Kouga Formalises Rooftop Solar Registration Requirement

by | Feb 28, 2026 | St Francis

Kouga Formalises Rooftop Solar Registration

Kouga Local Municipality has approved a compulsory registration process for all existing Small Scale Embedded Generation systems, including rooftop solar installations. The resolution was adopted at the Ordinary Council Meeting on 26 February 2026.

Every property owner operating a solar PV system that connects to the municipal electricity grid is now required to register that installation with the municipality.

The registration period runs from 1 March to 30 June 2026. During this four month window, residents may regularise their systems without penalties.

The policy signals a transition from informal accommodation of embedded generation to structured regulatory oversight.

Network Safety and Technical Compliance

Municipal officials state that the expansion of rooftop solar across Kouga has accelerated beyond existing monitoring mechanisms.

Unregistered embedded systems can introduce technical instability into the distribution network. Documented risks include back-feeding during outages, voltage irregularities, and safety exposure for municipal technicians working on live infrastructure.

Formal registration enables the municipality to verify that installations comply with prescribed technical standards and grid connection requirements. It also creates a verified database of embedded generation capacity operating within the municipal footprint.

The decision aligns with national frameworks governing Small Scale Embedded Generation and municipal electricity distribution.

Load Management

Electricity distribution remains a primary municipal revenue stream. The growth of private generation directly affects load forecasting, infrastructure planning, and tariff modelling.

Accurate data on embedded generation capacity strengthens demand management strategies and long term financial planning. Registration provides the municipality with visibility over distributed generation patterns and their impact on the grid.

According to Speaker Cllr Lorraine Maree, the programme establishes a structured and equitable pathway to compliance while safeguarding the integrity of the electricity network.

After 30 June 2026, systems operating outside the registration framework may be subject to enforcement processes under municipal electricity bylaws.

Residents operating grid-connected solar installations are encouraged to complete the registration process within the designated compliance window.

So don’t all rush at once…

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Read more: Kouga’s quiet stand for the whales

Read more: Thyspunt Back On The Table, Quietly

Thyspunt Back On The Table, Quietly

by | Feb 28, 2026 | St Francis

Photo: Coega Development Corporation Facebook page

A few weeks ago, while most of us were focused on surf, schools, work, and potholes, Eskom was back at Thyspunt.

On day four of a provincial visit to the Eastern Cape, Eskom’s Nuclear Operating Unit, together with the Coega Development Corporation, walked the proposed 5,200MW nuclear power station site near Oyster Bay, inside Kouga Municipality.

No big fanfare. Just another step in a process that has resurfaced more than once over the past three decades.

Meetings, Mayors and Municipal Readiness

The visit included a high-level meeting with Kouga Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman and Sarah Baartman District Executive Mayor Deon De Vos.

The language was familiar. Coordinated governance. Infrastructure readiness. Local leadership. Alignment across spheres of government.

Eskom positioned the engagement as part of ongoing stakeholder discussions around South Africa’s nuclear build programme. Nuclear remains on the national table as a potential source of stable, low-carbon baseload power.

Photo: Coega Development Corporation Facebook page

A Site With History, and Community Memory

Thyspunt has been identified for nuclear development since the 1990s. Each revival reopens a local conversation that never fully settles. It always stirs emotions.

Environmental sensitivity, seismic considerations, evacuation logistics and pressure on already stretched municipal infrastructure continue to sit at the centre of public concern.

Eskom has indicated that updated environmental processes will follow, including formal public participation.

For now, the message is simple. Thyspunt is active in planning discussions again. And in this part of the world, people will be watching.

Quite closely.

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Read more: Kouga’s quiet stand for the whales

Read more: Kouga strengthens tourism position at SATSA LinkUp Workshop and Networking Expo At The Links

Kouga strengthens tourism position at SATSA LinkUp Workshop and Networking Expo At The Links

by | Feb 26, 2026 | St Francis

Kouga – Kouga Local Municipality continues to strengthen its position as a leading coastal destination following its participation in the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) LinkUp Workshop and Networking Expo, hosted at St Francis Links on 13 February 2026.

The strategic engagement forms part of the municipality’s ongoing drive to grow the local tourism economy, expand market access for Kouga-based businesses, and position the region as a trade-ready destination for both domestic and international visitors.

Representing the municipality, the Economic Development and Tourism Department used the platform to promote Kouga’s diverse tourism offering, build partnerships with industry stakeholders, and secure practical insights to enhance destination marketing and digital visibility.

The event brought together tourism role players from across the Eastern Cape, creating valuable opportunities for product exposure, buyer engagement, and knowledge sharing.

Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, said the municipality’s participation in SATSA LinkUp reflects Kouga’s commitment to unlocking the full potential of its tourism sector.

“Tourism is one of the cornerstones of Kouga’s local economy. Platforms such as SATSA LinkUp allow us to connect our local tourism products with national and international markets, which ultimately translates into more visitors, more jobs, and more opportunities for our communities,” he said.

He added that strengthening partnerships with industry stakeholders is essential for building a competitive destination.

“By investing in destination marketing, digital innovation, and trade readiness, we are ensuring that Kouga remains a preferred coastal destination. Our focus is on inclusive growth, where SMMEs and emerging tourism operators benefit alongside established businesses.”

A key outcome of the workshop was the municipality’s access to the 2026 tourism outlook and destination marketing trends presented by SATSA Chief Executive Officer David Frost.

Kouga representatives also participated in an inbound tourism masterclass focused on statistics of key inbound source markets, strategies to bridge the digital divide, leveraging incentive programmes like the Tourism Transformation Fund, and utilise platforms such as the SATSA Tourism LinkUp Tuesdays for weekly trade exposure.

The municipality further showcased the region’s tourism assets through a destination presentation that positioned Kouga as a hub for coastal, adventure, heritage, and lifestyle tourism. This exposure strengthens Kouga’s profile within provincial and national tourism networks and opens new trade opportunities for local operators.

Bornman emphasised that tourism growth must translate into tangible local benefits.

“Our goal is to ensure that tourism growth is felt in every town across Kouga – from Jeffreys Bay and St Francis to Hankey and Patensie. By supporting local enterprises and expanding market access, we are building a resilient and inclusive tourism economy.”

Participation in SATSA LinkUp directly supports the municipality’s commitment to:

  • Growing the local tourism economy.
  • Supporting SMME development and transformation.
  • Increasing visitor numbers and length of stay.
  • Enhancing digital destination marketing.
  • Building strategic industry partnerships.

By engaging on national trade platforms such as SATSA, Kouga Local Municipality ensures that local tourism products gain cost-effective promotional exposure while accessing industry knowledge, networking opportunities, and market intelligence.

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