GRDMSCC: Cultivating a Cultural Pulse Since 1998, looking forward in 2026.
The GRDMSCC has made a strategic elevation of Tacoma's 28-year sister city
relationship with George, South Africa—one of the longest-standing partnerships in
the Sister Cities of Tacoma portfolio. At the invitation of regional leadership within the
Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), we are expanding from a single-city
relationship to a comprehensive district-wide partnership encompassing seven
municipalities and over 630,000 residents3 along South Africa's spectacular southern
coast.
This transition mirrors the shift from a city-to-city model to a "county" model—much
like moving from partnering with one city in Pierce County to engaging with the entire
county. The Garden Route District serves as the coordinating government body for
seven local municipalities, each with distinct economic strengths, cultural assets, and
community needs that align closely with Tacoma and Pierce County's diversity.
GRDMSCC:
What we stand for
Collaborative Prosperity
We champion joint ventures between businesses, NGOs, and the public sector, believing that shared innovation drives sustainable economic growth for the whole district.
Reciprocal Stewardship
We nurture a culture of giving and mutual support—whether through charitable programs, volunteerism, or community‑based resource sharing—to uplift those in need.
Equitable Sustainability
We commit to development that balances environmental health with social fairness, guaranteeing that progress benefits current residents without compromising future generations.
Quality of Life Enrichment
We prioritize safe, healthy, and vibrant neighborhoods, accessible services, and enriching cultural experiences that enhance everyday well‑being for everyone.
Inclusive Civic Diplomacy
We actively foster respectful dialogue and partnership among all cultural, social, and governmental groups, ensuring every voice is heard and valued.
Transparent Accountability
We operate with openness, integrity, and measurable outcomes, inviting community participation in decision‑making and holding ourselves responsible for delivering on our promises.
Our Garden Route District Municipality Partners
The Garden Route
KANNALAND
The Municipality that works.
GREATER OUDTSHOORN
A responsive municipality creating opportunities for its community through: Open, transparent and honest governance; Providing innovative, effective and efficient services; Promoting sustainability, economic and social development; and Safer communities.
KNYSNA
To provide affordable quality services, alleviate poverty, and facilitate social and economic development in the Greater Knysna municipal area through integrated development planning, skills development and the sustainable use of resources.
BITOU
The Bitou Municipality mission is to partner with communities and stakeholders to sustainably deliver quality services so that everyone in Bitou can live and prosper together.
MOSSEL BAY
South Africa's historic first European
landfall (1488), Mossel Bay combines coastal tourism, commercial fishing, and the PetroSA refinery.
HESSEQUA
A rural municipality blending coastal
communities (Still Bay, Witsand) with agricultural centers. The economy relies on dairy farming, grains, fynbos harvesting, and emerging nature-based tourism.
GEORGE
The district's administrative and commercial hub, George serves as the regional services center with a diversified economy in manufacturing, business services, education, and tourism. George Airport provides the region's primary air connection.
Youth unemployment is among the most pressing challenges facing South African communities. GRDM has prioritized skills development through the Garden Route Skills Mecca initiative. Tacoma's community colleges, technical schools, and apprenticeship programs offer models for industry-responsive training in hospitality, manufacturing, maritime services, and emerging sectors.
Workforce Development & Skills Training
The emergence of Mossel Bay as a growing cruise port and maritime center creates unprecedented opportunities for port-to-port collaboration. The Port of Tacoma, as
part of the Northwest Seaport Alliance, brings world-class expertise in maritime commerce, port operations, and waterfront economic development. Mossel Bay's
November 2025 opening of a R22-million cruise facility signals the community's commitment to maritime diversification.
Maritime & Port Collaboration
The Garden Route District produces distinctive agricultural and artisanal products with export potential, including rooibos tea, honey, aloe products, ostrich leather goods, indigenous crafts, and processed foods. Tacoma's position as a major Pacific Rim trade gateway creates pathways for small-scale export development and business-to-business connections.
Trade & Economic Development
The former Tacoma-George Sister City Committee delivered direct impact through education programs over 28 years, including providing more than 500 school
uniforms to children across George and supporting literacy programs with personalized books for students. This proven model will now expand across all seven GRDM municipalities.
Education & Youth Engagement
Both Tacoma and the Garden Route are emerging destination communities working to diversify tourism offerings and extend visitor seasons. Signature events including the Knysna Oyster Festival (July), MosJazz Music Festival (November-December), and the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees arts festival in Oudtshoorn. Golf tourism is particularly significant—the Garden Route's championship courses attract players from around the world, directly paralleling Pierce County's golf assets including Chambers Bay.