by SFT | Jun 11, 2026 | St Francis
KOUGA – Kouga Local Municipality’s Environmental Management Fee (EMF), approved by Council in 2008, continues to play a vital role in protecting the region’s natural environment.
The fee provides dedicated funding for environmental programmes and projects across the municipality. As a result, Kouga can better protect its rivers, wetlands, coastline, open spaces, nature reserves and other environmentally sensitive areas.
Importantly, the fee also helps the municipality meet its environmental obligations and strengthen climate resilience.
Investing In Environmental Protection
Kouga Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman said the municipality faces growing environmental challenges that require ongoing investment and intervention.
“Environmental protection is not optional. It is a legal responsibility and an investment in the future of our communities,” said Bornman.
“The Environmental Management Fee enables the municipality to take proactive steps to protect our natural resources, improve public health and reduce the long-term costs associated with environmental degradation.”
Addressing Growing Environmental Pressures
The municipality continues to face increasing environmental pressures.
These include illegal dumping, pollution of rivers and wetlands, invasive alien vegetation and rising waste volumes. In addition, climate-related risks such as flooding, storm surges and fires place further strain on communities and infrastructure.
According to Bornman, these challenges directly affect municipal infrastructure, service delivery and the wellbeing of residents.
“By investing in environmental management today, we can prevent far greater costs tomorrow,” he said.
“Preventing pollution, protecting wetlands and maintaining healthy ecosystems help reduce flood damage, water contamination and infrastructure failures.”
Ring-Fenced Funding For Environmental Projects
The Environmental Management Fee is ring-fenced. Therefore, the municipality may only use the funding for environmental purposes.
It does not fund general municipal operations.
Projects and programmes funded through the EMF include:
- Cleaning and rehabilitating illegal dumping hotspots.
- Protecting rivers, wetlands and coastal areas.
- Environmental law enforcement and compliance monitoring.
- Climate resilience and adaptation initiatives.
- Environmental awareness and education campaigns.
- Waste minimisation projects.
- Rehabilitation of degraded areas.
- Air and water quality management initiatives.
- Environmental awards and awareness programmes for schools and communities.
- Alien vegetation management.
- Waste disposal and landfill management.
- Research into cleaner production processes.
- Compliance with Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and Records of Decision (RODs) where required.
- Sustainable Development Goal awareness campaigns.
Supporting Legal Environmental Obligations
The fee also helps the municipality meet its obligations under national environmental legislation.
This includes the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), which requires municipalities to protect the environment, prevent pollution and promote sustainable development.
Consequently, the EMF plays an important role in ensuring compliance with environmental regulations while supporting responsible development.
Protecting Kouga’s Natural Heritage
Bornman said the municipality remains committed to balancing development with environmental protection.
“Kouga is blessed with exceptional natural assets, from our coastline and estuaries to our nature reserves and open spaces,” he said.
“Protecting these resources is essential for tourism, economic growth and the quality of life of our residents.”
He added that the Environmental Management Fee supports a healthier and more sustainable future.
“The Environmental Management Fee allows us to work towards a cleaner, safer and more sustainable environment for current and future generations,” said Bornman.
“It is an investment in the health of our communities and the protection of the natural heritage that makes Kouga such a special place.”
by SFT | Jun 11, 2026 | St Francis
Last week we endured our fifth storm in the last eight weeks. Substantial damage resulted after the major storm in early May, especially along the Gamtoos River, but the groynes have survived: “the groyne system performed effectively in protecting the revetment and broader shoreline infrastructure under highly challenging oceanic conditions” (as per our Property Owners Association).
The picture above was taken on 9 May 2026, soon after the fourth storm, which resulted in our three major dams overflowing, hence the muddy colour of the water. Note the dredger at the bottom, the canals and two completed groynes to the right of the river mouth.
Nukes?
With the deadline of 29 May, we locals spent much of May formulating our objections to the proposed Thyspunt nuclear power plant. Led by the Thyspunt Alliance, the anti-lobby seems to be the only voice in the region, with the pro-lobby noticeably silent.
As stated by our Property Owners Association: “South Africa has 2,798 km of coastline from which to choose a site. Why place a nuclear power station just 8 km from one of the premier lifestyle and tourism destinations on the African continent?”
Our mayor says: “Kouga Municipality has serious concerns regarding the proposed nuclear development at Thyspunt”.
Let’s hope a more suitable place is found.
