Transportation of bodies from the Garden Route district to areas outside the boundaries of the district, takes place by either registered funeral undertakers, private individuals or public transport provided that the criteria are met as legislated.

Disposal of the dead also known as Management of human remains, are one of the nine (9) Municipal Health / Environmental Health functions assigned to Local Government in terms of the National Health Act 2003 (Act 61 of 2003).

Desmond Paulse, Garden Route District Municipality’s Manager for Municipal Health in the Klein Karoo, said that legislation utilised by the Municipal Health section to regulate management of humans remains, is Regulation 363 promulgated under the National Health Act. Paulse further added that “the Management of human remains involves the handling, storage, preparation and transportation of the human body after passing.

How are human remains transported.

• Human remains can only be transported in a manner that does not endanger public health.
• Coffins should be leak-proof and free of offensive odours during transportation with public transport.
• If a private vehicle is solely used for the transportation of human remains, the vehicle in terms of the National Health Act, should be in possession of a COC.
• If the person at the time of their passing suffered from an infectious disease which can transmit even after death, the funeral undertakers transporting the body should adhere to the requirements set out in Regulation 363 and accompanied by a declaration from a medical practitioner.

The following documents should accompany the body during transportation:

• Death Certificate
• Burial order
• Transport certificate to be issued by the SAPS

The transportation of human remains is a regulated and procedurally sensitive undertaking that requires strict adherence to the applicable legislation to preserve public health.

The post Disposal of the dead: Transportation of Human Remains appeared first on The Gremlin.

The Knights, who arrived in Oudtshoorn as the undefeated log leaders, won the toss and opted to bat first.  Many of their dangerous batsmen got promising starts, but tight bowling by the home side prevented them from converting big scores.  The Knights end at 250/7 in their allotted 50 overs with Jacques Snyman (46), who was part of an opening stand of 82, and Ruan Haasbroek (41) their top run scorers.  Sintu Majiza (3/53) was the stand-out bowler for the Badgers.

The Badgers’ run chase was led by openers Ruan Terblanche and Yaseen Valli, who set up an opening partnership of 221 – breaking the previous all-time List A record of 175, which they set up ten days earlier against the Northern Cape Heat in the same competition.

Terblanche was in sublime form, posting 133 from 112 balls (7×6, 7×4).  He received great support from Valli, who made 93 from 106 balls (2×6, 8×4).  The Badgers have surpassed the target after 39.2 overs and in the process secured a vital bonus point for reaching the target within 40 overs. 

The Badgers will now travel to East London, where they will take on the Eastern Cape Iianyathi at Buffalo Park in East London on Sunday (9^th of March), where they will need to record a victory to stay in contention for silverware.

The summarized scorecard is:

Garden Route Badgers vs Knights

KNIGHTS 205/7 – 50 overs (Jacques Snyman 46, Ruan Haasbroek 41, Reuben Maree 32, Isaac Dikgale 30, Sintu Majiza 3/53, Jade Richter 2/63)

GARDEN ROUTE BADGERS 251/3 – 39.2 overs (Ruan Terblanche 133, Yaseen Valli 93, Malusi Siboto 3/45)

Garden Route Badgers won by 7 wickets

The post Badgers bounce back against unbeaten Knights appeared first on The Gremlin.

The PCF is a consultative intergovernmental body designed to enhance partnerships and coordination between the Western Cape Government and municipalities across the province.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease response

The forum received an update on the provincial response to the national outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), with efforts underway to contain the spread within the Western Cape.

To date, 41 019 vaccine doses have been administered at 239 vaccination sites across the province.

Additional developments in the response include:

• Additional vaccine doses are being sent to the Western Cape.
• 29 private veterinarians are now assisting with vaccination efforts.
• Awareness signboards are being prepared to inform farmers and the public about FMD risks and prevention measures.

Through the PCF, the provincial government once again called for provinces to be allowed to procure their own vaccines to strengthen the speed and effectiveness of the response.

The forum also urged the national Department of Agriculture to urgently finalise the implementation of a livestock movement permitting system.

Premier Winde stressed that this measure is particularly critical as the long Easter weekend approaches.

“Managing the movement of livestock is essential to preventing further spread of the disease,” said Premier Winde, adding, “Multiple provincial departments are working closely with municipalities to monitor livestock movement and implement high-visibility enforcement operations on key routes.” 

Premier Winde reaffirmed that cooperation between the provincial government, municipalities and national departments remains essential to protecting livelihoods, jobs and safeguarding the agricultural sector. “Agriculture is a major economic driver in our region, and we must do everything we can to protect it,” he said.

Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, added “I want to express my deepest gratitude to every veterinarian, technician, farmer, municipal official, and enforcement officer who has been working tirelessly on the frontlines of FMD response. The scale and speed of our collective effort—reflected in thousands of animals vaccinated, strengthened surveillance, and coordinated movement controls—demonstrate the Western Cape’s unwavering commitment to protecting our agricultural sector. Together, we are not only responding to the current outbreak but also building long-term capacity to protect livelihoods, strengthen rural economies, and maintain the integrity of the Western Cape’s agricultural production.”

Response to water security challenges

The forum also discussed ongoing water security challenges affecting several municipalities.

Premier Winde emphasised the importance of continued investment in water infrastructure and long-term resilience planning.

“While we still have water, all municipalities must continue investing in installing and maintaining critical water infrastructure,” said Premier Winde.

He added, “We must also consider water reclamation and desalination as long-term solutions. At the same time, demand management and water conservation remain essential pillars of our Water Resilience Strategy.”

The province’s Water Resilience Strategy continues to be implemented across local governments in the Western Cape.

While some areas, including Swellendam and Laingsburg, have received good rainfall over the past several days, municipalities are still being urged to intensify water-saving measures.

“We are working closely with municipalities to develop appropriate responses to ensure that localised challenges do not escalate into a broader disaster,” said the Premier.

Protecting critical infrastructure

The Premier also condemned incidents of vandalism and theft targeting essential water infrastructure in parts of the province.

“Several municipalities across the Western Cape are facing water security challenges that require sustained and coordinated action. Damage to critical infrastructure undermines the ability of municipalities to deliver water services to residents,” said the Premier.

He stated, “I condemn in the strongest possible terms the vandalism and theft of water infrastructure. Those responsible must face the full might of the law.”

The post Premier chairs Premier’s Coordinating Forum to strengthen response to Foot-and-Mouth Disease and water security challenges appeared first on The Gremlin.

During each blasting operation, traffic will be halted at three control points for approximately three hours, be-tween 14h00 and 17h00, to ensure the safe detonation of the blast and the removal of any loose material before the road is reopened to traffic.

Advance warning signs will be placed along the N9 near Oudtshoorn, Uniondale, and George to inform the travelling public of the first scheduled road closure. These signs will be installed one week before blasting operations commence. Additional signs will be positioned within 10 km of the closure points to re-mind road users of upcoming disruptions.

On each blasting day, the Traffic Safety Officer will close the road at 14:00 and ensure that the blasting area is cleared. After blasting is completed, the contractor will remove any rock debris and clean the roadway, if required. Once the road has been inspected and declared safe, the Traffic Safety Officer will reo-pen the road at approximately 17:00.

We anticipate approximately 6 full closures during this first phase of work, which will run from 18 March 2026 to the end of May 2026.

We kindly request the public’s patience during this period. Where possible, please avoid travelling on the N9 on blasting days or make use of alternative routes.

Any queries related to the above may be directed to the following parties:

• Engineer’s Representative (Zutari): 071 863 5420;
• Site Agent (Roadmac Surfacing Cape): 082 748 2115;
• Traffic Safety Officer (TSO): 083 778 7075.

The post Notice of blasting activities on a section of the N9 (5KM) Between George and Oudtshoorn appeared first on The Gremlin.

𝗙𝗠𝗗 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗦: 𝗚𝗔𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗡 𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗘
Affected municipal area: Mossel Bay
FMD-affected farms (officially confirmed): 5
FMD-suspect site(s), pending test results: 5 (increased with 2)
Number of farms vaccinated: 74 (increased with 12)
Number of farms visited for inspections: 114
FMD-Vaccines administered to date: 13 337 (increased with 678)
Livestock infected: Cattle
Number of Vehicle Control Points around quarantined area: 7 static and 4 roaming

𝗙𝗠𝗗 𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗔𝗦𝗦 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗔𝗟

In terms of the burial of the infected carcasses and materials, the following conditions must be adhered to:
* The choice of the location of the burial area must have minimal risk of surface and ground water contamination.
* There must be no water sources within 100metres of the burial site.
* The wind direction must be taken into account in eliminating the nuisance impacts such as odours.
* The trenches/pits used for burial must be at a maximum depth of 4m.
* The bottom and sides of the trench must be lined with agricultural plastic before the disposal of infected carcasses and materials to prevent any leakage into the underground water.
* Infected carcasses and materials must be covered with lime and specifically not chlorinated lime.
* The top-most carcass and/or materials must be at least 1.2m from the surface level.
* Any boreholes located downstream from the proposed burial site, must be used to monitor impacts of the activity on groundwater.
* The burial sites must not be located in or close to natural surface drainage areas.
* The site must be rehabilitated once disposal has ceased.

𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗥𝗢𝗔𝗗𝗦: 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗥𝗢𝗔𝗗𝗦 𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗗 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖

Applications for the closure of Western Cape Provincial Roads must be directed to Gerhard Otto, gotto@gardenroute.gov.za. Residents will be able to access these roads, but not other motorists or cyclists.
Role players involved in approving these applications, include the GRDM Disaster Management Centre, Western Cape Provincial Government Roads Engineer, the South African Police Service and the affected local municipality law enforcement.

𝗪𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗡 𝗖𝗔𝗣𝗘 𝗩𝗔𝗖𝗖𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗦

It is important to note that when an animal is vaccinated and exposed to FMD, it gets less sick, shows milder clinical signs (fewer sores, less lameness), and they recover faster.
Phase 1: Infected herd and others within a 3km radius of an index farm (if lesions are found outside 3km, expand to 10km).
Phase 2: Commonage and informal area livestock.
Phase 3: High-risk herds (farms close to free-roaming cattle, close to abattoirs and where there is a lot of movement, etc.).
Phase 4: Dairy herds.
Phase 5: Beef herds.

𝗙𝗠𝗗 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗖𝗘𝗦

All FMD resources, including updates, are uploaded here: https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/document-category/foot-and-mouth-disease/
Western Cape Department of Agriculture updates, are uploaded here: https://www.elsenburg.com/foot-and-mouth-disease-fmd-outbreak-information/
WCG FMD Hotline Number: 080 928 4102 (Press 1 for FMD)
National Dept. Agriculture: 0860 246 640
The next update will be published by 5 March 2026

𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧 𝗦𝗨𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗦

Garden Route Emergency Call Centre
044 805 5071 or WhatsApp 081 709 5193

The post Five farms in the Mossel Bay area confirmed to be FMD-affected appeared first on The Gremlin.

At a recent international FMD conference held in Cape Town, experts from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the Pirbright Institute gathered with leading veterinarians, vaccine manufacturers and regional officials to share strategies on controlling the disease. However, South Africa’s national Department of Agriculture and representatives from the Western Cape were notably absent.

According to participants, the absence of key state authorities undermines coordinated disease management at a time when outbreaks are placing the livestock industry under severe pressure. A senior UN official at the conference reportedly expressed frustration, stating that international partners cannot assist effectively if the responsible government departments do not engage.

The issue has particular relevance for farmers in the Garden Route and Klein Karoo, regions heavily reliant on beef, dairy and small-stock production. The 2024 outbreak in northern KwaZulu-Natal required swift containment measures, including the declaration of a disease management area and vaccination rollout. Critics argue these steps were delayed for several months, allowing the virus to spread to neighbouring provinces.

Industry representatives claim communication gaps between the private sector and government have widened. Veterinary experts, including former Ministerial Task Team member Dr Danie Odendaal, have previously raised concerns that senior officials frequently fail to attend key meetings, limiting the implementation of expert recommendations.

Historically, outbreaks were controlled through coordinated roadblocks and livestock movement restrictions, involving police, defence force units and farmer associations. Farmers now say such decisive state-led interventions have diminished over the past decade.

Adding to uncertainty, vaccination policy changes announced in November 2025 reportedly rendered existing regulations outdated, with revised rules yet to be finalised. Industry bodies are drafting proposals, but farmers argue regulatory clarity is urgently needed.

For Garden Route and Klein Karoo producers, the stakes are high. FMD outbreaks can halt exports, disrupt auctions and threaten farm livelihoods. As the disease remains state-controlled, the private sector’s role is limited unless courts expand its authority.

Until clearer leadership emerges, regional farmers remain exposed to both biological and regulatory risk.

Dr Theo de Jager

Executive Board Chairman, Saai

theo@saai.org

The post Government Response to FMD Raises Alarm among Farmers appeared first on The Gremlin.

The programme aims to strengthen waste minimisation education and encourage environmental awareness among learners. After all, waste minimisation starts with awareness and action. By equipping schools with the right tools and knowledge to manage waste responsibly, we are empowering learners to become champions of sustainability in their own households and communities.

