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
KOUGA – Kouga Local Municipality recently celebrated the region’s environmental champions at the second annual Kouga Municipality Community Environmental Awards (KMCEA). The ceremony took place at Oase Church in Jeffreys Bay on World Environment Day, 5 June 2026.
The awards recognise individuals, community groups, schools, businesses and organisations that make a meaningful contribution to environmental protection and sustainability across Kouga.
Celebrating Environmental Leadership
The awards highlight initiatives such as recycling projects, clean-up campaigns, tree planting, climate action and community upliftment programmes.
From entrepreneurs turning waste into valuable products to schools managing food gardens and water harvesting systems, recipients are helping to build a cleaner and more resilient Kouga. In addition, many volunteers continue to educate communities about sustainable living and environmental responsibility.
As a result, the awards shine a spotlight on the everyday heroes who work tirelessly to protect the local environment.
Mayor Highlights Environmental Challenges
Addressing guests at the ceremony, Kouga Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman said this year’s devastating fires and floods had strengthened the community’s appreciation for environmental protection.
He described the awards as an important opportunity to recognise local environmental advocates and change-makers.
“Kouga is blessed with exceptional natural beauty and biodiversity. Our coastline, rivers, wetlands, agricultural lands and towns play a vital role in supporting livelihoods, tourism, food security and the quality of life of our residents. However, we also face the growing challenges of climate change, water scarcity, pollution and environmental degradation,” he said.
According to Bornman, environmental leadership has become increasingly important as communities face growing environmental pressures.
“It is within this reality that environmental leadership becomes essential. The individuals and organisations honoured today have gone beyond simply complying with regulations. They have taken responsibility, shown initiative and demonstrated an unwavering commitment to protecting the environment that sustains us all.”
Building Sustainable Communities Together
Bornman said the awards recognise practical actions that support sustainable development throughout the municipality.
“Whether through water-wise practices, waste reduction, environmental education, biodiversity conservation or community-based initiatives, every recipient has made a meaningful contribution.”
He added that government cannot solve environmental challenges alone.
Instead, sustainable communities rely on strong partnerships between municipalities, residents, schools, businesses and civil society.
Furthermore, he congratulated all recipients and described them as environmental ambassadors whose actions inspire others to take responsibility for protecting the environment.
Partnerships Create Lasting Impact
Keynote speaker André Adendorff from Woodlands Dairy Sustainability said the awards celebrate both excellence and a shared commitment to a sustainable future.
“Today’s recipients represent the key pillars that ensure Kouga remains a region we can all be proud of,” he said.
He highlighted initiatives such as Keep Kouga Clean, the Kouga Maak Skoon campaigns and community recycling projects. These programmes not only reduce waste but also create economic opportunities while promoting sustainability at grassroots level.
In addition, Adendorff commended the municipality’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal dumping. He said these initiatives encourage accountability and environmental responsibility.
He also shared several of Woodlands Dairy’s sustainability initiatives and emphasised the value of collaboration between government, businesses and communities.
“Nothing that you are doing is too small,” he told recipients. “You are shaping the future of Kouga. Together we are not only protecting the environment, but we are also building a lasting legacy.”
Award Recipients
Environmental Service Excellence Awards
(Internal Environmental Stewards)
- Sharon-Anne Smith
- Nomgqibelo Madolwana
- Wellington Malengeni
- Mopwell Koboko
- Xhanti Malengeni
- Jeffrey Titus
- Gregg Oerson
- Monica Ncedani
- Heine Titus
- Jonathan Hayward
- Kayalethu Toni
- Tobani Nkosana
- Siyanda Camagu
- Andile Ngcingolo
Community Environmental Awards
- Dorp van Drome
- Patensie Pronk
- Pastor Mbili (Ocean View)
- JBay Recycling
- Pabala Private Nature Reserve
- Greater Kromme Stewardship
- KCDF
- St Francis Bay Football Club
- Masiphakameni Local Development Agency
- Woodlands Dairy
Ward Champion
Environmental Schools
- Pellsrus Primary School
- JBay Academy Primary School
- Rainbow Centre for Special Needs
- Mzingisi Primary School
- Jeffreys Bay Comprehensive School
Outstanding Community Stewardship Awards
- Ute Martin
- Cheron Kraak
- Elmo Strydom
- Linn Hill
- Ricardo Adams
- Suzanne Kruger
A Celebration Of Community Spirit
The event also featured performances by programme director and artist Andre Martinez and learners from the Rainbow Centre for Special Needs.
Their contributions added energy and celebration to an occasion that recognised the people and organisations working to create a cleaner, greener and more sustainable Kouga.
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