Kouga Local Municipality has reached a significant milestone with the completion of its first Voluntary Local Review (VLR), a strategic report that demonstrates how the municipality’s daily work contributes to global sustainability targets known as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Developed in partnership with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), the review forms part of a national initiative supporting municipalities to localise and report on the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Understanding the Sustainable Development Goals
The SDGs are a set of 17 global objectives adopted by the United Nations to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including poverty alleviation, improved service delivery, economic development, environmental protection, and climate change mitigation.
Although defined at an international level, many of these goals are realised at local government level through everyday municipal services that directly impact communities.
For Kouga Local Municipality, the Voluntary Local Review focused on key priority areas, including:
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
- SDG 13: Climate Action.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for Development.
What is a Voluntary Local Review?
A Voluntary Local Review is a structured assessment that measures and highlights how municipal projects, programmes, and services contribute towards the achievement of the SDGs.
In essence, it captures Kouga’s local development journey and illustrates the tangible impact that local government has on improving the quality of life of residents.
Sustainable Development Already Underway
One of the key findings of the review is that the SDGs are already embedded in the municipality’s core functions and service delivery mandate.
Every infrastructure upgrade, water pipeline replacement, economic development initiative, and community project contributes directly to these global objectives.
Kouga Local Municipality Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, and Municipal Manager, Charl du Plessis, have both welcomed the completion of the VLR, describing it as an important tool to showcase municipal progress, strengthen long-term planning, and demonstrate the role of local government in advancing sustainable development.
Municipality-Wide Collaboration
In order to strengthen implementation, each municipal directorate has appointed an SDG Champion to support alignment between projects and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The process is coordinated through the Office of the Executive Mayor, ensuring an integrated and collaborative approach across all departments and reinforcing sustainable development as a central component of municipal planning and service delivery.
Every Role Matters
The VLR further highlights that sustainable development is a collective responsibility shared across the municipality.
Whether within Civil and Water Services, Electro-Mechanical Services, Community Services, Planning and Development, Finance and Economic Development, Corporate Services, or the Office of the Municipal Manager, every employee contributes towards building a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient Kouga.
Looking Ahead
The completion of Kouga’s first Voluntary Local Review marks the beginning of a continued journey towards strengthening service delivery and sustainable development.
Working in collaboration with SALGA, sector departments, communities, and development partners, the municipality will continue to integrate sustainability principles into all aspects of governance and service delivery.
Through the leadership of the Executive Mayor, Municipal Manager, SDG Champions, and municipal staff, Kouga Local Municipality is fostering a culture where sustainable development is embedded in everyday operations.
The message emerging from the review is clear: the Sustainable Development Goals are not separate from municipal work – they are already being advanced through the municipality’s daily service delivery to communities.
The content of this publication has not been approved by the United Nations and does not reflect the views of the United Nations or its officials or Member States.
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