KOUGA – Kouga Local Municipality has reached a significant milestone with the completion of its first Voluntary Local Review (VLR). This strategic report demonstrates how the municipality’s daily work contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Developed in partnership with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), the review forms part of a national initiative that supports municipalities to localise and report on the 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. These include poverty alleviation, improved service delivery, economic development, environmental protection and climate change mitigation.
Although defined at an international level, many of these goals are achieved through the everyday work of local government. Municipal services have a direct impact on communities and play an important role in delivering sustainable development.
For Kouga Local Municipality, the Voluntary Local Review focused on the following priority areas:
- 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 how municipal projects, programmes and services contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
It captures Kouga’s local development journey and demonstrates the impact that local government has on improving the quality of life of residents.
Sustainable development already underway
One of the review’s key findings is that the Sustainable Development Goals 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 welcomed the completion of the VLR. They described 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
To strengthen implementation, each municipal directorate has appointed an SDG Champion. These champions support alignment between municipal projects and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The process is coordinated through the Office of the Executive Mayor. This ensures an integrated and collaborative approach across all departments while reinforcing sustainable development as a central component of municipal planning and service delivery.
Every role matters
The VLR highlights that sustainable development is a shared responsibility across the municipality.
Whether working in 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 to 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 to strengthen service delivery and sustainable development.
Working with SALGA, sector departments, communities and development partners, the municipality will continue integrating sustainability principles into every aspect of governance and service delivery.
Through the leadership of the Executive Mayor, Municipal Manager, SDG Champions and municipal staff, Kouga Local Municipality is embedding sustainable development into its everyday operations.
The message 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.
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