studies. He also thanked the Program Director Ms Simile Mqoto (Manager Roads) for directing the program.

END

9 February 2021 Media Release: GRDM Grader Operator tragically passes away in motor vehicle accident

Media Release: GRDM Grader Operator tragically passes away in motor vehicle accident

For Immediate Release
09 February 2021

The past weekend, on 5 February 2021, council, management and employees from Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) were once again shocked by the sudden passing of a GRDM employee. Johannes Amsterdam, a GRDM Roads Services employee, sadly succumbed due to a motor vehicle accident near Riversdale in the Hessequa Municipal area.

This has been the 6th GRDM employee who passed away since July last year. He passed away at the age of 59.

Johannes was appointed at the municipality (formerly South Cape Regional Services Council) on 4 April 1995 as a Roads Worker in Riversdale and was later promoted to the position of Supervisor where he was responsible for supervising a team of eight (8) staff members. His last position at GRDM was that of Grader Operator in Riversdale.

Executive Manager for Roads at GRDM, John Daniels, recalls his first conversation with Johannes. During the time Johannes was on sick leave after he fractured his foot. “I could sense he was a wise man and it was clear that he had a great passion for his work, specifically as a Grader Operator. With his years of experience, he enjoyed mentoring other operators, but most of all for him to be employed at GRDM was something he boasted about. He had tremendous respect for this organisation, his work and his role at the GRDM Roads Department”.

Japie Strydom, GRDM Manager Maintenance, Construction and Mechanical Services, who worked with Johannes many years ago said they had good times together. He added: “It was a pleasure for me to work with Johannes – we shared many joyous moments together on road projects”.

Superintendent at GRDM Roads in Riversdale and Supervisor of Johannes, Jacques Joseph, described him as “an asset to GRDM Roads. He was an employee with many years of experience and because of that many were presented with the opportunity to learn from him”. He is also remembered as “a strict and straightforward person, yet committed and very hard working – a leader with a passion for his work”.

“Once again, we would like to extend our sincere condolences to his wife and children during this difficult period of their lives and may they find peace in knowing that he fulfilled his role at GRDM with great passion, sincerity and wisdom. We will always remember him for sharing his expertise to ensure that our roads stayed in the best shape possible.”

A virtual memorial service will be hosted by GRDM on Friday, 12 February 2021 at 10:00.

Rest in Peace Johannes Amsterdam – you will be sorely missed.

2 February 2021 Media Release: “I am the first one” – GRDM helped Thembisa to obtain her Code 14 licence

Media Release: “I am the first one” – GRDM helped Thembisa to obtain her Code 14 licence

For Immediate Release
2 February 2021

A proud moment was shared by Thembisa Ntshebe, a Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Grader Assistant who now has two licences – a Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) and a Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV) one. GRDM afforded her and many others the opportunity to pursue various drivers licences by recently launching a R550 000, 3-year long Driver’s License Project.

The GRDM Corporate Services head of department, Trix Holtzhausen, has spearheaded the drive for women empowerment to address inequalities linked to traditionally male dominated career fields in the municipality. “This programme will enable women to transform not only the GRDM Roads Services Department’s employment equity composition, but gender parity in a male dominated sector too,” she said.

According to Reginald Salmons, GRDM Coordinator: Skills Development, “the institution identified 74 recipients to get a Code B, 10 and EC license, of which 40 are female”. “The GRDM appointed the Victoria Driving School to provide training over the period.”

During an interview with Thembisa, she shared that she was dreaming about getting a Code 14 licence ever since she started working for GRDM on 1 November 2017. “I know that this is the key I need for doors to open in the future.” Supervisors, superintendents and traffic control officers are some of the career fields that require Code 14 licences.

“Even though I did not pass the first time around I pushed myself and today I am a proud owner of a Code 14 licence”, she said. Thembisa is also the first female enrolled in this project to obtain a Code 14 licence.
This licence allows licensees to drive a vehicle weighing over 16 000 Kg, with a trailer hooked to it that weighs more than 750 Kg. Moreover, those who are in possession of such a licence can operate vehicles under codes 8, 10 and EB too.