One of the hundreds of Killers waves ridden on Friday 9 May 2026.
Surf
The storms brought some great surf, and the groynes helped as well. Notably on Friday 8 May, lucky surfers rode hundreds of amazing waves at Killers and Bruces. The SA Longboard Champs at JBay, a week earlier, also coincided with good surf, and I was lucky enough to participate.
SA Longboard Champs, JBay, 27 April – 2 May 2026.
Pam Golding Sports Events
Two of our premier events took place in April and May: the Pam Golding King of the Kromme (paddling) and the largest amateur golf event in South Africa, the Pam Golding Ladies Open.
These events, where we have been the title sponsor since 2005, add to the appeal of our town … although some might say it already has enough appeal!
The start of the 20km Pam Golding King of the Kromme, The Cove, Easter Saturday, 4 April 2026.
Queen and King of the Kromme, Jade Wilson and Andy Birkett.
The annual 36-hole Pam Golding Properties Ladies Open, 29 – 31 May 2026.
The winners, Chrisna Chalmers and Karen Maritz, with Saria Blaauw, Pam Golding’s Links Specialist.
Pam Golding Properties Celebrates 50 Years … In Barcelona
On 23 May, at the annual Pam Golding Properties Conference, held this year in Barcelona, St Francis Bay won the Franchise Award for the highest sales value in the Medium Category, for the third time in the last four years, and was runner-up in the other year.
With a total property turnover of only R865 million, St Francis Bay is one of the smallest in the Medium Category.
The conference, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Pam Golding Properties, was attended by our three agents, Dot Stuart-White, Krystal Scott and Saria Blaauw, who won all-expenses-paid trips.
In the absence of franchisee Richard Arderne, Dot Stuart-White accepted the award.
All this is testament to the phenomenal popularity of St Francis, particularly over the last few years, plus the success of the Pam Golding St Francis team.
PS: Dean Fox also achieved Gold Club status, but narrowly missed an invitation to Barcelona. Lois Fox didn’t attend for the first time in many years due to her now focusing on bowls rather than selling houses!
On 23 May in Barcelona, in the absence of the St Francis franchisee, Dot accepted the award for the highest sales in the Medium Category.
Saria, Dot and Krystal enjoying the sights of Barcelona at the Pam Golding Conference in late May.
By Richard Arderne
by SFT | Jun 11, 2026 | St Francis, Surf Editorial
All photos © Kody McGregor
With just one week to go until the Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro QS 2,000 and Rip Curl Vic Bay Pro Junior, excitement is building along the Garden Route.
While the surfers will take centre stage when competition gets underway, events of this calibre do not happen on their own. Instead, they rely on strong partnerships, shared vision and a collective commitment to growing surfing in South Africa.
As the countdown begins, the organisers would like to acknowledge and thank the partners helping bring this year’s event to life.
A sincere thank you goes to George Tourism and George Municipality for their continued support of surfing, tourism and major events in the region. Their backing helps position Victoria Bay as one of South Africa’s premier surf destinations while showcasing everything the Garden Route has to offer.
In addition, we extend our appreciation to The Pottery, Sir Fruit, Bliz Eyewear, Bilt International, Betify, Yeti, Red Bull, The Royal St Andrews Hotel and Harcourts South Africa for supporting this year’s event.
VICTORIA BAY, Photo by Kody McGregor/World Surf League)
Surfing And Coastal Living Go Hand In Hand
This year, the event proudly welcomes Harcourts South Africa as a supporting sponsor.
The partnership reflects the close connection between surfing, coastal living and the thriving communities that surround South Africa’s most desirable beachfront destinations. Victoria Bay remains one of the country’s hidden gems, while the wider Garden Route continues to attract visitors, homeowners and investors from around the world.
As a result, the partnership between Harcourts and the Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro feels like a natural fit.
Big Prizes Raise The Stakes
The Royal St Andrews Hotel has added even more excitement by contributing a four-night stay during the 2027 Port Alfred Easter Festival.
Importantly, the prize creates a direct link between Victoria Bay and the Easter Festival, where the Royal St Andrews Hotel Rip Curl Cup QS 4,000 is already confirmed for Easter 2027.
Meanwhile, Bliz Eyewear has strengthened the prize pool with premium eyewear products that will be awarded to the winners of both the QS 2,000 and Pro Junior divisions.
However, that is only the beginning.
Leading surfboard manufacturer Bilt International will also award two premium surfboards during the event.