On 12 February, GRDM, in collaboration with the Bitou Municipality, visited two schools in the Bitou Municipal area to introduce the program. The following day, on 13 February, GRDM collaborated with Landmark to hand over 85 recycling boxes to Outeniqua High School.  These boxes will enable learners to separate waste directly in their classrooms, making recycling part of their daily routine.

The following week, on 18 February, the GRDM Waste Management Section, in collaboration with the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve, extended the programme to three schools in the Hessequa Municipal area, reaching more than 700 learners.

Learners were taught how to separate waste correctly, followed by interactive Q&A sessions to test their understanding. They also practised identifying the correct waste streams for each colour-coded bin, reinforcing the importance of responsible waste management in a practical and engaging way.

“GRDM would like to acknowledge POLYCO, MPACT, and the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (Western Cape Government) for partnering with us to ensure the success of this programme. The Green School Program is a GRDM-led initiative that promotes sustainability through practical education, hands-on activities, and partnerships. The programme focuses on waste minimisation and recycling and equips learners with the skills and values needed to make eco-conscious choices,” said Innocentia Sikweyiya, GRDM District Waste Management Officer.

In Hessequa, GRDM collaborates with the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve (GCBR), a non-governmental organisation focused on biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and community engagement. In the George area, GRDM works in partnership with Landmark to support the implementation of the programme. Through these partnerships, the initiative introduces clearly marked bins for paper, plastic, metal/cans, and glass, making it easier for learners and staff to practise responsible waste separation

Illegal Dumping Silent Walk / March

On Friday, 27 February, the George Local Municipality hosted a Silent March Against Illegal Dumping in Thembalethu. Though the march was silent, the collective message was loud and clear: illegal dumping has no place in our communities.

Led by the Executive Mayor of George and the Portfolio Head for Community Services, participants carried placards with powerful messages urging an end to illegal waste disposal. The march symbolized unity and determination to protect the environment and promote cleaner, healthier neighbourhoods.

The event concluded with closing remarks from the Garden Route District Municipality Waste Management Section (GRDM), highlighting the importance of collaboration between local government and communities in reclaiming our dignity and ensuring the right to live in a clean and healthy environment.

“Together, participants stood in silence, but their voices spoke volumes. Illegal dumping is unacceptable, and the commitment to building a cleaner, safer Thembalethu for all remains strong,” said Sikweyiya

The post GRDM Engages Schools and Communities in Fight Against Waste and Illegal Dumping appeared first on The Gremlin.

A total of 29 spaza shops were inspected — 20 in Heidelberg and nine in Slangrivier — as part of ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with health and safety legislation. The initiative forms part of a broader compliance monitoring and enforcement programme within the Hessequa municipal area.

The inspections followed a Food Safety and Personal Hygiene training session held on 17 February 2026 for local spaza shop owners and food handlers. The training addressed structural requirements, safe food-handling practices, prevention of cross-contamination, correct storage of perishable goods, temperature control, personal and general hygiene, and labelling standards.

During the blitz operation, officials focused on compliance with Regulation 638, which governs structural and hygiene requirements for food premises, as well as Labelling Regulation 146. Particular attention was paid to “best before”, “sell by” and “use by” dates, accurate ingredient listings and the identification of damaged or expired products.

According to GRDM, the objective of the operation was not only to enforce health and law compliance but also to educate shop owners about their legal responsibilities. Authorities emphasised that maintaining high hygiene standards is essential to protecting public health and preventing foodborne illnesses within communities.

Further inspections of this nature are expected as authorities continue to strengthen oversight of informal food retail outlets. Officials say the combined approach of training and enforcement aims to support small business owners while safeguarding consumers.

The post GRDM Blitz Inspects 29 Spaza Shops in Hessequa appeared first on The Gremlin.

Earlier this year, six district awards ceremonies were held across the province. The provincial winners will now go on to be nominated for the National Sport Awards.

Some of the winners of the evening included Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (Sportsman of the year), Annerie Dercksen (Sportswoman of the year) and Ruehan Van Romburgh (Coach of the year). Provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, also bestowed Ministerial Commendation awards on Louis Massyn and Mark Ward.

Minister Mackenzie said, “The Western Cape has consistently produced top performing athletes, coaches and administrators who are committed to the growth of sport in our province. They are the role models who inspire others to pursue their sporting dreams and who help us create an active and healthy province. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees and thank you for all that you do in confirming the Western Cape as the sporting hub of our country.”