When responding to Thembisa’s achievement, Shandré Abrahams, HR Practitioner: Employee Assistance Programme said, “It makes me proud to hear and see women equipping themselves in skills that they never thought would be possible to acquire. It therefore remains important for the GRDM to stay committed to gender empowerment and in acknowledgement of the fact that the glass ceiling can be broken”.
While it remains important for the GRDM to see women empowered, it is equally important to identify gender disparities that have existed for a number of years in certain positions. It is only possible for the GRDM to achieve this when the institution prioritises women empowerment programmes and put its funds where its mouth is.

Caption: Thembisa Ntshebe showcases proof that she passed her Code 14 license

ENDS

25 January 2021 Media Release: Recent storms in the Klein Karoo caused severe damage to rural roads

Media Release: Recent storms in the Klein Karoo caused severe damage to rural roads

For Immediate Release
25 January 2021

Isolated thunderstorms were experienced in the Klein Karoo region during the first two weeks of January 2021. This caused severe damage to rural roads, stretching from Ladismith / Van Wyksdorp in the Kannaland municipal area to Uniondale in the interior of the George municipal area.

Temporary repair work is underway to ensure safe use and access to the roads and is expected to be completed by the end of January 2021. Work is done by the maintenance teams of Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Roads Services.

All ‘damaged roads’ in the Ladismith and Van Wyksdorp areas are already accessible for users. Repair work is still in progress in the Vlakteplaas area, East of De Rust and at the De Hoop – Kouga and Toorwater areas in Uniondale. All road users in the affected areas have access to the outside world by making use of detours; however, the department’s is currently trying to limit detours.

Road users who are making use of rural roads are encouraged to obey traffic signs and to drive patiently and carefully at all times.

11 January 2021 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality loses Roads employee

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality loses Roads employee

For immediate release
11 January 2021

During the end of year and beginning of the new year while many families plan to enter the new year with hope and new plans, many other families experience a dark period in their lives; having to say farewell to a relative. And, it was during this period recently, when the family of Marthinus Pedro experienced the latter when they said goodbye to their loved one.

Marthinus sadly passed away at the age of 51. He was employed at the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM’s) Roads Department from 6 August 2007. At the time of his passing, he was employed as Grader Operator at GRDM Roads, Oudtshoorn region. Marthinus was a dedicated employee until his departure, according to Kleinbooi Stoffels, Superintendent: Roads and supervisor of Marthinus since 2011.

Looking back at the type of person he was and the contribution he made to the organisation, Stoffels described Marthinus as a gentle soul with a great passion for his work. He was regarded as one of GRDM’s best operators considering the good quality of work he performed, as well as his work ethics. “He was not a talkative person – he listened most of the time, but he responded only when he needed to,” Stoffels said. Stoffels also referred to the late Pedro as person who was disciplined in every aspect of this job and he used his optimism to encourage his colleagues when things became tough. He was not only noticed by the colleagues as dedicated employee, but also by the public who loved and praised him, for his work. Stoffels furthermore added: “He did not believe in repeating a task – ‘You do it right the first time,’ he always said and we will miss him for being a great asset to the GRDM Roads Department”.

Gert Verwey, Deputy Manager for GRDM Roads, who also knew Marthinus well, described him as a quiet person. “Although he sometimes had to work through difficult circumstances, he remained polite”. Adding to this, Verwey commended him for his ability to perform miracles on a road. He said: “He was an exceptional artist in road works, and he had the ability to give new hope to a road that many of us thought was irreparable”. According to Verwey, his colleagues knew that they could not rush Marthinus to finish a task faster – quality was more important to him than quantity”.

Marthinus was loved by his colleagues at the Roads Department, especially the Oudtshoorn team. His passing leaves behind an emptiness as a person and as Grader Operator at GRDM, and we will sorely miss him.

We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Marthinus during his time of bereavement. May they hold on to his memories and may they find comfort in knowing that he was an great asset to the Municipality and the communities of the Garden Route district.

Rest in Peace Marthinus Pedro – until we meet again.

28 August 2020 Media Release: GRDM Roads official wins battle against COVID-19 after being bedridden in Hospital

GRDM Roads official wins battle against COVID-19 after being bedridden in Hospital

For Immediate Release
28 August 2020

After almost two months of ill health, weakness, oxygen shortage and hospitalisation, Ms Teresa Nortje-Singh, Personal Assistant at the Garden Route District Municipality Roads Department, has finally won her battle against the deadly COVID-19 coronavirus.