Rewarding Breakout Performances
Bilt International manufactures boards for some of the world’s most respected surf brands, including Channel Islands Surfboards, …Lost Surfboards by Mayhem, Chilli Surfboards and its own Bilt Surfboards range.
Two boards from these world-class brands will be awarded for standout performances during the Rip Curl Vic Bay Pro Junior.
The awards recognise surfers who rise to the occasion, exceed expectations and make a lasting impression when it matters most.
Ultimately, the support from sponsors and partners creates opportunities for athletes, delivers valuable exposure for Victoria Bay and the Garden Route, and helps drive the continued growth of competitive surfing in South Africa.
With the contest window now just days away, all signs point towards another memorable week of surfing at one of South Africa’s most iconic point breaks.
Rip Curl South Africa on FaceBook
Rip Curl South Africa: new website
by SFT | Jun 11, 2026 | St Francis
A Thyspunt Thank You
What a response!
From detailed scientific reports to passionate one-line submissions, thousands of pages of documentation were read, questioned, challenged, and commented on by people who care deeply about Thyspunt and its future.
To everyone who attended meetings, submitted comments, shared information, asked difficult questions, encouraged neighbours to participate, or simply helped spread the word — thank you. Every contribution mattered.
The Draft Scoping Report ran to thousands of pages, but the public response showed that the community’s determination is even greater.
The process united residents, conservationists, farmers, surfers, business owners, scientists, heritage specialists, legal experts, and many others around a shared conviction, a development of this scale does not belong in a landscape so rich in culture and biodiversity. Our voices matter.
The level of engagement has been inspiring. It demonstrates that Thyspunt is not simply a location on a map, it is a place that people value, protect, and care about deeply.
While the submission of comments as part of the EIA Scoping phase marks an important milestone, this is not the finish line. Think of it as the end of the first lap. There is still much work ahead, and the Thyspunt Alliance remains committed to keeping the community informed and involved every step of the way.
Donors and the Thyspunt Alliance Fund
A special thank you goes to everyone who has contributed to the Thyspunt Alliance Fund. Your support has allowed the Alliance to obtain independent legal and scientific advice and ensure that community concerns are properly represented throughout this process.
We are grateful for every contribution, large or small. Donors who wish to be acknowledged will be recognised, and all funds will be used exclusively for legal and scientific responses relating to the proposed development.
The Alliance has appointed Cullinan & Associates as its legal advisors and has already used donor funding to obtain legal opinions, develop a legal strategy, and prepare detailed submissions on behalf of the community.
There will undoubtedly be more financial peaks in the road ahead, but thanks to the generosity of supporters, we are better prepared to meet them.
Legal costs incurred to date: R178,793.17.
To every donor, volunteer, specialist, and supporter — thank you for helping ensure that this process receives the independent scrutiny that a project of this scale deserves.
The Road Ahead
The comments may be in, but the Thyspunt story is far from over.
The next step is for WSP to submit the Final Scoping Report to the DFFE. The Department will then decide whether the project may proceed to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) phase.
If the process moves forward, there will be further specialist investigations, another round of public participation, and another opportunity for communities and experts to review the findings and have their say.
If an Environmental Authorisation is eventually granted, the Alliance is prepared to exercise its rights through the appeal process and, if necessary, through the courts.
For now, take a moment to celebrate what has been achieved. The community showed up, the experts showed up, and the public record is far stronger because of it.
Then, after a well-earned cup of coffee, we prepare for the next chapter.
Other Thyspunt relevant public participation processes:
The Nuclear Site Licence process before the National Nuclear Regulator, which will create further opportunities for public participation. When those opportunities arise, we will ensure that everyone knows how to get involved.
Before any new nuclear power programme can proceed, a determination in terms of Section 34 of the Electricity Regulation Act will be required. Recent court rulings have confirmed that meaningful public participation must form part of this process. In simple terms, there will be another opportunity for South Africans to have their say on whether nuclear expansion is needed, how much is required, and what role it should play in the country’s energy future. The conversation about Thyspunt therefore extends well beyond the current environmental assessment process.
The Thyspunt Alliance Fund is a registered Public Benefit Organisation with SARS Section 18A approval (PBO 930088391).
Why Continued Funding Matters
A well-organised, evidence-based campaign requires more than passion and commitment. It requires access to independent scientific expertise, specialist legal advice, and the resources necessary to engage effectively with complex regulatory processes.