Sportswoman of the year Annerie Dercksen – Cricket

Team of the year Oakdale 560KG Tug of War Team

Junior Sport team of the year, Oakdale 560kg Tug of War Team

Schools Sportswoman of the Year Mia Botha

Sportswoman of the year with a Disability, Minke Janse Van Rensburg – Aquatics

District Federation of the year, Eden Cycling

Ministerial Awards: Louis Massyn

A full list of winners can be seen here.

The post Seven awards for local sportsmen/women at 2025 Western Cape Sport Awards appeared first on The Gremlin.

The Badgers – 202/8 – thanks to Julia Hoal (80) posted a competitive total in the Pro50 match, whereafter they dismissed the Dolphins for 193 for a 15-run victory. The spinner, Kiara Fisher, bagged 4/38 in a match-winning bowling performance.

The Pro20 match on Sunday was reduced to 9 overs per batting side, with the Badgers making 65/2 and restricting the Dolphins to 63/4 for a two-run victory.

The Badgers are still in the relegation zone as they enter this weekend’s final pool stage matches against the Fidelity Titans in Oudtshoorn.
The summarized score cards are:

Pro 50 match

GARDEN ROUTE BADGERS 208/8 – 50 overs (Julia Hoal 80, Nicolien Janse van Rensburg 24, Izel Cilliers 22, Mieke de Ridder 20, EJ van Rensburg 2/32, Micaela Andrews 2/39)

DOLPHINS 193 all out – 46.2 overs (Asahke Nyovane 52, EJ van Rensburg 38, Micaela Andrews 29, Kiara Fisher 4/38, Zintle Kula 2/24)

Garden Route Badgers won by 15 runs

Pro20 match

GARDEN ROUTE BADGERS 65/2 – 9 overs (Izel Cilliers 31*, Julia Hoal 23*)

DOLPHINS 63/4 (9 overs) (EJ van Rensburg 27*, Asahke Nyovane 24, Nicolien Janse van Rensburg 2/10)

Garden Route Badgers won by 2 runs

The post Badgers Women win back-to-back matches vs Dolphins appeared first on The Gremlin.

Campher was recently included in the SA U/19 women’s team after she represented the Garden Route Badgers professional women’s team earlier this season.

The SA U/19 Women’s team will be taking part in the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) Women’s T20I Invitational Tournament in Lagos from 18-29 March 2026.  The SA U/19 Women will compete against Ghana, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, and Rwanda.

This tournament provides another opportunity for the SA U/19 Women to compete at a high level as part of their preparations for the ICC U/19 Women’s World Cup in Bangladesh and Nepal in January 2027.

The post Jezé Campher selected for SA U/19 Women’s team appeared first on The Gremlin.

𝗙𝗠𝗗 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗦: 𝗚𝗔𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗡 𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗘
Affected municipal area: Mossel Bay
FMD-affected farms (officially confirmed): 5 (up with 1)
FMD-suspect site(s), pending test results: 3 (down with 3)
Number of farms vaccinated: 62 (increased with 10)
FMD-Vaccines administered to date: 12 659 (increased with 3 028)
Livestock infected: Cattle
Number of Vehicle Control Points around quarantined area: 7 static and 4 roaming

According to Gerhard Otto, the GRDM Head of Disaster Management, “An additional 1.5 million doses of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccines from Turkey arrived over the weekend. The allocation of these doses to various regions will be finalised shortly. A further 6 million doses are scheduled to arrive later in March. Vaccine deployment is guided by heatmap data; ensuring targeted administration in high-risk areas. The heatmap forms part of the Western Cape Provincial Government’s Department of Agriculture’s efforts to map FMD.”

𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀: 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗥𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗲

The Western Cape Provincial Government (WCG) Local State Veterinarian, Dr Leana Janse van Rensburg, received confirmation that a beef herd within a 10km radius of the index farm tested positive for FMD. This affected herd has already been vaccinated.

𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗥𝗢𝗔𝗗𝗦: 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗥𝗢𝗔𝗗𝗦 𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗗 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖

Applications for the closure of Western Cape Provincial Roads must be directed to Gerhard Otto, gotto@gardenroute.gov.za. Residents will be able to access these roads, but not other motorists or cyclists.

Role players involved in approving these applications, include the GRDM Disaster Management Centre, Western Cape Provincial Government Roads Engineer, the South African Police Service and the affected local municipality law enforcement.