Ms Nortje-Singh remembers that soon after she came in close contact with a person at the end of July 2020, she immediately started to feel weak the following day. She recalled that she could not get herself out of bed the next morning, to get ready for work. She continued working for two more days. “On Thursday morning I started to feel weaker and could not eat, but could consume some soup and medication,” she said. “Over the next weekend I felt so weak that I slept most of the time to the extent that somebody had to wake me up”.

A week later, Ms Nortje-Singh decided to call her medical doctor, who advised her to be tested for Covid-19. When the doctor contacted her the same evening with the news that she had contracted the virus, he immediately asked whether she needed assistance with isolation. She declined as her setup at home was favourable for her to be isolated.

Ms Teresa Nortje-Singh, Personal Assistant at Garden Route District Municipality, won her battle against COVID-19.

Ms Nortje-Singh also recalled how her doctor telephoned her every morning to find out how she felt and whether there were any change in symptoms and he encouraged her to keep herself safe to avoid ending up in an intensive care unit. During the start of her COVID-19 journey, her mother took care of her, however since her mother is an elder with a comorbidity, she asked her to swop homes with her sister for a while until she has fully recovered. Ms Nortje-Singh also remembers how her sister had to lay on top of her for more than once for her body temperature to increase after experiencing body chills. She also had body aches, but did not cough. When the doctor contacted her again she started experiencing breathing problems. “When my asthma pump did not help to clear my airways, I started to become anxious,” she said.

On arrival at the Medi-Clinic George, the medical staff on duty immediately attended to her. The doctor sent her for a sonar and only then the damage to her lungs was discovered, with both already partially collapsed. Her kidneys were also damaged. “I could see the concern in the doctor’s eyes when he told me how severe my condition was”. She furthermore said. “I also realised how serious my condition was when the two COVID-19 patients who I shared the ward with, were taken to the intensive care unit the same evening”.

“At our ward, medical staff’s main focus was on the recovery of patients while protecting themselves – they took excellent (beyond excellent) care of me in the ward and they constantly asked me how I felt”.

Being discharged from hospital on 6 August 2020 was an emotional experience for Ms Nortje-Singh. “The medical practitioners and care workers of the ward waited for me at the elevator to take me down to the exit. They also helped me into the vehicle and made sure that I was in a comfortable position”. With a little laugh she added: “They debated about who will be pushing me to my vehicle. They also thanked me for making them feel good about themselves while in their care”.

Back at home, Ms Nortje-Singh still did not feel well and she thought she still had the virus, but eventually she started to feel better as days went by. She acknowledged all her family, friends and colleagues who supported her with her COVID-19 journey, who called and messaged her. Nortje-Singh now uses every opportunity to create awareness about the severity of the disease. I constantly raise the issue when having conversations with people. “They have to know how quickly one can get infected and how sick someone can become”. She emphasised: “I urge every person to adhere to all the safety protocols to protect themselves against this invisible enemy. It is also important that anyone who might contract the virus have to get enough and proper body rest to prevent the virus from leaving any other damages to the body behind. It is also important for others to understand that an infected person always need and appreciate the messages of support when they are in isolation/sick, but I could not always respond to messages or telephone calls as the situation became extremely overwhelming and draining. My body needed all the rest I could get to fully recover,” Ms Nortje-Singh concluded.

The article was written in memory of Ms Nortje-Singh’s colleague, Mr Lemos Soko, who passed away of COVID-19 on 6 August 2020 during the time she was hospitalised.

ENDS

17 July 2020 Notification: Essential re-gravel and drainage repair work along the Southern section of the Swartberg Pass

Notification: Essential re-gravel and drainage repair work along the Southern section of the Swartberg Pass

Immediate Release
17 July 2020

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) will perform essential re-gravel and drainage repair works on the Swartberg Pass between sections 14.40km and 23.24km (R328 / P0369).

The project will stretch over an eight month period.

