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
- Ward 3
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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