The Thyspunt Alliance remains committed to ensuring that all funds received are used exclusively for legal and scientific expenses. No funds are used for salaries, administration, or unrelated activities. Every contribution supports the Alliance’s ability to obtain independent expert review, prepare submissions, and ensure that community concerns are properly represented.
While we have successfully completed Phase One of the process, the Draft Scoping Phase, some of the most resource-intensive stages still lie ahead.
Funding may be required in the immediate future should the Final Scoping Report fail to accurately reflect or adequately address the issues raised during the public participation process. In such circumstances, legal intervention may be necessary to protect procedural fairness and ensure compliance with environmental legislation.
Next major funding requirement
The next major funding requirement is expected during the Environmental Impact Assessment phase. When the Draft Environmental Impact Assessment Report and specialist studies are released, the Alliance will once again need legal review and independent scientific scrutiny of the findings and conclusions. This is likely to involve specialist input across multiple disciplines to assess whether impacts have been properly identified and evaluated.
Further significant costs may arise should the Department grant an Environmental Authorisation. An appeal process would require the preparation of detailed legal submissions and supporting technical evidence. Should such an appeal be unsuccessful, the largest financial commitment would likely be a judicial review application to the courts, where decisions can be challenged on legal and procedural grounds.
Additional resources will also be required to participate effectively in other parallel regulatory processes, including submissions to the National Nuclear Regulator regarding the Nuclear Site Licence application and participation in any future Section 34 Electricity Regulation Act process relating to nuclear energy expansion in South Africa.
The reality is that major environmental and regulatory decisions are often shaped over many years and through multiple processes. The Alliance therefore believes it is important to build and maintain the capacity to respond when critical decision points arise, rather than trying to raise funds only once those moments have arrived.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported the Alliance thus far. Your contributions are helping to ensure that decisions affecting Thyspunt are subjected to independent scientific scrutiny, robust legal review, and meaningful public participation every step of the way.
Thyspunt Alliance
Thyspunt Alliance on FaceBook
by SFT | Jun 11, 2026 | St Francis, Travel News
© @gumboot.camera
The Garden Route is famous for its dramatic coastline, indigenous forests and world-class holiday towns. However, beyond the well-known attractions lies a collection of hidden gems that reward those willing to slow down and explore.
While destinations such as Knysna and Plettenberg Bay often grab the headlines, smaller places continue to offer some of the region’s most memorable experiences.
Victoria Bay: Small Cove, Big Character
Tucked between George and Wilderness, Victoria Bay remains one of the Garden Route’s best-kept secrets.
Known locally as Vic Bay, this small coastal village centres around a beautiful bay and a famous right-hand point break. Surfers have long regarded the wave as one of South Africa’s most consistent and user-friendly points.
However, you do not need a surfboard to enjoy Victoria Bay.
The sheltered beach is ideal for families, while the surrounding cliffs provide spectacular ocean views. In addition, the compact nature of the village creates a relaxed atmosphere that feels far removed from modern city life.
As a result, visitors often arrive for an hour and stay for the entire day.
Herolds Bay Offers Coastal Beauty
Herold’s Bay © Kody McGregor
Just a short drive from George Airport, Herolds Bay combines convenience with natural beauty.
Although many travellers pass nearby, relatively few take the time to visit this charming seaside village.
The beach sits between rugged cliffs and offers excellent swimming conditions during summer. Meanwhile, the elevated viewpoints provide some of the most impressive coastal panoramas on the Garden Route.
Golf enthusiasts also know the area well. The nearby cliffs overlook sections of the renowned Fancourt golf estate, creating a striking contrast between ocean and fairway.
Furthermore, Herolds Bay’s quieter pace makes it an ideal escape during peak holiday periods.
Discover The Road Less Travelled
The real appeal of the Garden Route lies in its smaller destinations.
Places such as Victoria Bay and Herolds Bay remind visitors that memorable travel experiences do not always require large crowds or famous landmarks. Instead, they offer authenticity, natural beauty and a chance to reconnect with the outdoors.
Whether you are searching for a secluded beach, a scenic viewpoint or a peaceful afternoon by the sea, these hidden gems deliver in abundance.
So, the next time you travel through the Garden Route, consider taking a detour. You may discover that the region’s greatest treasures are the places that rarely appear on the front cover of a brochure.
Sometimes, the best parts of the Garden Route are hiding in plain sight.
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