Details include:

Period: 20 July 2020 till 31 March 2021
Mondays to Thursdays: 08h30 to 16h00
Fridays: 08h30 to 13h00

During above mentioned time-frames construction vehicles will be active on narrow road sections. Motorists will experience stop-and-go with delays of up to one hour or more. Road users are therefore requested to plan their trips with the above in mind. An alternate route via Meiringspoort on trunk road 33/4 can be used.

Approach roadworks cautiously

Equally important is the safety of road users. Flag operators in our road maintenance teams are tasked with helping traffic flow smoothly and safely around the affected area. At times where there are no flag operators, road users must obey the traffic signs.

Approach the construction zone with caution especially under wet and dark conditions.
If you are approaching a stop/go control, obey the flag operator. He or she will use hand signals and flags to show if when is your turn to stop and when you can go.
When vehicles are in front of you as you approach the construction site, slow down, stop if necessary, and remain cautious and observant.
Obey temporary speed limits at roadwork sites.
The lane width may be narrower than usual and therefore more hazardous. Road shoulders may be particularly narrow. Be extra careful. Stay in your lane. Do not straddle the lines.
When moving through a construction site, keep your attention on driving and on other traffic. Don’t allow yourself to be distracted by construction activities. This is dangerous and can slow down traffic unnecessarily.
Watch out for construction equipment, workers, obstacles and debris.

Report potholes and road-related issues

Road users can report potholes and road-related issues to info@gardenroute.gov.za.

Please include your name, contact number and location of the pothole in your e-mail. The exact location is very important because this will save us time in finding the pothole and to do the repairs as soon as we can.

For more information

Project enquiries: Mr. Lionel Coetzee
Cell: 082 883 2140
Email: LionelC@gardenroute.gov.za

23 June 2020 Media Release: Fencing subsidies available – call for applications

Media Release: Fencing subsidies available – call for applications

For Immediate Release
23 June 2020

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 is only applicable on a subsidy basis, meaning that a 60% subsidy will be contributed towards a landowner’s material costs for fencing. The subsidy will therefore be determined by an average cost for material. The material is deemed as 60% of 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 to successful applicant after the completion of the fence. For more information refer to the Fencing Subsidy Policy of GRDM.

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

Application process

Application forms can be obtained from Mr Qamani Nkebana at the Roads Transport & Planning Department. Contact numbers at the office is 044 803 1500 or 1506 or email qamani@gardenroute.gov.za.
Application period: 24 June 2020 to 10 July 2020.
Applications will be audited and evaluated according to risk analysis by a panel. Risk factors include the following: status of road, traffic count, operating speed of vehicles, type of farming, condition of current fence, etc.
The panel outcome will be decided by 14 August 2020. 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.
All fences must be fully completed by 11 December 2021 for payment before 28 February 2021.
Payment will be done after an inspection and an approval for the fence has been made.

Relevant Documents

Road Closure: Swartberg Pass

Due to rockfalls the Swartberg Pass will remain closed for the weekend. A huge boulder can be seen in the pictures, which is close to Eerstewater, smaller rocks and sand also spread out sround the area. More damage to the road adjacent to Tweedewater and just past the Malvadraai.

Road users would need to make use of alternative routes.

Pictures by Arno Botha

Knysna Road roadworks and road closure – 20 February 2020

Knysna Road will be temporarily closed at the Mission Street intersection from 09:00 until 16:00 on Thursday, 20 February 2020 due to construction work.

Road repairs and resurfacing in Knysna Road, from First to Fourth Streets, are continuing as part of the road resurfacing project in Knysna Road George.

The general public is urged to make use of alternative routes. Meyer, Stander, Sauer, Gelderblom and Third Streets can be considered for alternative access to areas. Site access will be managed and communicated with residents and businesses to ensure that minimum disruption is caused.

There will be height differences occurring in the road where repairs are being constructed. Caution will be required when driving or walking in the area, especially under wet and dark conditions. Low profile vehicles and motorcycles are to take extra care. The George municipality apologises for the inconvenience and appeals to road users to be patient and exercise caution during the upgrade. Please look out for and adhere to temporary road signage and roadworks personnel.

We want to assure the general public that all businesses in Knysna Road are open for business and are accessible at all times during the construction process.

PROJECT ENQUIRIES: iX Engineers Representative – 082 944 3654

Issued by George Municipality