Video: Kouga was ranked the worst municipality just 10 years ago. Today, it is the top municipality in the Eastern Cape under the DA government. Watch Mayor Hattingh Bornman share the Kouga Local Municipality story

by SFT | Apr 12, 2026 | St Francis

Kouga Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman took the stage at the Democratic Alliance Federal Congress on 11 April 2026. He delivered a confident account of Kouga’s turnaround, positioning the municipality as a standout performer in the Eastern Cape.

Speaking to a packed audience of more than 2 000 delegates, Bornman framed Kouga as a working example of what happens when leadership locks in, finances stabilise, and service delivery finds momentum. His message landed clean. Even municipalities under pressure can reset and rebuild with the right approach.

The broader congress programme carried a strong local flavour. There were live sets from homegrown artists woven between addresses from party leaders and public representatives, giving the event a mix of politics and performance.

Video: Kouga was ranked the worst municipality just 10 years ago. Today, it is the top municipality in the Eastern Cape under the DA government.”

Video: Top Surfers, Including Locals, At The Royal St Andrews Hotel Rip Curl Cup – Video by St Francis Filmer Brad Peens Down The Line Surf

by SFT | Apr 12, 2026 | St Francis, Surf Editorial

Video: Top Surfers, Including Locals, At The Royal St Andrews Hotel Rip Curl Cup – Video by St Francis Filmer Brad Peens Down The Line Surf

Screengrabs from the video:

Crime Snapshot March 2026 – Calibre Security

by SFT | Apr 12, 2026 | St Francis

The Latest Crime Snapshot March 2026 report from Calibre Security

Calibre Security on Facebook

St Francis Bay Groyne Update – Video update by Brad Peens / Down The Line Surf.

by SFT | Apr 9, 2026 | St Francis

Long Term Coast Protection Scheme:

Gallery: St Francis Surfers At The Port Alfred Easter Festival and Spiderman

by SFT | Apr 8, 2026 | St Francis, Surf Editorial

The St Francis surfers At The Port Alfred Easter Festival, from U12 to the Open Division.

There were two events. Firstly, the Surfing South Africa contest, known as the Rip Curl GromSearch presented by the Royal St Andrews Hotel. These photos were taken by SSA/Kody McGregor

Then there was the Royal St Andrews Hotel Rip Curl Cup, a WSL QS 4,0000 (men) and 2,000 (women) event. These photos were taken by WSL/Kody McGregor

Well done to Slaye Shooter for his win in the Rip Curl GromSearch, and to everyone else who competed so well in the big surf, as well as to Spiderman, who pulled in for the morning.

We have: Summer Harding, Olivia and Slayde Shooter, Jack Erlank, Rory Dace, Rylan Jarvis, Spiderman, Sophia and Luc Jackson

all photos by Kody McGregor