𝗪𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗡 𝗖𝗔𝗣𝗘 𝗩𝗔𝗖𝗖𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗦

It is important to note that when an animal is vaccinated and exposed to FMD, it gets less sick, shows milder clinical signs (fewer sores, less lameness), and they recover faster.
Phase 1: Infected herd and others within a 3km radius of an index farm (if lesions are found outside 3km, expand to 10km).
Phase 2: Commonage and informal area livestock.
Phase 3: High-risk herds (farms close to free-roaming cattle, close to abattoirs and where there is a lot of movement, etc.).
Phase 4: Dairy herds.
Phase 5: Beef herds.

𝗙𝗠𝗗 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗖𝗘𝗦
All FMD resources, including updates, are uploaded here: https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/document-category/foot-and-mouth-disease/
Western Cape Department of Agriculture updates, are uploaded here: https://www.elsenburg.com/foot-and-mouth-disease-fmd-outbreak-information/
WCG FMD Hotline Number: 080 928 4102 (Press 1 for FMD)
National Dept. Agriculture: 0860 246 640

The next update will be published by 5 March 2026

𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧 𝗦𝗨𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗦
Garden Route Emergency Call Centre
044 805 5071 or WhatsApp 081 709 5193

The post Additional doses of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccines from Turkey appeared first on The Gremlin.

On Wednesday, the 25th, the Badgers (214 all out) performed poorly against the Mpumalanga Rhinos (215/5) in White River and lost by 5 wickets after the home side reached the target in the 38^th over.

On Saturday, the Eastern Storm posted 298/7, whereafter the Badgers responded with 154/3 (29.4 overs), whereafter the match was abandoned due to rain, with the Badgers 4 runs behind on the Duckworth-Lewis formula.

The Badgers will host the Knights in Oudtshoorn on Thursday (6^th) in an important match.

The summarized score cards are:

Garden Route Badgers vs Mpumalanga Rhinos

GARDEN ROUTE BADGERS 214 all out (Heath Richards 54, Kyle Jacbos 29, George van Heerden 28, Gareth Dukes 3/35, Jon Hinrichsen 2/34, Tsepo Maupa 2/38) 

MPUMALANGA RHINOS 215/5 (Herman Rolfes 50*, Muhammed Mayet 41, Zack Momberg 2/58, Liam Alder 2/40)

Mpumalanga Rhinos won by 5 wickets. 

Eastern Storms vs Garden Route Badgers

EASTERN STORM 298/7 (Chris Britz 72, Devan Marais 70*, Grant Thomson 59, Jurie Snyman 48, Kabelo Sekhukhune 31, Banele Cele 2/54, Zack Momberg 2/63)

GARDEN ROUTE BADGERS 154/3  – 29.4 overs (Kyle Jacobs 72*, George van Heerden 43, Ruan Terblanche 30, Andrew Rasemene 2/31)

Eastern Storms won by 4 runs on the DLS method

The post Badgers suffer back-to-back defeats appeared first on The Gremlin.

With Plett Pioneers that has already advanced to the final of the promotion league the second finalist will also be determined this weekend when Pirates United will host George ‘B’.

The fixtures for the weekend are:

SATURDAY 

Premier League:  Union Stars II vs George; Pacaltsdorp United vs Knysna Cavaliers, Sussex vs Union Stars I; Harlequins Forces vs New Dawn Park 

Promotion League Qualifier:  Pirates United vs George B

Women’s Division 1:  Union Stars vs Pacaltsdorp United 

Women’s Division 2:  Thembalethu vs Harlequins Forces, Dysselsdorp vs New Dawn Park 

SUNDAY

Premier League:  New Dawn Park vs Harlequins Forces

The latest SWD premier league log standings are:

1st: Sussex – 51 points (13 matches)
2nd: Pacaltsdorp United – 44 points (12 matches)
3rd: Knysna Cavaliers – 31 points (12 matches)
4th:  Union Stars I:  Union Stars I – 29 points (12 matches)
5^th:  Harlequins Forces – 27 points (11 matches)
6th:  Union Stars II – 19 points (12 matches)
7^th:  George – 17 points (12 matches)
8th: New Dawn Park – 6 points (12 matches)

The log leader at the conclusion of the pool stages – after 14 matches – will directly advance to the final that will be played on 28 March 2026. The team that finishes 2nd will host the team that will finish 3rd in a qualifier on 21 March 2026 to determine the second finalist.

CSA DIVISION 2 ONE-DAY CUP COMPETITION ON 15 MARCH 2026

Garden Route Badgers vs Limpopo Impalas

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New Dawn Park forfeited their match against Sussex whilst the match between Harlequins Forces and Union Stars II was abandoned due to a wet outfield.

