Kouga – KwaNomzamo Hall in Humansdorp was a hive of activity on Thursday, 25 September 2025 as between 30 and 40 tavern and shebeen owners from the Kouga region gathered for an important environmental health and awareness workshop hosted by Kouga Local Municipality’s Environmental Health Section.
The workshop formed part of activities aligned to World Environmental Health Day, observed on 26 September, and to improve health, safety, and hygiene in liquor establishments across the region.
The session was more than just a lecture. It became a lively exchange of ideas, with tavern owners asking questions about how to balance their daily business realities with strict health and safety regulations. Their eagerness to learn underscored a growing commitment to ensuring that patrons are served in an environment that is safe, clean, and legally compliant.
Representatives from several key stakeholders were present, including the Eastern Cape Liquor Board, Kouga Environmental Health Practitioners, Fire Services, and the Waste Management Unit. Ward 6 Councillor Kholisile Ndzelani also attended, showing community leadership and lending support to the initiative.
Key Lessons and Benefits
- Health and Hygiene Compliance: Owners learned the importance of meeting hygiene standards, from proper ventilation and illumination to clean ablution facilities.
- Environmental Protection: Presentations emphasised recycling and waste management, helping businesses contribute to the fight against illegal dumping and pollution.
- Fire and Safety Measures: Fire Services shared practical advice on how to keep patrons safe in case of emergencies.
- Legal Compliance: The Eastern Cape Liquor Board clarified licensing responsibilities and the consequences of neglecting them.
Kouga Local Municipality Deputy Executive Mayor, Timothy Jantjes, said the municipality was encouraged by the turnout: “When tavern owners take ownership of their role in community health and safety, everybody benefits. The engagement was proof that together we can build safer and healthier social spaces.”
Participants walked away not only with knowledge but with a renewed sense of partnership with the municipality and its partners.
The workshop ended with a clear message: creating safer, cleaner taverns is not just about compliance with laws, but about respecting and uplifting the community that supports these businesses.
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