The summarized score cards are: 

George vs Pacaltsdorp United

GEORGE 83 all out (29.4 overs) (Hannes van Niekerk 23, Ricardo Majolla 3/18, Liyabona Malife 3/19, Duren Felix 2/14)

PACALTSDORP UNITED (Ducayne Plaatjies 39*, Leroy Bredenkamp 26*, PJ Carstens 2/10, JP de Villiers 2/36)

Pacaltsdorp United won by 5 wickets 

Knysna Cavaliers vs Union Stars I

KNYSNA CAVALIERS 114 all out (35.4 overs) (JP Ellis 30, Quinton Visagie 24, Sherwin Plaatjies 3/30, Lastio Williams 3/31, Reagan Rhode 2/26)

UNION STARS I 115/7 (37.5 overs) (Josh Karelse 31, Thurstin Murphy 27*, Francios Bonthuys 2/7, Mesuli Vuba 2/11, Mondli Khumalo 2/46)

Union Stars I won by 3 wickets 

New Dawn Park vs Sussex

New Dawn Park forfeit match points

Harlequins Forces vs Union Stars II

Match abandoned

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South Africa faces a serious and escalating problem with invasive alien plants (IAPs), particularly along river systems, mountain catchments and biodiversity hotspots. While a national strategy is necessary, it is not new. Comprehensive policies already exist under legislation such as the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA). “South Africa has strong environmental legislation, but implementation and sustained funding remain the real challenges,” says Cobus Meiring of GREF. “Without consistent action across all spheres of government, invasive species will continue to spread faster than we can contain them.”

The Garden Route is one of the regions most affected by IAPs, with infestations expanding steadily. Invasive species are transforming natural landscapes, reducing biodiversity and placing immense pressure on already vulnerable ecosystems. The financial burden of clearing operations including capital equipment, labour and follow-up treatments continues to rise, impacting municipalities, conservation agencies and private landowners alike.

The implications are far-reaching. Invasive alien plants reduce water runoff in critical catchments, directly threatening water security in the drought-prone Southern Cape. Dense infestations also increase fuel loads, contributing to more intense and destructive veld fires. Recent severe wildfire seasons have prompted stronger compliance among landowners, many of whom have demonstrated commendable commitment to clearing their properties in accordance with environmental legislation.

Climate change further intensifies the challenge. Rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns favour invasive species, compounding stress on indigenous habitats and ecosystems.

A concerning decline in national funding for eradication programmes means municipalities and landowners are increasingly required to rely on their own limited resources. GREF supports a strengthened, properly funded and measurable national action plan focused on catchment-level priorities to safeguard biodiversity, water security and regional resilience.

GREF is a public platform for environmental managers and landowners and serves a climate change think tank (grefecsf.co.za)

The post GREF Comments on South Africa’s Draft National Invasive Species Strategy and Action Plan (2026-2036) appeared first on The Gremlin.

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Apart from Namibia, there is currently no other country bordering South Africa where outbreaks outside controlled areas have not been confirmed. Namibia and Botswana follow strict, disciplined protocols to protect their red meat export status, but the movement of livestock across borders and domestically from affected districts into the rest of the region is poorly controlled.

Afrikaans

Even if the blanket vaccination programme South Africa has now is announced as successful, the cost and effort involved will be wasted unless it is matched by effective traceability programmes and consistent movement control.

Ongoing, poorly controlled movement of livestock across the Lesotho border, particularly within the context of the stock theft problem that has caused major losses in the Eastern Free State for more than two decades, has inevitably contributed to the outbreak of FMD in Lesotho.

Structure follows strategy, and the greatest challenge in combating FMD remains the clear allocation of responsibility and accountability in multilateral and multi-sector programmes. We need to rethink the structures through which agreements are reached across borders and also domestically, between different sectors of livestock owners and businesses, on how the disease will be eradicated in practical terms.

Simply leaving the problem to SADC could be catastrophic. SADC has never impressed with the implementation of regional policy. In 14 years, SADC has still not managed to restore the operation of its tribunal in Windhoek, despite constitutional courts in several member states having ruled that the failure to appoint judges is unlawful. A civil initiative involving farmers, veterinarians and businesses across the meat and dairy value chains, funded, supported, and monitored by governments, has a better chance of success.

Locally in South Africa, the structures required to roll out the vaccination programme are also inadequate. The state does not have the necessary capacity or expertise, and it bears direct responsibility for the outbreak and spread of the disease.

RMIS, which is granted wide powers in the draft Section 10 application to manage the counter strategy, is viewed with deep suspicion by farmers. RMIS is perceived to have been captured and controlled by feedlots and not to act consistently in the best interests of primary producers. Farmers are also deeply uncomfortable with RMIS’s self-appointed role as gatekeeper of vaccination programmes, because key role players, organisations, and value chain partners are regularly excluded at RMIS’s insistence.

A single infected animal can destroy a country’s FMD status, and farmers experience exclusivity and secrecy as signs of a lack of understanding of the nature and scale of the problem.

If a credible, politically neutral, and effective structure is to coordinate the counter strategy, it cannot be RMIS. When FMD escalated in April 2025 and began spreading like a wildfire, RMIS’s board imposed a ban on communication with farmers, leaving the PRO and veterinarians to try to interpret facts and plans. RMIS communication has never been strong, and attempts to engage with them are routinely postponed, cancelled or ignored.

A more transparent, representative, neutral, and effective structure must be established to coordinate the fight against FMD in South Africa and across the region, especially in the absence of state capacity.

**Voice note attached of Dr. Theo de Jager.

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𝗙𝗠𝗗 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗦: 𝗚𝗔𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗡 𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗘
Affected municipal area: Mossel Bay

FMD-affected farms (officially confirmed): 4

FMD-suspect site(s), pending test results: 6

Number of farms vaccinated 52 (increased with 6)

FMD-Vaccines administered to date: 9631 (increased with 1051)

Livestock infected: Cattle

Number of Vehicle Control Points around quarantined area: 7 static and 4 roaming

As previously stated, the Western Cape has received 30,000 doses of FMD vaccines from Biogénesis Bagó in Argentina. Of these, 10,000 doses have been allocated to the Garden Route. A further 45,000 doses are expected to be delivered to the Western Cape by the end of next week.

Tomorrow, 27 February 2026, at 11:00, a roadblock will be conducted at the Tsitsikamma Tollgate as part of ongoing control measures.

Vaccinations have started in the Friemersheim area and will move towards George after the weekend when more vaccines become available.

𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗥𝗢𝗔𝗗𝗦: 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗥𝗢𝗔𝗗𝗦 𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗗 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖
Applications for the closure of Western Cape Provincial Roads must to be directed to Gerhard Otto, gotto@gardenroute.gov.za.

Residents will be able to access these roads, but not other motorists or cyclists.

Role players involved in approving these applications, include the GRDM Disaster Management Centre, Western Cape Provincial Government Roads Engineer, the South African Police Service and the affected local municipality law enforcement.

𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀
The Western Cape Provincial Government (WCG) Local State Veterinarian, Dr Leana Janse van The Western Cape Provincial Government (WCG) Local State Veterinarian, Dr Leana Janse van Rensburg, received confirmation on 23 February that laboratory results for the suspect farm in George tested negative.
However, test results for a heifer farm located 21 km north of the index farm in the Mossel Bay area returned positive. Calves from the index farm had previously been moved to this property on 21 January.
All livestock on the affected farm, as well as on a neighbouring farm, have since been vaccinated. A 3 km quarantine zone has been established around the affected property.

𝗪𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗡 𝗖𝗔𝗣𝗘 𝗩𝗔𝗖𝗖𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗦
It is important to note that when an animal is vaccinated and exposed to FMD, it gets less sick, shows milder clinical signs (fewer sores, less lameness), and they recover faster.

Phase 1: Infected herd and others within a 3km radius of an index farm (if lesions are found outside 3km, expand to 10km).
Phase 2: Commonage and informal area livestock.
Phase 3: High-risk herds (farms close to free-roaming cattle, close to abattoirs and where there is a lot of movement, etc.).
Phase 4: Dairy herds.
Phase 5: Beef herds.

𝗙𝗠𝗗 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗖𝗘𝗦
All FMD resources, including updates, are uploaded here: https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/document-category/foot-and-mouth-disease/

Western Cape Department of Agriculture updates, are uploaded here: https://www.elsenburg.com/foot-and-mouth-disease-fmd-outbreak-information/

WCG FMD Hotline Number: 080 928 4102 (Press 1 for FMD)
National Dept. Agriculture: 0860 246 640

The next update will be published by 3 March 2026.

𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧 𝗦𝗨𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗦
Garden Route Emergency Call Centre
044 805 5071 or WhatsApp 081 709 5193

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